Ken Goldin, CEO of Goldin Auctions, what can you tell us about the recent auction for Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball? It’s been reported that it sold for nearly $4.4 million, setting a record not only for a baseball but for any ball in sports history.

That’s correct. We received bids from around the world for this iconic collectible, reflecting Ohtani’s significant impact on the sport. I’m thrilled for the winning bidder.

This milestone seems monumental. Can you explain what led to such a historic auction?

Ohtani made history by becoming the first player in baseball to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. He achieved this remarkable feat on September 19, when he hit his second of three homers against the Marlins.

There seems to be some ongoing legal disputes regarding the ball’s ownership. Could you elaborate on that?

Yes, the auction has been somewhat overshadowed by litigation. Christian Zacek claims he walked out of Miami’s LoanDepot Park with the ball after catching it in the left-field stands. However, Max Matus and Joseph Davidov each filed separate lawsuits asserting that they grabbed the ball first. Despite the legal disputes, all parties agreed that the auction should proceed.

What are the claims being made in these lawsuits?

Matus’s lawsuit argues that he, celebrating his 18th birthday, gained possession of the ball before Zacek took it away. On the other hand, Davidov contends that he “firmly and completely” grabbed the ball with his left hand while it was on the ground, thus claiming ownership.

With everything going on, how does this auction tie into the current state of Ohtani and the Dodgers as they head into the World Series?

As we speak, Ohtani and the Dodgers are preparing for Game 1 of the World Series, scheduled for Friday night. The excitement surrounding this auction, along with Ohtani’s achievements, certainly adds to the buzz of the postseason.