Request for return of ‘autographed’ card
American professional baseball Major League Baseball (MLB) superstar Shohei Otani (30, LA Dodgers) filed a lawsuit against his former interpreter, saying, “I want the baseball cards I bought wiht my own money back.”
American media, including the Associated Press, reported on the 29th, “Ohtani filed a lawsuit against former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara to return the baseball cards he purchased with his own money.” Mizuhara is said to have secretly taken money from Otani’s bank account and purchased baseball cards worth about $325,000 (about 450 million won) through online resale sites.
Collecting sports cards, including baseball cards, is a hobby enjoyed by many people in the United States.Old and rare sports cards frequently enough sell for astronomical amounts at auction, so some people collect cards professionally.According to auction house Sotheby’s, the most expensive sports card in history is a baseball card of Mickey Mantle (former New York Yankees, 1931-1995) produced in 1952, which was sold for $12.6 million (about 17.6 billion won) in 2022.
ohtani also requested the return of dozens of his autographed baseball cards.Mizuhara received autographs directly from Otani on dozens of Otani baseball cards that he had. Baseball cards with a player’s autograph are sold at a higher price in the market.
Mizuhara, who had worked as a dedicated interpreter as 2018 when Otani entered the United States, was fired after illegal gambling and bank fraud were revealed during the MLB Seoul Series held in Seoul in March. According to the U.S. prosecutor’s inquiry, Mizuhara took about 17 million dollars (about 23.7 billion won) from Otani’s account and engaged in illegal sports gambling. The first trial verdict on Mizuhara, who was indicted on bank fraud charges, will be handed down in January next year.
Reporter Lee Heon-jae [email protected]
-
- great
- 0dog
-
- I’m sad
- 0dog
Hot news now
- I’m angry
- 0dog
What are the main factors that contribute to the value of baseball cards in the collectible market?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Baseball Card Expert
Time.news editor (TNE): good afternoon, everyone! Today, we’re diving into an intriguing story involving MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. To help us unpack the details, we have baseball card expert and collector, Dr. Emily Chen. Welcome, Dr. Chen!
Dr. Emily Chen (DEC): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such a captivating topic.
TNE: So, as reported recently, Ohtani has filed a lawsuit against Mizuhara, claiming he wants back baseball cards worth approximately $325,000. This isn’t just any collection, is it?
DEC: Not at all! The hobby of collecting baseball cards has a rich history and can involve substantial monetary value. Cards can appreciate over time, and some can even fetch millions in auctions, as we saw with the Mickey Mantle card sold for $12.6 million.
TNE: That’s an impressive figure! Now, in the context of this lawsuit, how meaningful would it be for Ohtani to retrieve those cards?
DEC: It’s very significant, both personally and professionally. for athletes like Ohtani, especially one as prominent as he is, their collections represent more than just financial investment; they symbolize a connection to the sport and its history.
TNE: It’s fascinating how personal relationships intertwine with such a vast market.From what we know, mizuhara allegedly accessed Ohtani’s bank account to make thes purchases without his knowledge. What implications does this have for trust in sports?
DEC: Trust is foundational in any professional relationship, especially between an athlete and their associates. If mizuhara did act without Ohtani’s consent, it raises serious ethical questions. This could lead to greater scrutiny of how players manage their finances and the importance of transparency.
TNE: absolutely. And for collectors out there, how should they go about ensuring that their investments, whether personal collections or cards purchased via a third party, are secure?
DEC: The first step is to establish a clear agreement regarding ownership and intent. Collectors should also keep a detailed record of their purchases and transactions, especially when working with individuals or intermediaries.
TNE: wise advice, Dr. Chen! This case also highlights a growing trend of collecting, especially among young athletes and fans. Why do you think baseball cards have regained popularity?
DEC: Collecting has always been a nostalgic activity, but recent years have seen a resurgence, thanks in part to social media and platforms that promote trading and buying. Young fans can connect with their favorite players through these cards, and it’s an accessible way to be part of the sport’s culture.
TNE: It seems like this case could have broader implications, then.Beyond just Ohtani and Mizuhara,what lessons could this provide to other players and interpreters in sports?
DEC: The biggest takeaway is the necessity for clear boundaries and an understanding of financial matters. Open communication about intentions and boundaries can help maintain a professional dynamic, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
TNE: Thank you so much for your insights,Dr. Chen! It’s clear that this situation is layered with both personal and professional complications. We appreciate your time and expertise in shedding light on such an engaging aspect of sports culture.
DEC: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this vital topic.
TNE: And to our audience, stay tuned as we continue to follow this case and what it means for the world of sports memorabilia and relationships in professional athletics.