Shohei Ohtani, the renowned baseball star, is currently engaged in a legal battle as he petitions a judge to obtain ownership of $325,000 worth of baseball cards. These cards were allegedly purchased by his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, using Ohtani's money. The scandal has sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball just as the season was about to commence.

Shohei Ohtani's Legal Battle Over Valuable Baseball Cards

Background of the Dispute

Mizuhara pled guilty in federal court earlier this year to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. In this context, Ohtani is seeking to regain ownership of the valuable cards that authorities seized as part of their investigation. The baseball cards were purchased between January and March this year on platforms like eBay and Whatnot. The former Ohtani confidant had intended to resell them.The hearing for Ohtani's claim has been granted and will take place on December 20. Ohtani argues that he should have ownership of these items as they were purchased with his money. Court filings indicate that the forfeited items included "collectible sports cards found in silver and black Panopply case; collectible sports cards found in gray Panopply case; box containing collectible sports cards; card wrap device; and plastic card protectors holders."

Details of the Stolen Cards

Ohtani is also seeking the return of "a quantity of personally signed collectible baseball cards" with his image on them that Mizuhara had. Sportico reported back in April that IRS special agent Chris Seymour had filed an affidavit detailing that the cards included cards of Yogi Berra and Juan Soto, along with cards of Ohtani himself. These cards were hidden in several briefcases and boxes in an automobile used by the disgraced interpreter.Mizuhara pled guilty in June to bank and tax fraud in relation to the theft of millions from Ohtani. This legal battle has drawn significant attention and is likely to have implications for both Ohtani and the baseball community.