A lawsuit filed by a Florida man has put a temporary halt on the auction of Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball. The man claims that the ball was stolen from him shortly after he obtained it on his 18th birthday. The ball, a significant piece of baseball history as it marks Ohtani's achievement of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, was turned over to Goldin Auctions for sale.
An emergency hearing held in Miami-Dade County resulted in a temporary injunction, preventing the auction house from selling, concealing, or transferring the ball until a further evidentiary hearing on October 10. The lawsuit requests a court order declaring the man's entitlement to the ball and alleges unlawful battery against the individual who took it from him.
Another individual, Kelvin Ramirez, also claims ownership of the ball and is involved in the legal dispute. The opening bid for the historic ball is set at $500,000, and it features black scuffing and abrasions on the white leather surface. Major League Baseball has authenticated the ball, adding to its value as a unique piece of baseball memorabilia.
Ken Goldin, the founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, expressed the significance of Ohtani's achievement and the ball's place in baseball history. He described Ohtani as a one-of-a-kind player and highlighted the 50-50 record as a remarkable milestone that will be remembered by fans and historians for years to come.
This legal battle over the ownership and auction of Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball adds an intriguing chapter to the story of this historic baseball moment, underscoring the passion and value attached to memorabilia in the world of sports.
