I DROPPED A MILLION DOLLARS! - The Story of Shohei Ohtani's 40/40 Ball (大谷 翔平)

Hi, I'm that guy. The guy who "dropped" Shohei's milestone ball. A movie-script ending - bases loaded, bottom of the 9th, tie game, needs a home run to join the 40/40 club. He hits it!...
Right to me.
And it hits my pinky of my glove and goes back onto the field. And then is thrown back up... but way over my head?! HEARTBREAK.
Go check out:
‪@mlballhawks‬
‪@doubleueyett‬
And much love to everyone who reached out to me. I "lost" a ball, but gained so much more in love. Even without this one specific break, I'm a lucky guy.

[@doubleueyett]

What a game you chose to attend! Discovering a new drink just might be bigger than catching some ball. 😀 He's gonna break 45/45 anyway..... Touching that ball was way more than we got to do, so great work!! We will be on the lookout for the evil glove shover btw..... 😠 I will have another version of this story on my channel very soon!!!

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

You two made the experience so wonderful. It was nice to finally meet in real life and not just the comments. And yes, I cannot wait for the "Tristyn's Version" of this game. Folks should subscribe so they don't miss it!

[@ironriver]

so it was you. All Japanese baseball fans sympathized with you.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@ironriver all the Japanese baseball fans I’ve met in the US have been awesome. I’d love to travel over to Japan and see some Nippon Professional Baseball games. One day it will happen.

[@davidchodds]

Can't believe the guy who dropped the famous Shohei homerun was vlogging. I'm so glad I found you and thanks for being a great sport and posting this. A tremendous experience for you and I will predict one million views on this video.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@davidchodds thank you for the kind words. I can’t believe this was the game I had picked to see back when the season first started. Most Friday nights at this time Is be getting ready for bed in Minneapolis. But I was at Dodger Stadium witnessing history. I can’t really be that upset, can I?

[@nrox1051]

Damn. I feel bad for you my friend. I hope you catch another milestone HR ball.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@nrox1051 don’t feel bad. I’ve a gotten more from baseball than I ever put in. I’m lucky.

[@Puaspapa]

Omg!!!! You’re that guy!!!! I feel bad for you BUT you’re 100% correct… you’re the only one who experienced that moment no one else. I would want to be in your shoes!!!!

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@Puaspapa thank you for the kind comment. I’m a Minnesotan who got to be at Dodger Stadium and witness history. How can I be anything but happy?

[@Ayden_Tempesta]

THE GANG IS ALL HERE! I love the way you put the moment at the end! NOBODY but you can say they experienced it like you did. And as I said, all of your AMAZING ballpark buddies, especially myself, are always here for you through EVERY moment!

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

I can't wait for the East Coast version with you making an appearance. Thanks again for all the kind words. Nothing from that night has truly sunk in yet.

[@befairmonk5988]

You may catch his 50-50.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@befairmonk5988 only if the Dodgers are paying to fly me out from MN. 😂

[@devintrone4422]

Great to see you again Tony. Glad you had a good time in LA. Picked a good game to attend. Thanks for the cameos and the red Devo hat. Love that! Keep being you! Devo

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@devintrone4422 thank Devo. Thank you for the kind words right after, and for just being a great human. You are a legend for good reason. And like Arnold said… I’ll be back!

[@zacharylomas7005]

Love you, bud! One of the best ballhawks out there, not 'cause of catching any baseballs but because of how you treat other people.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@zacharylomas7005 this means a lot coming from a class-act individual. This whole thing has given me more love than anything a baseball could have given me. No lies. Or maybe I should just say I’m inconsolable and need kitten time in the Philly area. That should do the trick.

[@zacharylomas7005]

@BaseballRoadTripper technically it's central jersey but of course you're always welcome

[@YostMalone]

Man! I feel ya pain. Life happens. This means will you get a bigger HR next time

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@YostMalone baseball has given me more than I deserve already. The friendships and subsequent love from those relationships… “Baseball friends are the best of friends.”™️

[@xdgs567z]

Dude that was you? 😂 on the bright side, you are now famous 😂

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@xdgs567z I am INFAMOUS! Hahahaha! It still beats my normal Friday night - stuck in Minneapolis and getting ready for bed.

[@examiner71]

Awe man that was you? I remember saying oooooooooooooh when that ball came back to the field. I felt so bad. I didn’t even know you. 😢

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@examiner71 thank you. Don’t feel bad. It’s not like I actually lost anything. It was a winning lottery ticket that was never in my possession, not anything that was taken from me. Also, GO DODGERS!

[@mlballhawks]

This video is immaculate. Your perspective is wise beyond your years, and you are already using this experience to move others. Bravo to you, Sir Tony. ⚜ Forever knighted by the Gods of Baseball, and your friends - whose love and admiration only grows (like your legend). ❤📺

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@mlballhawks surround yourself with enough good people and it tends to run off. I know that the good parts of this experience are directly impacted by YOU! I’m so thankful to have met you through this “group of misfit toys.” This experience is so incredibly positive and that is thanks to you (and the DodgerHawks). ❤️🕶️

[@GeraldBacon-si5mx]

i still think it's super cool you even got a glove on that ball.your still part of history in my books,thanks for sharing your moment with us,even though at time you were bummed out not getting it it;s still a cool memory for you and us your friends.

[@ttman1233]

Ok. So Sho just hit a grand slam homer to reach the 40-40 club with two outs in the bottom the ninth. 1 1/2 years ago, he was pitching to Trout in the ninth with two outs. WTF?!!! 🤣🤣

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@ttman1233 dude is the best I will ever see on a baseball diamond. It’s just that simple.

[@tkkrueger4439]

Man, so sorry to hear. Hope you are doing okay...that has to really hurt. I cannot imagine how you are feeling.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@tkkrueger4439 thanks. Doing surprisingly well. The DodgerHawks make everything better.

[@user-watagashidagashi]

おー、YOU! あなたでしたか‼︎ なんとまあ…慰めの言葉もないです。 代わりになるような、すごい良いことが、これからあなたに起こることを願います。

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

お疲れ様 My biggest dream? To one day see Nippon Professional Baseball in person. Much love to the Dodger fans, the Japanese fans, and everyone who watched.

[@iamrickrock]

If I were that outfielder, I would have picked the ball up and gave it to you, that really sucks I'm sorry you missed it. It would be really cool if Shohei noticed this and got in touch with you and gave you a signed bat or something. Shohei is like that.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@iamrickrock thanks for the kind words. I’m still in awe that I got to see the greatest player ever do something so magical (and I played a hilarious part in that movie-script ending).

[@culturalhouse2643]

You’re a legend bro. It is what it is. Next time. You never knows

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@culturalhouse2643 thanks. It surely beats being back home in Minneapolis and getting ready for bed. I’ll take a night at Dodger Stadium ANY day.

[@michikofaye2013]

god you're the guy who dropped that ball,, I've been thinking of how upset you are at that moment i feel really sorry about what happened. but at least you witness one of the best moments in baseball, better luck next time

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@michikofaye2013 that’s me! Though I can’t be mad. A normal Friday night at that time would see me at home, in Minneapolis, getting ready for bed. Instead, I was at one of the best ballparks in the world and witnessing history with one of the most unique views ever.

[@michikofaye2013]

@@BaseballRoadTripper yes nothing more to ask for. its truly remarkable.

[@omgbygollywow]

That would have been so epic if you were recording as the ball was hit and you caught it. That would have been the most incredible video on KZbin!

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@omgbygollywow I don’t know that the internet could have handled that. 😂

[@windycity5388]

Siri totally trashed the 2 million dollar ball😢😢

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@windycity5388 I don’t know that I can ever root for Siri again. I know he just lost and just wanted to leave. But that last sliver of redemption that I lost hurt. 😂

[@paulgoducks5387]

I’m from doubleueyett. Just subscribed

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@paulgoducks5387 thank you so much! They are the best, I’m lucky to have finally met up with them.

[@paulgoducks5387]

@@BaseballRoadTripperthey really are the best. I watched every video

[@kevinlui9199]

oh, it was you, dun be sad, the show must go on, keep it up

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@kevinlui9199 I won’t be sad anymore. Too much love from others and I got to witness history.

[@RealJaredW]

Hi Matty and everyone in the DodgerHawk crew! Tristan that Crunchy Cola spinoff is intriguing and we will have to try it. Also, Tony definitely would’ve caught the ball if I was there. Seeing as I am job hunting, maybe it’s finally time Tony hires me full time so he doesn’t continue to drop milestone HRs. Who’s with me?!

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Who knows, maybe I could have hired you if I CAUGHT THE DAMN BALL!

[@mlballhawks]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SorgiStories]

We miss you!!! “Mr. 3000!” A great Brewers movie. #ohwait Super T with Crunchy Prime! I love that they keep Vin’s tradition going. Holy soft drink, Batman! Hi Brian! Hi Super T! Yes. They float. 💔, dude. Hurts. Your logic is true. It doesn’t change the innate pain that bypasses the logical part of the brain & hits your emotions. And none of those feelings change the facts that overall, it was a positive night that you would have never had if you didn’t have baseball friends - and if you weren’t a baseball friend. You are one, dude. An awesome one. ⚾️

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@SorgiStories Matt said it best, we are truly a collection of “misfit toys.” That movie analogy describes any of us in a niche community, with super baseball fans being one I am familiar with. It made me so happy to hear them organically about you out, too. We never know the joys or horrors that are behind closed doors - alternate realities may seem joyous during our time of heartbreak, but who knows what new problems that comes with. I came back in the same situation I was when I left on vacation. I didn’t win the lottery (though it touched my hand), but I did gain more love and friendships than before. So I’d argue I’m actually richer, even if my bank account disagrees. I’ve already gotten more out of baseball than I ever put in. I’m a lucky guy, even if I’m not batting(/catching) 1.000.

[@omgbygollywow]

I have heard of people winning the lottery or the jackpot and tragic things happened to them as a result of it. One woman won a jackpot in Las Vegas, and when she invited her sister to Las Vegas to celebrate with her, they got into a car accident and the sister died. I also heard of a poor man who won the lottery, but a "friend" killed him and tried to steal his millions. At least you are content with your circumstances. Good for you!

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Exactly. Every decision/action is like an iceberg. We can see the tip, but don’t know what’s underneath the water. Who knows what all comes with that catch? Sure, we know there are probably wonderful things, but not many people can step back and see that there are other unintended consequences, too. I came back home, roughly the same person I was, and I got to be greeted by a dog that loves me. There’s been far worse days in my life.

[@antonioduverge3558]

I would be crying right now!

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@antonioduverge3558 There’s no crying in baseball!! 😂

[@antonioduverge3558]

@@BaseballRoadTripper you are completely right!! I say this because to me baseball is more important than sex!

[@proffcharles]

That was you‼️

[@jason79i]

Bro! You almost became a millionaire😅😅😅

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@jason79i I’d like to call a re-do. Please? I promise I’ll box out the area better and play it towards my body. PLEASE?! 😂

[@Theworsttubesperiodt]

The one that got away 😂

[@inquisitvem6723]

You got the ball though. The Rays threw it back.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@inquisitvem6723 Siri threw it back… but way into the bleachers. I wish I had the ball… so I could have given it to Shohei. But I’ll just keep witnessing greatness from afar.

[@TedsBaseballVlogs]

Didn't know that was you who tried to catch the ball until this video. I did see the replays and the ball getting tossed into the bleachers.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@TedsBaseballVlogs TED!!! I want to hear all about Japanese baseball from you one of these days. That is on my bucket list of baseball experiences for sure.

[@Colleen-pr3qh]

I’m guessing it was the light or something that may have affected your vision. But I think the ball did enter the glove i think it just fell out

[@rsuriyop]

Ah, so it was you! My dearest sympathies..

[@MistaGrim]

I'm sure you know this, but Trevor Plouffe mentioned you on one of those Jomboy podcasts the day after 40/40.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Just heard about it last night. I'm finally catching up on all the videos I've missed last week and that have piled up this week. Plouffe is the best... and is right, I should have used the Moose/Plouffe glove.

[@kochan1111]

So sorry mate. Maybe you can get some bucks by putting that glove to the auction as the first glove to touch the historic ball😂

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

I don’t hate that idea. 😂

[@sigerlion8608]

Yooo TV annoucers said the ball may be worth millions when they showed the clip and somehow KZbin dropped you in my feed right after. RIP

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Since the ball touched part of my glove, that means my glove has to be worth like a few hundred thousand, right? 🤞😂

[@buddhavaro]

damn........ dude...... damn..... 1 million dollar... that could have change your life... damn... damn.... damn.... I bet you will never forget it. What if...what if ...what if..... damn...😅😁

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@buddhavaro it was right there… do you have one of those time machines available?

[@buddhavaro]

@BaseballRoadTripper I wish, man...I could use it too lol but I'm praying that you can catch 👋 his 50th homerun!

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@buddhavaro unless the Dodgers want to bring me out for good luck, I’ll be stuck at home in Minnesota. But I’m rooting for Shohei and the Dodgers. I miss the stadium and city already.

[@quaoar213]

Real smoooth ...

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@quaoar213 like butter!… fingers. *sigh*

[@DylanF.B]

Gawd damn u had 1 fawwwwking job... All those hours catching fly balls... wtf J/k

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Not totally wrong. I make the almost exact same play in BP just hours before this and then when the big moment comes? 🐢

[@thatonebeone]

did the guy next to you like kinda pushed your hand out the way or you both like kinda smashed hands trying to catch the ball?

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Yeah, I had my hand up and was ready in position (kind of being tentative to make sure I didn't fan interfere) and he just kind of stuck his hand out last minute and hit the glove. Not a major hit, but just enough and just at the last second, so it hit the spine of my glove on the pinky.

[@rickdeckard9810]

Imagine if you'd recorded the POV shot of you catching the 40/40 ball straight into your glove. The guy who caught Ohtani's baseball actually documented the whole thing! Maybe you'll catch the 50/50 and this ball will be worthless. Thanks for posting.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@rickdeckard9810 man, that would have been an insane video. I wish I had another shot at ANY HR at Dodger Stadium. But I’m back home in Minneapolis, praying the Dodgers somehow offer me a Tosh.0-like web redemption. 😂

[@michaelchen1431]

If it makes you feel any better the dodgers and shohei supposedly weren’t interested in the ball

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@michaelchen1431 that’s what I had heard right away. There is some peace that comes with that information. No matter what, I have one hell of a story.

[@goodtimes474]

Oh what a miss so sorry.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@goodtimes474 at least it makes for great content and an even better story. I’ve told so many people this, but I mean it: I “lost” a ball but gained way more love. So many friends just being kind beyond belief.

[@goodtimes474]

@@BaseballRoadTripper ​ @BaseballRoadTripper This is a good way of looking at it. We went to the Saturday jays game on August 24th and was a no hitter going into the 9th for the jays was my first time seeing this excitement then in the 9th inning gave up a solo homerun was sad but exciting to watch.

[@pgaspe]

Damn! So sorry, my friend. But on the bright side, you did get to see the legendary Gassy Grapher in San Diego 🎉

[@pgaspe]

…and I got to witness you catching a 5th inning final out gamer tossup from Royce Lewis that night ⚾️👍🏼

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@pgaspe I was so happy to run into two of my favorite people in San Diego… you! (And some Trevor Plouffe guy.) It had been far too long and who knew we’d meet again at Petco?!

[@AY2121-i4y]

It's all good. I think you would of caught it if it wasn't for the infielder. There's going to be a next time

[@ベレー帽の神様]

一生後悔するかもしれませんね… 人生は長いがチャンスは限りなく少ない

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Baseball has given me more than I have ever put in. The friendships I've made, the history I've seen, and the other baseballs I've caught... they are more than I ever deserve. This missed opportunity stings, but it was Shohei's moment. He's the greatest player I will ever witness play.

[@Levi-em6ym]

Sorry dude. At least your famous now.

[@Horonigan]

Since he will achieve 50/50, the value of that ball will decrease No problem at all😭

[@laiylaflan575]

私も大きなチャンスを目前で逃した経験があるからあなたの気持ちを考えると泣きそうになります… 日本の中継でもアナウンサーがあなたに触れてましたよ🥲なんで落としたの？！って

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Oh no, don't be sad. Even the best of opportunities come with unknown issues and heartache. I may have been heartbroken over missing a ball, but I got so much more love from my friends - so I experienced riches in an unexpected way. I dropped it because there was just enough contact from the other fan. He hit my glove just enough to force it to close too early. Tenths of a second and fractions of an inch... but that alternate universe is one that I do not have access to.

[@terrencelao6373]

Don't forget, you need to get the ball authenticated by Dodgers administration to be worth anything. When ball got thrown back into crowd, person took ball home and not authenticated, thus losing value. It could be worth hundreds of thousands (500k). But if Ohtani reachs 50/50, it diminishes the value of the 40/40. Would you really give ball back to Ohtani?

[@inquisitvem6723]

He would give it back to Ohtani for a million bucks.

[@nervenllarena4948]

i thnik MLB are using special marked ball if there''s a special milestone so you can authenticated it any day you want

[@doubleueyett]

Security got with the guy immediately and they went to have it authenticated. It is legit now.

[@BobTan5487]

Damnnn

[@user-sw3gr4xj7i]

How much about the 50-50 HomeRun ball?

[@merrittpalmer4349]

Be honest, what would you have done with the ball?

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Honestly? I would have worked my butt off to get Shohei the ball. I have a few bucket list items I’d love to do (like throw out a first pitch at an MLB game), but I would have been easy to work with. If they had no interest in the ball (Shohei or the Dodgers), then I probably would have sold it ASAP. It would have brought too much life-changing money to turn down. Whether it’s funding a portion of a house or never worrying about baseball trips, I think the funds would have been pretty nice.

[@bizzz.R]

I think your friend will make it further if she changed her name to something easier to remember. 😅Thats a tough hill to climb with that name

[@doubleueyett]

That’s in the works :)

[@marugoro1054]

well,you are also in the 40/40 club. 40 hours per week $40 per hour.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@marugoro1054 dang, I better tell my boss to step up the pay. Do you think this drop will result in a raise? 😂

[@GeraldBacon-si5mx]

What day was this game Tony? Ohtoni just hit hr 43 a few hours ago.I'm counting on you to catch another historic ball instead so i can say i know that guy :)

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@GeraldBacon-si5mx this was last Friday, 8/23/24.

[@GeraldBacon-si5mx]

@@BaseballRoadTripper How's everything with you Tony.have you made it to Commerica to hang out with Erin yet this year.Tigers came out of nowhere to get close to your Twins.got me a tiny bit exited but probably too little too late.it's been so long since Tigers been in pennant race i'm grasping at straws just to feel that feeling again.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@GeraldBacon-si5mx things are well. How about you on the Canadian side of Detroit? It’s pretty sweet that the AL Central has FOUR teams above .500 after being laughed at last year. Royals are looking scary.

[@GeraldBacon-si5mx]

i just remembered Adam the woo was at this Ohtoni game too he did a video his Rays were playing

[@GeraldBacon-si5mx]

@@BaseballRoadTripper i'm dealing wth health issues my friend but at least i'm still alive and kicking still streaming lots of baseball.i watch lot of twins games.i figured out a way to sometimes watch 4 games at once dividing my 40' screen into 4.Saturdays they have game on regular tv so i can watch 5 if i want. :) i hope one day i'm streaming and i see you catch another homerun,get your giant glove just in case :)

[@eddiemiacoria8477]

U had a glove. And caught batting practice homers and the one ball u had to get is the priceless one .. now if he don’t get 50/50 u really will feel more wrong and plus your wearing a TB HAT.. I went yesterday for the the Kobe jersey give away.. wow and then the player for Tampa threw it to the stands ..what a idiot 🤫😆👎

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

@@eddiemiacoria8477 I truly couldn’t win. And the kicker? I’m from Minneapolis and this was the ONE game in 2024 that I’ll be at Dodger Stadium. I chose it at the beginning of the year because I love the stadium ad wanted to get out to Cali for golf and baseball. Who would have thought I’d be front row for history, literally? I’ll be cheering for Shohei to hit 50/50 from afar. And Dodgers > Rays everyday. (Don’t pay attention to my hat.)

[@wu-tang0000]

マジかよ！！せめて再数回数が増えますように！！！

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

I will be cheering for Shohei and hoping he hits 50/50 soon.