Legal Battle Over Shohei Ohtani's 50th Home Run Ball Intensifies

• Posted: October 5, 2024, 10:40 am
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

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The legal fight over possession of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball has escalated, with a second fan filing a lawsuit. This follows an initial suit by 18-year-old Max Matus last week. The highly sought-after home run ball is currently being auctioned through Goldin Auctions, with the current bid at $1.464 million.

The latest lawsuit, filed by Joseph Davidov in Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit Court, names Max Matus, Goldin Auctions, Chris Belanski—who left loanDepot Park with the ball and placed it up for auction—and Kelvin Ramirez, who has made claims of ownership on social media.

Ohtani made history by becoming the first MLB player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. This incredible feat took place during the Dodgers' dominant 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins on September 29, where Ohtani went 6-for-6, with three home runs, two stolen bases, and 10 RBIs. A frenzied scramble for the 50th home run ball occurred after it landed in the left-field seats.

According to Davidov's filing, he claims that he “firmly and completely grabbed the ball in his left hand while it was on the ground,” but an “unknown fan wrongfully jumped over the railing, onto (Davidov) and (Davidov’s) arm, causing the ball to come loose and roll into the hands of Defendant Chris Belanski.” The lawsuit alleges that Davidov would have retained possession of the ball if it weren't for the physical interference.

Davidov is seeking damages exceeding $50,000.

Despite the ongoing legal dispute, the auction for Ohtani’s 50th home run ball remains active. A previous court ruling connected to Matus’ lawsuit dictated that the ball could not be sold before a hearing set for October 10. Bidding began at $500,000 on September 27, and the current bid stands at $1.464 million. If it surpasses Aaron Judge’s American League record 62nd home run ball from the 2022 season—which sold for $1.5 million—it will become the second most valuable home run ball ever. The record for the highest sale price belongs to Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball from the 1998 season, which sold for $3.005 million.

On Tuesday, Goldin Auctions extended the auction’s closing date from October 16 to October 22, citing increased international interest as the reason for the change.