Shohei Ohtani.Photo:Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Ambar Roman and her husband Alexix Valenzuelatold The Athleticthat they were separated in the exciting moments after they ended up with the ball while sitting in Dodger Stadium’s pavilion section.
The couple told the outlet that team representatives refused to authenticate the ball, meaning they were left with a choice — either take the ball as is or exchange it for items the team was willing to part with.
“They didn’t want him to influence my decision. At least that’s how I took it,” Roman said about being separated from Valenzuela. “… It was a little pressuring. Especially because it was like, ‘I need you to give me an answer like right now. You gotta make up your mind.’ It was a lot of pressure.”
Valenzuela said he believes the security team “really took advantage” of his wife.
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“There were a bunch of [security] guys around her,” he said. “They wouldn’t let me talk to her or give her any advice. There was no way for us to leave. They had her pretty much cornered in the back.”
The couple ended up accepting two signed hats, a bat and a ball, and in return, turned over the Ohtani collectible.
A sports memorabilia expert with Heritage Auctions told The Athletic that the ball could be worth upwards of $100,000 — and that the items they received are worth an estimated $1,000 each.
A team spokesman told the outlet that the Dodgers were amenable to speaking to the couple further about the issue.
“The Dodgers are open to a further conversation with the fan about the transaction,” the spokesman said.
Despite the controversy, Roman said she doesn’t regret her decision.
“If I would have kept the ball, what would it have been worth really [without the authentication]?” she said. “I feel like, this at least, if he retires as a Hall of Famer or anything like that, I have this merch.”
source: people.com
