Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor
Local and national news, NPR, things to do, food recommendations and guides to Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire
Donate
Stay Connected

LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media network.

Listen
Donate

Share This
Explore LA

Ohtani bobblehead mania: Coveted giveaways are already fetching hefty resale prices online

By  Makenna Sievertson
Published Aug 29, 2024 11:46 AM
A close-up of a blue box with the words "Shohei and Decoy" displayed prominently on the back, being held up by a person's hand. The background is of a packed baseball stadium, with people wearing blue and white hats and jerseys.
Only the first 40,000 fans were given a Shohei Ohtani and Decoy bobblehead at the game.
(
Cindy Ujiiye
)

Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.

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.

Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor

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.

On eBay, the cheapest bobbleheads were going for around $30 to $80, but they each had bidding wars in full swing.

A screenshot of three resale listings for the same golden bobblehead. The prices range from $18,000 to $20,000.
Some of the eBay prices for the golden Shohei Ohtani bobbleheads on Thursday, August 29.
(
eBay
)

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.

Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor

The wait

While it wasn’t as hot as it has been lately, waiting in line seemed like quite the feat, as @CoolerThanYouJo showed.

@OliviaNBCLA, sports anchor, highlighted the long line more than four hours ahead of the first pitch.

The official @MLB account also seemed shocked by the turnout.

Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor

Even Dave Roberts, team manager, had trouble getting into the stadium.

In case you were wondering,@ChipReiderson shared that it is indeed a double-bobble, Decoy’s head moves too.

The game

The good boy Decoy, and his dad, were ready for their big day.

Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor

There were some special edition gold bobbleheads mixed in the giveaway, and this lucky young fan was able to take one home.

Even Dodger pitcher Joe Kelly wanted to get in on the action, seemingly trading @TylerCoe18 a glove for his bobblehead.

We agree with the @Dodgers, more pup first pitches please.

As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.

Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.

We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.

No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.

Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.

Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

Chip in now to fund your local journalism
A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right
(
LAist
)

Trending on LAist
Best of LAist