Florida Man Sues to Stop Auction of Shohei Ohtani’s 50th Home Run Ball
A Disputed Piece of Baseball History
A Miami-Dade County judge has temporarily halted the auction of Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball after a Florida man, Max Matus, filed a lawsuit claiming the ball was stolen from him.
The Backstory
Matus, whose representatives say he gained possession of the ball on September 19, claimed that Chris Belanski took the ball away from him after the game. The ball has since been turned over to Goldin Auctions, a New Jersey-based auction house specializing in trading cards, collectibles, and memorabilia.
The Lawsuit
Matus’ initial filing requested a court order declaring that he is entitled to the ball and requests a jury trial on his claims. The lawsuit also alleges unlawful battery against Belanski. Kelvin Ramirez, who attended the game with Belanski, is also named in the lawsuit. Goldin Auctions, Belanski, and Ramirez are all defendants in the lawsuit filed by Matus’ attorney, John Uustal.
The Auction
The auction, which was set to start, has been temporarily halted. According to the order, the auction house "will not sell, conceal, or transfer" the ball pending the court’s ruling. The opening bid for the ball is $500,000.
The Significance
Ohtani’s home run against the Miami Marlins made him the first player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season, earning him a place in the "50-50 club." The authenticated ball, which has black scuffing and abrasions on the white leather, is considered a piece of baseball history.
Quotes
"Ohtani is truly one-of-a-kind, and the 50-50 record may be his crowning achievement," said Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions. "This is a piece of baseball history that fans and historians around the world will remember for decades to come."
Conclusion
The dispute over Ohtani’s 50th home run ball is just the latest controversy to surround the Los Angeles Dodgers star. The case is scheduled to go to trial on October 10, pending the outcome of an evidentiary hearing.
FAQs
- What is the dispute about?
The dispute is about whether Max Matus is the rightful owner of Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball, which was taken away from him by Chris Belanski. - What is the significance of the ball?
The ball is significant because it was Ohtani’s 50th home run of the season, making him the first player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. - Who is Goldin Auctions?
Goldin Auctions is a New Jersey-based auction house specializing in trading cards, collectibles, and memorabilia. - What is the opening bid for the ball?
The opening bid for the ball is $500,000.
