Shohei Ohtani Demands $325,000 Worth of Baseball Cards from Former Translator

Caught in a Legal Battle

Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani is embroiled in a legal dispute with his former translator, Ippei Mizuhara, over $325,000 worth of collectible baseball cards. Ohtani alleges that Mizuhara fraudulently purchased the cards using his money, sparking a lawsuit that has drawn significant attention in the sports world.

Details of the Lawsuit

Ohtani has demanded that Mizuhara return the signed collectible baseball cards, which Ohtani claims were “illegally and wrongfully obtained.” Mizuhara had previously pleaded guilty to charges of bank fraud and tax fraud for embezzling nearly $17 million from Ohtani.

Court documents reveal that Mizuhara accessed Ohtani’s bank accounts around November 2021, bypassed security protocols, impersonated Ohtani, and authorized money transfers. By 2024, Mizuhara had used these funds to purchase about $325,000 worth of baseball cards on e-commerce platforms such as eBay and Whatnot.

Mizuhara’s Fraudulent Activities

Mizuhara’s attorney, Michael G. Freedman, declined to comment on the case. In June, Mizuhara admitted to misappropriating millions from Ohtani’s accounts to fund escalating gambling debts, cover personal medical expenses, and acquire the $325,000 worth of baseball cards.

Mizuhara is scheduled for sentencing in January after pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of tax fraud. He could face over 30 years in federal prison and may be ordered to compensate Ohtani nearly $17 million, along with over $1 million owed to the IRS.

Legal Repercussions

As a green card holder, Mizuhara also faces potential deportation to Japan. These developments underscore the severity of the case and its impact on Mizuhara’s career and personal life.

The Relationship Between Ohtani and Mizuhara

Mizuhara was once an integral part of Ohtani’s career, standing by him through many significant milestones. He caught balls during the 2021 Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game, witnessed Ohtani’s two American League MVP titles, and supported him as he signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Off the field, Mizuhara became Ohtani’s close friend and confidant. He famously resigned from the Los Angeles Angels during MLB’s 2021 lockout to continue supporting Ohtani, later rejoining the team after a resolution was reached.

Mizuhara’s Gambling Issues

However, Mizuhara’s gambling spiraled out of control, with tens of millions of dollars—none of it his own—bet on international soccer, NBA, NFL, and college football. Prosecutors noted that Mizuhara never bet on baseball, but his actions significantly damaged Ohtani’s finances and reputation.

Ohtani’s Remarkable Achievements This Year

Despite the lawsuit, Shohei Ohtani continues to shine on the field. Earlier this year, he and the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a World Series championship, with Ohtani earning his third MVP award. These accomplishments highlight his extraordinary talent and relentless dedication to his baseball career.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Trust and Responsibility

The ongoing lawsuit between Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara is not just a story of fraud but also a lesson in trust and responsibility within personal and professional relationships. Fans and the sports community are closely watching the case’s developments, hoping for a fair resolution for Ohtani. Meanwhile, Ohtani continues to solidify his legacy as one of the brightest stars in the world of baseball.