Max Matus has filed a civil lawsuit claiming he is the rightful owner of the ball and is seeking to halt the auction
A fan, who asserts his ownership of the 50/50 ball from Shohei Ohtani, has filed a civil lawsuit to stop the scheduled auction of the ball, according to court records.
Max Matus, 18, filed the lawsuit on Thursday in Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit Court, requesting a temporary injunction against Goldin Auctions, which was set to begin the auction of the ball on Friday.
The lawsuit, which also names Chris Belanski and Kelvin Ramírez, claims that Belanski unlawfully and forcibly took possession of Matus’ ball from the stands and that both Belanski and Ramírez have expressed their intent to sell the ball on social media.
“We are aware of the case that has been filed,” Goldin Auctions stated in a release to ESPN. “After reviewing the claims and images included in the lawsuit, as well as publicly available game footage, Goldin plans to proceed with the live auction of Ohtani’s 50/50 ball.”
According to Goldin Auctions’ statement, even though the company has been named in the lawsuit, there are no allegations of misconduct against them. Goldin intends to start bidding for the ball at $500,000 on Friday.
Matus could not be reached for immediate comment through his attorney, and attempts to contact Belanski and Ramírez were also unsuccessful.
Video footage capturing the moment the ball landed in the stands has been shared on social media.
The lawsuit indicates that on September 19, Matus was at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, celebrating his 18th birthday while recording the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Miami Marlins when Ohtani hit his 50th home run. The lawsuit states he was near the left-field fence when he saw the ball approaching him. When he attempted to catch it, he successfully grabbed it with his left hand and intended to keep it.
Matus alleges that “an older, muscular man” trapped his arm “between his legs and wrenched the 50/50 ball from his left hand.”
The lawsuit asserts that Matus was the rightful owner of the ball before Belanski “forcibly took it from him.”
“If the defendants are permitted to sell the 50/50 ball, the plaintiff will incur irreparable harm, as the 50/50 ball is a one-of-a-kind item that cannot be replaced. Once the 50/50 ball is sold, it is likely that the plaintiff will be unable to recover it and that monetary damages will not suffice to replace it,” the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit requests that the ball be secured in a safe location agreed upon by both parties until the litigation is resolved. A hearing regarding the matter has not yet been scheduled.
Max Matus Files Civil Lawsuit Over Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 Home Run Ball
A fan named Max Matus has initiated legal proceedings in Florida, making a bold claim to the ownership of a ball hit by Shohei Ohtani, which he maintains is a significant piece of baseball memorabilia. Matus is seeking to prevent the scheduled auction of what’s being popularly referred to as the 50/50 ball.
Legal Action and Claims
On September 19, the day of Ohtani’s milestone 50th home run, Matus was celebrating his 18th birthday at LoanDepot Park in Miami. Amid the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Miami Marlins, Matus claims he legally caught the home run ball. According to court documents, Matus stated that an older, muscular man, identified as Chris Belanski, forcibly took the ball from him.
The Lawsuit’s Contents
Max Matus filed the lawsuit in Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit Court, aiming for a temporary injunction against Goldin Auctions, which had intended to auction the ball for an estimated starting bid of $500,000. Matus asserts that if Belanski and co-defendant Kelvin Ramírez are permitted to sell the ball, he would suffer irreparable harm due to the ball’s unique nature as a collectible item that cannot be replaced.
Background of the Incident
- Date of Incident: September 19
- Location: LoanDepot Park, Miami, Florida
- Defendants: Chris Belanski, Kelvin Ramírez
- Auction Date: Scheduled for the following Friday
Goldin Auctions’ Response
In response to the lawsuit, Goldin Auctions stated, “We are aware of the case that has been filed. After reviewing the allegations and images included in the lawsuit, and publicly available game video, Goldin plans to hold the live auction of Ohtani’s 50/50 ball.” The company maintains there are no allegations of wrongdoing against them.
Videotaped Evidence
Social media has played a pivotal role in this case, as videos of the event have been circulating online, potentially serving as evidence during the proceedings. These clips are not only capturing the moment the ball sailed into the stands but also the struggle between Matus and Belanski.
What’s at Stake
Matus’ lawsuit is explicitly clear about the stakes. As stated in his legal filings, “Once the 50/50 ball is sold, it is likely that the plaintiff cannot recover it, and there will not be sufficient monetary damages to replace it.” The legal principles surrounding ownership and possession in sports memorabilia cases add a layer of complexity that could impact the outcome significantly.
Legal Principles at Play
This incident raises important legal questions, particularly regarding possession, ownership, and the rights of fans in sports settings. Here are some of the principles involved:
- Possession vs. Ownership: Under common law, possession is often presumed to be the first step toward establishing ownership. In this case, Matus claims possession, arguing that he legally caught the ball.
- Law of Finders: The law generally favors those who find lost items, unless the rightful owner can be proven.
- Intent and Force: Forcible taking of property is a legal transgression that can complicate claims of ownership.
Potential Outcomes of the Lawsuit
Several outcomes are possible as this lawsuit unfolds:
- Injunction Granted: If the court grants Matus the temporary injunction, the auction may be halted, preserving the ball for further legal determination.
- Auction Proceeds Disputed: If the auction proceeds without the injunction, and Matus prevails in court, disputes over the auction’s proceeds could ensue.
- Settlement Likely: Often, cases like these result in a settlement agreement where both parties may agree on a certain course of action regarding the ball.
Community Reaction
This lawsuit has sparked significant interest and debate among baseball fans and legal experts alike. Many in the sports community are rallying behind Matus, sympathizing with his desire to reclaim what he believes is distinctly his.
Case Studies of Similar Incidents
A number of notable cases in sports memorabilia have highlighted complications surrounding ownership rights:
- The 1998 Home Run Ball: A fan named Matthew McMurray caught the record-breaking home run ball by Mark McGwire, resulting in a legal battle.
- Tom Brady’s Last Touchdown Ball: A fan sold the last touchdown pass by Tom Brady, only to face a retrospective claim from Brady himself.
Contacting a Legal Expert
If you find yourself in a similar predicament concerning sports memorabilia or ownership rights, consider reaching out to a legal expert specialized in sports law. A good lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of these cases effectively.
Final Thoughts
The outcome of Matus’ lawsuit against Goldin Auctions and the defendants will set a precedent in sports memorabilia disputes, highlighting the importance of understanding legal rights in the world of collectibles. With this ongoing legal saga, the sports community watches closely, intertwining the worlds of law, fandom, and sports history.
