A Florida man has filed a lawsuit to prevent the sale of Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball at auction, claiming that the ball was stolen from him moments after he secured it. The man, Max Matus, reportedly obtained the ball on his 18th birthday before it was taken away by Chris Belanski. The ball has been turned over to Goldin Auctions, a New Jersey-based auction house specializing in collectibles, memorabilia, and trading cards. A Miami-Dade County judge ruled in an emergency hearing that the auction can proceed, but the ball cannot be sold, concealed, or transferred until an evidentiary hearing on October 10.
The initial filing from Matus requested a court order declaring him the rightful owner of the ball, and it alleged unlawful battery against Belanski. Another individual, Kelvin Ramirez, also claims ownership of the ball and is named in the lawsuit. Ramirez attended the game with Belanski. The lawsuit was filed by John Uustal, the attorney representing Matus. Ohtani’s home run against the Miami Marlins marked a milestone as he became the first member of the 50-50 club, achieving 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. The ball, with an opening bid of $500,000, has scuff marks and abrasions on the white leather, and it has been authenticated by Major League Baseball.
Ken Goldin, the founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, praised Ohtani for his remarkable achievement and described the home run ball as a piece of baseball history that fans and historians will remember for years to come. Ohtani’s 50-50 record is considered a crowning achievement in his career, highlighting his unique talent and skills on the field. The auction house expects the ball to garner significant interest from collectors and fans eager to possess a piece of this historic moment in baseball.
The case surrounding the ownership of Ohtani’s 50th home run ball has sparked controversy and legal action, with multiple parties claiming ownership of the valuable memorabilia. The temporary injunction issued by the Miami-Dade County judge delays the sale of the ball until the court can determine the rightful owner. The upcoming evidentiary hearing on October 10 will shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the acquisition and alleged theft of the ball, potentially resolving the dispute between Matus, Belanski, Ramirez, and Goldin Auctions.
The lawsuit filed by Matus against Goldin Auctions, Belanski, and Ramirez reflects the high stakes involved in the sale of sports memorabilia, especially items tied to historic achievements in professional sports. Ohtani’s remarkable feat of reaching 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season has captured the attention of baseball fans worldwide, adding further intrigue to the dispute over the ownership of the milestone home run ball. As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of the ball and the resolution of the ownership dispute will be closely watched by those interested in the intersection of sports, memorabilia, and legal disputes.
Overall, the legal battle over Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball represents a complex and contentious situation involving multiple parties with conflicting claims to the valuable piece of sports memorabilia. The upcoming evidentiary hearing will play a crucial role in determining the rightful owner of the ball and potentially resolving the dispute between Matus, Belanski, Ramirez, and Goldin Auctions. As the case continues to unfold, it underscores the significance of historic milestones in sports and the accompanying value and legal implications of collectible items associated with such achievements.
