An online auction for Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball has garnered a high bid of $1.8 million with just four days remaining. The ball was obtained by Christian Zacek in the left-field stands at Miami’s LoanDepot Park. However, two separate lawsuits have been filed by Max Matus and Joseph Davidov, both claiming they were the first to grab the ball. Ohtani made history by becoming the first player in baseball to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season on Sept. 19.
Initially identified as Chris Belanski in the lawsuits, Zacek’s name has been updated in Matus’ lawsuit, with Goldin Auctions removed as a defendant. Attorney John Uustal stated that the contract to sell the ball is with Zacek, who has been difficult to track down since the game. However, all parties involved have agreed for the auction to continue, providing certainty to potential buyers that the ball will be sold free of any legal claims.
Zacek’s attorneys believe that the agreement reflects all parties’ recognition of the milestone achievement and will allow the full value of the historic 50/50 ball to be realized in the auction. Matus’ lawsuit claims that he gained possession of the ball before Zacek took it, while Davidov asserts that he successfully grabbed the ball on the ground. Davidov is seeking damages of over $50,000. The auction for Ohtani’s ball ends on Tuesday with the current winning bid at $1.8 million, expected to rise to nearly $2.2 million after fees.
The legal battle surrounding Ohtani’s 50th home run ball adds intrigue to the auction, which has already attracted significant attention from baseball fans and collectors. The rare accomplishment of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a season has heightened the value and significance of the ball, driving the bidding war to record levels. The outcome of the legal disputes will determine who ultimately claims ownership of the prized baseball and how it will be displayed or preserved by the winning bidder.
As the auction deadline approaches, interested parties are closely monitoring the developments in the legal cases and preparing to make their final bids for Ohtani’s historic ball. The agreement to allow the auction to proceed despite the legal challenges signals a willingness from all parties to uphold the integrity of the process and ensure that the ball is sold without any legal encumbrances. Regardless of the outcome, the sale of Ohtani’s 50th home run ball is expected to set a new benchmark for the value of sports memorabilia and the significance of milestone achievements in baseball history. Fans and collectors alike are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the auction to see who will secure this prized piece of baseball history.
