Taipei 101 unveiled a special exhibition on Wednesday showcasing the world’s most valuable baseball, hit by Major League Baseball (MLB) star Shohei Ohtani. The 50/50 Commemorative Baseball exhibition celebrates Ohtani’s achievement of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the 2024 season.
Valued at NT$140 million (US$4.3 million), the commemorative baseball was acquired by Taiwan-based UMC Capital and is now showcased at Taipei 101’s observation deck. Visitors can also view Ohtani’s baseball jersey and cap, along with memorabilia from Taiwanese baseball stars Chen Chin-feng (陳金鋒) and Wang Chien-ming (王建民), including their signed balls, jerseys, and Wang’s debut victory lineup card. Taipei 101 has also transformed its wind damper into a giant virtual baseball, projecting Ohtani’s 50th home run.
Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) and Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui (周永暉) attended the opening event, hoping the exhibition will attract more international tourists and baseball fans.
So far the exhibition has raised NT$8 million (US$249,400) for grassroots baseball. UMC Capital is also donating NT$1 million (US$31,200) in tickets to local charities. To attend the exhibition, tickets can be bought at the Taipei 101 Observatory on the 89th floor.
