### Legal Dispute Erupts Over Shohei Ohtani's Milestone 50th Home Run Baseball

The excitement surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run last week has turned into a heated legal battle between fans vying for the prized milestone baseball. The dispute has caught the attention of the public and is set to intensify as an online auction for the coveted baseball commences this Friday with an opening bid of $500,000, continuing until October 16.

Amidst the ongoing lawsuit, a Florida judge ruled on Thursday that the auction can proceed, but the baseball cannot be sold before the court's hearing on the matter, scheduled for October 10. The feud began earlier this month when Ohtani, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, accomplished the rare feat of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season during a game against the Miami Marlins. The historic ball landed in the left field of LoanDepot Park in Miami, sparking a chaotic scramble among fans.

The ball ultimately ended up in the hands of Max Matus and Chris Belanski, both of whom have since claimed ownership. A video posted on X shows Belanski on his knees and Matus bent over, both clinging to the ball, with Belanski eventually waving it in the air and shouting, "I got it!" The tussle has led to a conflict now headed for the courtroom.

On Wednesday, Matus filed a lawsuit against Belanski, another fan, and Goldin Auctions, which acquired the baseball. Matus asserts he was the first to catch the ball and that Belanski forcibly took it from him. The lawsuit highlights that the incident occurred while Matus was celebrating his 18th birthday. In his claim, Matus described how Belanski wrapped his legs around his arm and used his hands to wrest the ball away.

In response to the incident, Matus' attorney, John Uustal, filed an emergency temporary injunction to halt the auction, which was denied. The primary court hearing on the matter is slated for October 10, less than a week before the auction closes. Uustal stated that the young fan simply wants the ball back, emphasizing Matus' passion for baseball and the sentimental value of the ball to him.

Goldin Auctions CEO Ken Goldin mentioned that an unnamed individual contacted the auction house about the baseball the day following the game. Despite being named in the lawsuit, Goldin expressed excitement about bringing the item to market and clarified that no accusations of wrongdoing have been made against the company.

This case draws parallels to a similar situation in 2001, when Barry Bonds hit a record-breaking home run. The ball was initially caught by Alex Popov but eventually ended up with Patrick Hayashi after a scuffle. The resulting court case concluded with both men being declared co-owners, and the proceeds from the ball's sale were split evenly between them.

As the October 10 hearing approaches, the fate of Ohtani’s milestone baseball remains uncertain, with its final ownership hanging in the balance pending legal proceedings.