Max Matus Sues Over Shohei Ohtani’s 50th Home Run Ball

Max Matus an 18-year-old baseball fan has filed a legal claim asserting that he is the rightful owner of Shohei Ohtani’s historic 50th home-run ball which was recently put up for auction. Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar made history by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season during the Dodgers’ 20-4 win over the Miami Marlins last Thursday.

The following day, Goldin auction house listed the ball for sale with a starting bid of $500,000 and a private purchase option of $4.5 million. However, Matus claims in his legal filing that the ball initially came into his possession before another fan identified as Chris Belanski forcibly took it from him. According to Matus, Belanski “wrapped his legs around Max’s arm” and wrestled the ball away during a struggle in the stands.

Max Matus filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit Court naming Goldin auction house, Belanski and another fan, Kelvin Ramirez, who attended the game with Belanski as defendants. The filing includes photos taken by other fans that allegedly show Belanski holding the ball while Matus looks on, stunned. Matus argues that the ball is unique and irreplaceable, claiming “irreparable harm” due to its historic significance.

Despite the legal challenge, Goldin told ESPN that it plans to proceed with the auction after reviewing Matus’ claims. The case highlights the intense competition for valuable memorabilia especially from a historic moment in baseball like Ohtani’s 50th home run. Matus seeks the return of the ball which he believes rightfully belongs to him.