MIAMI (AP) — Florida man’s trial temporarily halted Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run to be sold at auction after claiming it was stolen from him moments after obtaining it.
Representatives for Max Matus say their client took possession of the Los Angeles Dodgers star’s historic ball on Sept. 19 — the man’s 18th birthday — before Chris Belanski took it from him. The ball has since gone to Goldin Auctions, a New Jersey-based auction house specializing in trading cards, collectibles and memorabilia.
The Miami-Dade County judge said during an emergency hearing Thursday that the motion for a temporary injunction had been postponed and an evidentiary hearing would be held Oct. 10. The order says auctions can begin, but the home “will not sell.” hide or transfer” the ball while awaiting the court’s decision.
Matus’ initial filing sought a court order declaring he was entitled to the ball and requested a jury trial on his claims. He also alleged unlawful battery against Belanski.
Kelvin Ramirez is also named in the lawsuit after claiming ownership of the ball. Ramirez attended the game with Belanski. Goldin Auctions, Belanski and Ramirez are named in the lawsuit filed by John Uustal, the attorney representing Matus.
Ohtani’s home run against the Miami Marlins gave him 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season, making him the first member of the 50-50 club.
The opening bid for the ball is $500,000. There are black scuffs and abrasions on the white leather ball, authenticated by Major League Baseball.
“Ohtani is truly one of a kind, and the 50-50 record could be his crowning achievement,” said Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of the auction house. “This is a piece of baseball history that fans and historians around the world will remember for decades to come.”
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