Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is fighting to regain ownership of $325,000 worth of baseball cards fraudulently purchased by Ippei Mizuhara, his former interpreter and confidante. In a recent report from The Athletic, it was revealed that Ohtani has asked a federal judge for help in getting the stolen items back.
The controversy surrounding Ohtani and Mizuhara dates back to last offseason, when it was discovered that Mizuhara had embezzled millions from the American League’s Most Valuable Player to finance his gambling activities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California later confirmed that Mizuhara used the stolen funds to purchase approximately 1,000 baseball cards, totaling approximately $325,000.
In addition to demanding the return of the stolen baseball cards, Ohtani is also asking for the court’s assistance in recovering collector cards bearing his picture and signature, which were among the items seized from Mizuhara. These personally signed cards have sentimental value to Ohtani, and he wants to have them back in his possession.
Despite being implicated in this off-field scandal, Ohtani had an exceptional 2024 MLB season with the Dodgers. In his first year with the team, he made an immediate impact, helping lead them to a World Series victory. In 135 games and 731 plate appearances, Ohtani showcased his hitting prowess by hitting .310/.390/.646 with an astonishing 54 home runs and 130 RBIs.
Ohtani’s success on the field adds weight to his quest for justice to get back what is rightfully his. His determination not to let this scandal distract from his achievements shows his resilience as both an athlete and an individual. The upcoming legal battle will undoubtedly be a pivotal chapter in Ohtani’s career, one that could potentially shape his legacy both on and off the field.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how Ohtani’s quest for justice will ultimately play out. Will he be able to reclaim his stolen baseball cards and collectibles? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: Shohei Ohtani is not willing to let anyone take away what he has rightfully earned through hard work and dedication to the game.
