SOURCE SPORTS: Shohei Ohtani 50/50 HR Ball Sells For $4.4M, Most Valuable Ball In Sports History

October 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

One of the most expensive pieces of sports history was sold in an auction yesterday for a whopping $4.39 million; Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 home run ball.

Bidding on the Golden Auctions’ item ended yesterday, with the final amount fetching more than an entire $1 million more than Mark McGwire’s 70th HR ball from 1998, which was the highest ball sold at the time at $3 million.

The winning offer was $3.6 million, but including the 22-percent buyer’s premium, it reached a $4,392,000 price tag. The identity of the new owner of the most expensive ball has yet to be unveiled.

Ohtani reached the major accomplishment against the Miami Marlins on September 19 in their 20-4 win and despite an ongoing legal battle among fans over who actually owned the ball, Goldin was able to reach an agreement with all parties involved to move forward with the auction.

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SOURCE SPORTS: [WATCH] Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Reaches Historic 50/50 Mark In 20-4 Win Over The Marlins In Miami

September 20, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In his historic, record setting fashion, L.A. Dodgers’ DH Shohei Ohtani went 6-6, with 10 RBIs including 3 HRs in the Dodgers win over the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park; all while putting himself in a solo class as the only player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal rack up 50 stolen bases in single season.

Ohtani’s 10 RBI game set a franchise record for Los Angeles to help lock in their 12th postseason berth in a row.

The 30-year-old native of Japan became the sixth member of the 40/40 club last month with a monstrous walk-off grand slam in his 126th game of the season against the Rays.

Ohtani stole third base for his 50th bag after smashing a sharp double to right field in the first inning off RHP Edward Cabrera. In the sixth, Ohtani blasted his 49th homer to right fields upper deck, knocking in two runs off righty George Soriano. In the next inning, the 6’4″ switch player took Mike Baumann’s low knuckle curve to the opposite field , making him 5-5 at his next to last at-bat, with four extra base hits, including two homers and two steals. Another MLB record in what could be called the greatest single game for any player in history.

In his last visit to the plate of the night, the Marlins put second baseman Vidal Brijan on the mound and baseball’s “unicorn” did exactly what was expected of him with a 68 mph fastball; Shohei sent another ball to the upper deck for his 51st homer of the regular season.

Before Ohtani’s 50/50 record, the closet any other player got to 50 stolen bases with 50 HRs was the Alex Rodriguez(24) in 2007 and the late, great Willie Mays(24) in 1955.

This single season, record-breaking performance on the diamond comes exactly one year to the day after his elbow surgery, which took the multi-faceted player off the mound for 2024, but is expected to make a full recovery in order to make a pitching comeback in 2025.

Surpassing the comparisons of players such as Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, Shohei Ohtani just proved that fans won’t see a player of his caliber anytime in the foreseeable future.

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SOURCE SPORTS: [WATCH] LA Dodgers Fans Line Up Eight Hours Before Game To Grab Shohei Ohtani Bobblehead

August 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Hundreds of Dodgers fans were lined up at Dodgers Stadium as early as 11am this morning(August 28), but it wasn’t to get a good seat at today’s game.

The game against the Baltimore Orioles will definitely be one to see, with the O’s just one GB the Yanks in the AL East, but fans lined up in Dodgers Stadium’s Chavez Ravine for first grabs of Shohei Ohtani’s bobblehead. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PST, but baseball fans, ahem, Ohtani fans are making sure they don’t miss out on the future HOFer’s collectible.

See the line at Chavez Ravine HERE

The first 40K fans are promised one of the prized bobbles ,which features Ohtani and his dog Decoy. The bobbleheads come in the natural color and a gold plated version.

Back in May, the Dodgers released an Ohtani statuette and baseball memorabilia collectors were spending hundreds to buy the figurines on the secondary market. Some even spent thousands to purchase the limited edition versions.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Elly De La Cruz Said He’s Learning Japanese So He Can Speak To Shohei Ohtani

July 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

2024 Cincinnati Reds stand out Elly De La Cruz was chosen to play in this year’s All-Star Game in Arlington, TX and was asked by reporters which player he was looking forward to talking to; the other most exciting player in Major League Baseball.

“I’m learning Japanese to try to talk to Shohei [Ohtani],” De La Cruz said with a smile. When a reporter asked if he was “for real”, De La Cruz replied, “I don’t know if I’m going to learn, but I’m trying.”

De La Cruz, a native to Sabana Grande de Boyá in the Dominican Republic, speaks Spanish as his first language, but the Reds shortstop conducted his press conference on the eve of Opening Day exclusively in English for the first time after using an interpreter for the ’23 season. “It’s so important to me because now you guys understand what I say, and it’s important to the fans to understand me and me understand the fans,” De La Cruz said at the time. “I put a lot of work on my English to talk with you guys, and I think I’m doing a good job.”

Now, the Reds’ franchise stolen base leader is dedicating that same energy to learning Japanese to talk with Ohtani, which is a very honorable gesture of brotherhood among international players.

Ohtani can speak English but is more comfortable conversing in Japanese.

Both Ohtani and De La Cruz are two of the most exciting MLB players on the diamond this season, with the Reds shortstop belting 15 home runs to lead the Reds and his 45 stolen bases to lead all of MLB. Meanwhile, Ohtani, in his first season in Los Angeles, is making a run at his third MVP award, having compiled a .314/.399/.637 slash line with 28 home runs, 65 RBI, 72 runs scored and 20 stolen bases.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Shohei Ohtani’s Former Interpreter Pleads Guilty To Federal Charges

June 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It has just been reported that Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, has plead guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of tax fraud for reportedly stealing money from Ohtani’s bank account to pay off his large gambling debts.

Mizuhara appeared in a Santa Ana, California court yesterday to plead guilty to the charges pending, which are both federal offenses. Wearing a suit jacket and a white shirt, the 39-year-old bilingual swindler told a judge he used funds from an Ohtani bank account to help clear himself of a major gambling debt he had accumulated.

Even though the news of the plea has just been released, Mizuhara and prosecutors had reached a plea agreement in this case last month.

Mizuhara could possibly receive up to 33 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for late October.

The Dodgers released a statement in regards to the court proceedings, which can be seen below.

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Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter Facing 33 Years In Prison Over Stealing $17 Million

May 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter and close friend of Shohei Ohtani, will enter a guilty plea to many federal charges after acknowledging that he stole around $17 million from the Dodgers star. As a result, he may spend more than three decades behind bars. Mizuhara agreed to plead guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. The crime spanned multiple years. Additionally, the US Justice Department revealed on Wednesday that he would soon be sentenced.

United States Attorney Martin Estrada said of Ippei’s actions, “The extent of this defendant’s deception and theft is massive.” He continued, “He took advantage of his position of trust to take advantage of Mr. Ohtani and fuel a dangerous gambling habit. My office is committed to vindicating victims throughout our community and ensuring that wrongdoers face justice.” There is a maximum sentence of 30 years for the bank fraud accusation and three years for the tax allegation. Furthermore, there will most likely be a significant reduction in sentence length.

Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter Gambling Controversy

Asserting that Mizuhara “exploited his relationship” with Shohei Ohtani, the government will concede that Mizuhara transferred about $17 million of Ohtani’s money covertly to settle gambling debts. According to reports, Mizuhara paid Ryan Boyajian, a cast member of Real Housewives of Orange County, who was an alleged collaborator with Matthew Bowyer, the accused illegal bookmaker. Reports say Boyajian and Bowyer would “clean” the illegal money at casinos in Las Vegas.

Ohtani, who is non-English speaking, depended on Mizuhara for almost everything when he first came to the United States from Japan. Mizuhara created the slugger’s bank account in 2018. The DOJ claims that Ippei started placing bets on athletic events in September 2021 and soon incurred a massive debt from a bookie but kept making bets. He then planned to siphon money from Shohei Ohtani’s finances to settle debts and keep betting. In conclusion, Ippei Mizuhara will be arranged on May 14th.

[via]

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Shohei Ohtani Denies Making Any Sports Bets

March 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Since arriving in the MLB Shohei Ohtani has been one of the league’s biggest stars. He was all the talk of the off-season. As the Japanese star took his talents to the other team in Los Angeles, the Dodgers. It seemed as though the 2024 season was going to be a different year for the superstar. With being on a new team and dealing with Tommy-John surgery. Also, his only use would be his skills at the plate this season. However, now it seems like Ohtani is in the middle of a hurricane looking to escape.

It became public knowledge late last week that Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizhurra had been reportedly stealing from Ohtani and using that money to place illegal sports bets. When the news first broke, most already assumed that the new face of the Dodgers was somehow involved in the messy situation. However, on Monday, he faced the media and claimed that Mizhurra was the only person involved in the sports betting crimes.

Shohei Ohtani Faces Heavy Criticisms Over Sports Betting Scandal

“I never bet on baseball or any other sports, or never have asked somebody to do it on my behalf. I have never went through a bookmaker to bet on sports.”

—Shohei Ohtani pic.twitter.com/cp6a2GJ5Hh

— ESPN (@espn) March 25, 2024

While he didn’t answer questions from the media, the Dodgers biggest off-season signing let the media know he had no dealings in this scandal. “I never bet on baseball or any other sports, or never have asked somebody to do it on my behalf. I have never went through a bookmaker to bet on sports.” While this is far from the end of this saga, Ohtani is standing his ground that he had no idea this was even happening.

Baseball isn’t new to betting scandals. The greatest hitter the game has ever seen Pete Rose, has been banned from baseball for years after it was found out that he was betting on baseball. There’s no question the MLB will take this issue seriously. It’s not like they allowed player’s to take performance enhancing drugs to make the game more exciting to watch. For the latest news in sports and pop culture, stay up to date with us here at HNHH.

[Via.]

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Shohei Ohtani Asks For Theft Investigation As More Details About Interpreter Scandal Emerge

March 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Shohei Ohtani and his representatives have asked an unknown law enforcement agency to investigate allegations of “massive theft” aimed at the MLB star’s former interpreter. The move comes a few days after Ippei Mizuhara was fired and as more details about the case emerge. The version of events from Ohtani’s camp seeks to move any culpability of illegal betting payments away from the Dodgers star. Per ESPN, Ohtani had no knowledge of Mizuhara’s gambling addiction, debts, or payments made to an illegal California bookmaker. Furthermore, Ohtani’s camp claims that the initial confusion was due to them relying on Mizuhara to translate Ohtani’s version of events.

While the primary law enforcement agency remains unknown, the IRS confirmed to ESPN that they were investigating Mizuhara and his bookie, Matthew Bowyer. Bowyer is accused of running an illegal bookie operation in California, where sports betting remains outlawed. Furthermore, Bowyer ran a credit-based operation, which is common for illegal betting operations. Government-regulated betting operations require bettors to pay upfront. However, the full situation with Ohtani remains a developing story. The Dodgers, after opening the season in Korea, will welcome the Cardinals to Dodger Stadium for Opening Day next week.

Shohei Ohtani Reveals Identity Of His Wife

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – MARCH 21: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers grounds out in the 8th inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game between San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 21, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)

Elsewhere, Ohtani recently revealed that his wife is former pro basketball player Mamiko Tanaka. Ohtani arrived at the Dodgers’ spring training with the news that he had “recently married someone” in his home country of Japan. However, he did not reveal the identity of his wife until now. Ohtani posted a photo of the pair as they boarded a plane to South Korea for the Dodgers’ season opener. Ohtani said that the couple met “three or four years ago” in Japan. He also, hilariously, referred to Tanaka as a “completely normal Japanese woman”.

Tanaka played for Waseeda University and later for the Fujitsu Red Wave in Japan’s pro league. However, she stepped away from professional basketball last year. This led many fans to speculate that she had gotten married or was otherwise focusing on her personal life.

[via]

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Shohei Ohtani Embroiled In Gambling Scandal After Interpreter Fired

March 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Last night, the Dodgers fired the longtime interpreter of Shohei Ohtani after an ESPN investigation revealed that the man had allegedly stolen millions from the MLB star to cover gambling debts. Originally, a spokesperson for Ohtani told ESPN that Ohtani had willingly given Ippei Mizuhara $4.5M to cover the debts. However, after Mizuhara spoke with ESPN himself, Ohtani’s camp issued a statement alleging “massive theft”, although they did not explicitly name Mizuhara. This all came to light due to a federal investigation into an illegal California betting operation. Matthew Bowyer reportedly received a million dollars from Ohtani’s bank account. However, sources close to the betting operation told ESPN that Bowyer only ever interacted with Mizuhara.

Of course, this has led to a wave of conspiracy theories. Some believe that Mizuhara was Ohtani’s intermediary, placing bets on the Dodgers star’s behalf. All bets that Mizuhara made were on sports other than baseball. However, at this time, Ohtani will not face discipline and is not under investigation himself over Mizuhara’s actions. Mizuhara told ESPN that he had asked Ohtani to pay off his debts last year and that he did not know that Bowyer’s outfit was illegal. This remains a developing story.

Shohei Ohtani Reveals Identity Of His Wife

Shohei Ohtani is not currently facing any discipline or believed to be under investigation by the league for the Ippei Mizuhara gambling situation, per @FabianArdaya pic.twitter.com/pHAbLIRJAQ

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 21, 2024

Tanaka played for Waseeda University and later for the Fujitsu Red Wave in Japan’s pro league. However, she stepped away from professional basketball last year, leading many fans to speculate that she had gotten married or was otherwise focusing on her personal life.

[via]

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SOURCE SPORTS: Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Lands 10-Year $700M Contract, Largest Salary In Sports History

December 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

After an aggressive negotiation, reigning American League MVP Shohei Ohtani has agreed to terms with the Dodgers on a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million deal, according to his agent, Nez Balelo. The team officially announced the deal on Monday night.

“To all Dodgers fans, I pledge to always do what’s best for the team and always continue to give it my all to be the best version of myself,” Ohtani wrote in an Instagram post on Saturday. “Until the last day of my playing career, I want to continue to strive forward not only for the Dodgers but for the baseball world.”

“This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player,” Balelo said in a statement. “Shohei is thrilled to be a part of the Dodgers organization. He is excited to begin this partnership, and he structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success. Shohei and I want to thank all the organizations that reached out to us for their interest and respect, especially the wonderful people we got to know even better as this process unfolded.

“We know fans, media and the entire industry had a high degree of interest in this process, and we want to express our appreciation for their passion and their consideration as it played out.”

The best in Sho. Welcome to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani!

ロサンゼルス・ドジャースへようこそ、大谷翔平！ pic.twitter.com/7wBuoKZ9ze

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 12, 2023

The 29-year-old’s contract is said to be the largest contract in worldwide sports history, surpassing soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s $674 million deal with FC Barcelona from 2017-21. (It also surpasses the roughly $679 million Kylian Mbappé would earn if he opts to stay with PSG through 2025.)

In terms of the history of American professional sports, it surpasses Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million extension; in baseball, it exceeds former teammate Mike Trout, who agreed to a 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the California Angels back in 2019.

As for free-agent deals, this is the largest by dollar amount in MLB history by $340 million, surpassing Aaron Judge’s nine-year, $360 million contract inked ahead of the 2023 season. It also breaks the record for average annual value for an MLB contract, previously set by Max Scherzer at $43.3 million with the Mets ahead of the 2022 season, then tied by Justin Verlander with the Mets a year later.

Ohtani, who will turn 30 on July 5, is locked up through 2033, which will be his age-39 season. A two-time unanimous MVP, three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year, Ohtani has been far and away the most impressive two-way player in MLB history.

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