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Ohtani bobblehead mania: Coveted giveaways are already fetching hefty resale prices online
Only the first 40,000 fans were given a Shohei Ohtani and Decoy bobblehead at the game.
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Cindy Ujiiye
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If you weren't one of the tens of thousands of fans who descended on Dodger Stadium Wednesday to snag the second Shohei Ohtani bobblehead, fear not. Some of them are already for resale online — but you're gonna have to shell out.
Only the first 40,000 people were given one at the gates, with lines starting to wrap around sidewalks and streets several hours before the game.
It featured a grinning Ohtani in his #17 jersey while he cradles his dog, Decoy, in his arms. Even the box could be a collectors item in and of itself, with Ohtani’s name displayed in a way that’s reminiscent of a superhero, and Decoy’s Japanese name, Dekopin, featured prominently.
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Plus, people on social media didn’t miss the chance to share in the excitement and some have already cashed in on the demand.
The resale market
There’s already some bobbleheads being sold online, but as @Dodger_Jess83 points out, the prices are varied to say the least.
Me looking at these Decoy and Shohei Ohtani Bobblehead prices. I’m not even going to try. pic.twitter.com/KMcpmjI4sR
— Jessica Day To Day (Redacted) (@Dodger_Jess83) August 28, 2024
On eBay, the cheapest bobbleheads were going for around $30 to $80, but they each had bidding wars in full swing.
Some of the eBay prices for the golden Shohei Ohtani bobbleheads on Thursday, August 29.
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eBay
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However, you could snag one of the gold ones for just shy of $70,000. But if that’s a bit out of your price range, other golden options ranged from $18,000 to $20,000.
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The wait
While it wasn’t as hot as it has been lately, waiting in line seemed like quite the feat, as @CoolerThanYouJo showed.
Them: “how’s Shohei Ohtani bobblehead going?”
— Joseph Silva (@CoolerThanYouJo) August 29, 2024
Me: pic.twitter.com/7xGLd4p1UG
@OliviaNBCLA, sports anchor, highlighted the long line more than four hours ahead of the first pitch.
It’s 2:50… first pitch is at 7:10.
— Olivia Garvey (@OliviaNBCLA) August 28, 2024
SHOHEI OHTANI bobble head nights are something special. pic.twitter.com/pBakVBPQjq
The official @MLB account also seemed shocked by the turnout.
Fans in LA started getting in line for Shohei Ohtani's bobblehead giveaway over 7 hours before the game's scheduled start time 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MsO7vPGbfW
— MLB (@MLB) August 28, 2024
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Even Dave Roberts, team manager, had trouble getting into the stadium.
#dodgers manager Dave Roberts talks about the high demand of the #ShoheiOhtaniDecoyBobblehead #mlb pic.twitter.com/qm3Eyut7cD
— claudia gestro 💫 (@claudiagestro) August 28, 2024
In case you were wondering,@ChipReiderson shared that it is indeed a double-bobble, Decoy’s head moves too.
OMG THE DOG’S HEAD BOBBLES ON THE OHTANI BOBBLEHEAD TOO!! 🤦🏻♂️😂 pic.twitter.com/FVKuqfKoeu
— The Reverend Reiderson (@ChipReiderson) August 29, 2024
The game
The good boy Decoy, and his dad, were ready for their big day.
Tonight's star, Decoy. pic.twitter.com/jvyhQ1m7WR
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 28, 2024
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There were some special edition gold bobbleheads mixed in the giveaway, and this lucky young fan was able to take one home.
This kid got one of the GOLD Shohei Ohtani x DECOY Bobble heads.
— Olivia Garvey (@OliviaNBCLA) August 28, 2024
I believe there’s only 1700 out of 40,000. pic.twitter.com/n4fKsmnKOg
Even Dodger pitcher Joe Kelly wanted to get in on the action, seemingly trading @TylerCoe18 a glove for his bobblehead.
Joe Kelly is a national treasure! Thanks again, Joe. #Dodgers #joekelly #shoheiohtani #shoheiohtanibobblehead pic.twitter.com/xwn6lxIw0y
— Tyler Coe (@TylerCoe18) August 29, 2024
We agree with the @Dodgers, more pup first pitches please.
Decoy and Shohei with the cutest first pitch you've ever seen. 😭 pic.twitter.com/fEoFRxMOH4
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 29, 2024
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
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