The glamorous world of collectible baseball cards has taken a dark turn as the U.S. government embarks on a mission to seize a prized collection owned by Ippei Mizuhara. Once a devoted interpreter for the revered Los Angeles Angels’ player, Shohei Ohtani, Mizuhara is now at the center of a scandal involving the embezzlement of nearly $17 million from the star player.
The plot thickened when federal prosecutors filed a daring legal request to claim Mizuhara’s treasured baseball card assortment. This collection, purchased using Ohtani’s money, comprises a lavish array of cards acquired from popular online platforms like eBay and Whatnot between January and March 2024. Among the cards showcased in Mizuhara’s vault are those featuring legendary players such as Yogi Berra, Juan Soto, and even Ohtani himself, adding a controversial twist to the scandal.
The prosecution, aiming to deliver a fitting punishment, is pressing for the forfeiture of not only the baseball cards but also the associated packaging materials and protective items used to preserve the valuable collectibles. Mizuhara, who took a plea deal in May and subsequently pleaded guilty in June to charges involving bank and tax fraud, has agreed to relinquish other sports memorabilia purchased with Ohtani’s illicit funds.
The once-trusted confidant of Ohtani, Mizuhara, aged 39, had worn multiple hats as a close friend, interpreter, and unofficial manager to the Japanese baseball sensation since his arrival at the Angels in 2018. However, behind this facade of loyalty, Mizuhara orchestrated a cunning scheme to drain millions from Ohtani’s accounts to fund his gambling habits and amass a collection of high-end baseball memorabilia.
A pivotal moment looms as the court is poised to pass judgment on the forfeiture plea during Mizuhara’s sentencing, scheduled for October 25. This high-profile case, identified as United States v. Mizuhara, C.D. Cal., No. 8:24-cr-00054-JWH, has captivated the attention of sports enthusiasts and legal observers alike, shedding light on the darker underbelly of the sports industry and the perilous consequences of betrayal and financial deceit.
