In a twist befitting a prime-time crime drama but disappointing for baseball fans, the interpreter and day-to-day manager for Major League Baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani has been caught up in a high-stakes scandal. Ippei Mizuhara, much more than just a linguistic bridge for Ohtani, is now in the hot seat, facing serious federal charges. A detailed 37-page complaint from federal prosecutors lays bare the allegations of bank fraud against Mizuhara for diverting a staggering $16 million from Ohtani’s bank accounts.
This saga unfolds with the revelation that much of Ohtani’s hard-earned money was allegedly used not just to cover Mizuhara’s heavy gambling debts, but also to fund his lavish habit of collecting baseball cards. Yes, you heard that right. With the precision of a seasoned collector scouting for rare finds, Mizuhara, under the alias “Jay Min,” procured around 1,000 baseball cards. These weren’t just any cards, but ones that commanded an average price of about $325 each from platforms buzzing with collectors like eBay and Whatnot.
From January this year to just last month, Mizuhara was evidently very busy. He had these parcels of collected nostalgia shipped directly to him, albeit discreetly, in care of the Dodgers – indicating a saga of both audacity and meticulous planning. Further probing into his possessions revealed a treasure trove in his vehicle: more cards, including those of baseball greats like Juan Soto and Yogi Berra, and quite ironically, of Ohtani himself.
The details of the cards—securely ensconced in protective cases—suggest that these were not just impulse buys. They were chosen with the intention to collect, and perhaps to sell later at a profit. However, Mizuhara’s actions were far from simple hobbyist indulgence. The case shines an unflattering light on his gambling habits. Over a period, he placed around 19,000 bets and faced a staggering net loss of $40.7 million – all, thankfully, not involving Major League Baseball games.
The peek into this financial debacle began when Mizuhara helped Ohtani, freshly arrived in the U.S. and not versed in English, to set up a bank account in 2018. The plot thickened as it became evident that though Ohtani never handed over control of his finances, Mizuhara apparently took advantage of their close professional relationship. According to prosecutors, he regularly masqueraded as Ohtani to authorize wire transfers, padding the impact of his gambling and collecting escapades.
Reacting to the scale and audacity of Mizuhara’s alleged embezzlement, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada didn’t mince words, underscoring the gravity of the betrayal. For now, Mizuhara is prepping to face the legal music, with his initial court appearance scheduled soon in downtown Los Angeles.
As this case folds into the annals of off-field sports scandals, it leaves a blemish on the glossy image of professional sports handlers. The sordid affair not only thrusts Shohei Ohtani into an unwanted spotlight but also prompts a closer look at the trust placed in those who manage both the language and the finances of sports’ brightest stars. Meanwhile, Ohtani continues to cooperate with law enforcement, disentangling himself from a financial mess he never saw coming, focused perhaps on reclaiming not just his money, but also his peace of mind and concentration on the game.