Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 NFT Soars 2000%: Limited 99-Edition Collectible Worth the Hype?

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The historic 50-home run and 50-stolen base season by Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has not only redefined Major League Baseball (MLB) records but also sent shockwaves through the digital collectibles market. A limited-run NFT commemorating this unprecedented achievement has surged over 2000% in value within days, sparking global interest among fans and investors alike.

Only 99 editions of the “50 HR/50 SB” NFT were released via Candy Digital—the exclusive NFT partner of MLB—priced at an initial $50. Within seconds of launch, it sold out, with resale prices quickly climbing to a floor of **$399 and peak bids reaching $999**, turning early buyers into instant winners.

But is this meteoric rise sustainable? And should collectors consider jumping in now?

The Making of a Historic Moment

On September 20, 2024, Shohei Ohtani delivered a once-in-a-lifetime performance against the Miami Marlins:

This capped off his record-breaking season—the first in MLB history to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, a feat so rare it was once deemed nearly impossible.

Reactions poured in from across the sports world. NBA superstar LeBron James tweeted that Ohtani “can’t be real,” while Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid hailed him as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time).

With global attention at its peak, Candy Digital launched a commemorative NFT drop just hours after the game ended.

👉 Discover how top athletes are shaping the future of digital collectibles.

What’s Inside the 50/50 NFT?

Each NFT in the limited collection features:

Hosted on the Ethereum blockchain, these tokens aim to offer verifiable ownership of a pivotal moment in baseball history. According to MLB’s official partnership announcement, Candy Digital is the sole authorized issuer of MLB-branded NFTs, ensuring authenticity and exclusivity.

“After accomplishing the FIRST 50 HR/50 SB season in MLB history, Shohei Ohtani’s #MilestoneMark is yours to own!”
— Candy Digital on X (formerly Twitter)

Despite being blockchain-based, trading remains restricted exclusively to Candy Digital’s platform. Unlike popular NFTs on OpenSea or Blur, these items cannot yet be transferred or listed on third-party marketplaces.

This limitation raises questions about long-term liquidity and decentralization—key concerns for serious collectors.

Market Frenzy: From $50 to $999 in 24 Hours

Data from Candy Digital shows:

While not all buyers profited equally, those who secured early access through fast connections—or possibly bots—were able to flip their NFTs for massive gains.

However, rapid price surges often signal speculative bubbles. With only 99 copies available, scarcity drives demand, but real-world utility remains minimal beyond bragging rights and fan sentiment.

Core Keywords Identified:

These keywords reflect strong search intent around athlete-driven digital assets, especially those tied to historic sports milestones.

Should You Buy? Key Considerations

Before investing in high-demand NFTs like this one, consider the following:

✅ Pros:

❌ Risks:

Additionally, past reports suggest that nearly 45% of NFTs lose value within a short lifespan (average: 1.14 years). While premium collectibles tied to major events may outperform averages, they’re not immune to market corrections.

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FAQs About Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 NFT

Q: How many 50/50 NFTs were released?

A: Exactly 99 editions were minted, making it a highly scarce collectible.

Q: Where can I buy or sell this NFT?

A: Currently, trading is only available on Candy Digital’s official website. It is not listed on OpenSea, Blur, or other major NFT marketplaces.

Q: Is the NFT truly on the Ethereum blockchain?

A: Candy Digital claims Ethereum-based issuance, but there’s no publicly accessible smart contract address. Ownership appears managed internally by the platform.

Q: Can I transfer the NFT to my personal wallet?

A: As of now, transfers outside Candy Digital’s ecosystem are not supported, limiting full control over your asset.

Q: Why did the price increase so quickly?

A: The surge was driven by fan enthusiasm, scarcity, and speculation around Ohtani’s legacy. High-profile attention amplified demand far beyond supply.

Q: Will this NFT appreciate in value long-term?

A: While possible due to historical relevance, long-term growth depends on future interoperability, market adoption, and Candy Digital’s roadmap for broader integration.

Final Verdict: Hype or Investment?

The Shohei Ohtani 50/50 NFT is less a traditional investment and more a digital trophy for superfans and speculators riding cultural momentum. For die-hard baseball enthusiasts, owning a piece of history—even within a closed system—holds emotional value that transcends price.

But for serious collectors seeking decentralized ownership and cross-market flexibility, caution is advised. Until Candy Digital opens up wallet transfers or lists contracts publicly, full ownership remains uncertain.

That said, moments like these often become legendary in hindsight. Whether you're in it for passion or profit, this NFT captures a defining chapter in sports history.

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Conclusion

Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking season has done more than rewrite baseball history—it has reignited interest in officially licensed sports NFTs. The 50/50 collectible from Candy Digital exemplifies how real-world achievements can fuel digital scarcity and community excitement.

While risks remain around transparency and platform dependency, the event underscores a growing trend: athletes are becoming digital icons, and their milestones are turning into tradable assets.

As blockchain continues to reshape fan engagement, staying informed—and cautious—is key to navigating this evolving space.