Shohei Ohtani Seeks Return of Autographed Baseball Cards from Former Interpreter
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is taking legal action against his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, demanding the return of thousands of dollars worth of baseball cards he says belong to him.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Ohtani alleges that Mizuhara used funds from his bank account to purchase approximately $325,000 worth of baseball cards online. Ohtani also claims that Mizuhara obtained his autograph on dozens of his own baseball cards, increasing their market value.
The lawsuit comes on the heels of Mizuhara’s firing earlier this year during Major League Baseball’s Seoul Series held in March. Mizuhara was accused of engaging in illegal gambling and fraudulent bank activities, resulting in the theft of an estimated $17 million from Ohtani’s accounts. Mizuhara is currently awaiting trial on bank fraud charges, with a verdict expected in January.
"Ippei Mizuhara shadowed Ohtani since his arrival in the United States in 2018," stated sources familiar with the case. "However, during the Seoul Series, evidence surfaced revealing Mizuhara’s involvement in illegal sports betting and financial improprieties, leading to his immediate dismissal."
The world of sports memorabilia is a lucrative one, with rare and vintage cards often fetching astronomical prices at auction. A 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card, for instance, sold for a record $12.6 million in 2022, highlighting the immense value these collectibles can hold.
Ohtani, hoping to recover his investment and personal belongings, is requesting the court to order Mizuhara to return the baseball cards purchased with his funds.
The legal battle between Ohtani and his former interpreter sheds light on the potential risks associated with financial trust and the scrutiny that accompanies high-profile athletes.
Image:
[Image of Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara from the Seoul Series]
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2024-11-29 16:40:00
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