LOS ANGELES — A devoted Dodgers enthusiast, Ambar Roman’s life changed in an instant as her husband dove among others in pursuit of Shohei Ohtani’s historic home run ball. The thrill of securing the milestone baseball, Ohtani’s first with the Dodgers, was quickly overshadowed by a tense encounter with Dodgers security.
Roman and her husband, Alexis Valenzuela, found themselves in a high-pressure situation when the security team separated them and made what they perceived as a low-ball offer for the valuable baseball. Despite expert estimations valuing the ball at $100,000, the Dodgers initially proposed only two caps signed by Ohtani in exchange for the prized keepsake.
Feeling cornered and pressured by the security tactics, the couple reluctantly accepted the caps, a signed bat, and ball. The lack of transparency regarding authentication and the rushed negotiation further soured the experience for Roman and Valenzuela, who felt a fairer deal could have been reached.
While the Dodgers declined to address the fans’ concerns, they expressed a willingness to engage in further discussions regarding the transaction. As avid Dodgers supporters, Roman and Valenzuela, both 28 years old and residing in Whittier, Calif., were disheartened by the unexpected turn of events at a place they hold dear.
Ultimately, the couple relinquished the coveted ball to Ohtani without meeting him, reflecting on the mixed emotions surrounding the experience. Despite the disappointment in the handling of the negotiation, they appreciated the opportunity to be part of such a significant moment in baseball history.
The incident shed light on the complex dynamics between fans and teams when it comes to securing valuable memorabilia, with Roman and Valenzuela advocating for more thoughtfulness and respect from the Dodgers leadership. Although they expressed no regrets, they hoped for a more positive resolution to the situation that unfolded at the ballpark.
As they navigate the aftermath of the encounter, Roman and Valenzuela are grateful that Ohtani now possesses his milestone ball while pondering the significance of their own unique experience at Dodger Stadium. Amid the tension and misunderstandings, they acknowledge the emotional weight of the catch and the bittersweet memories attached to it.
Looking ahead, the couple remains thoughtful about the implications of their interaction with the Dodgers security staff and the broader discussion it has sparked about fan-player interactions. As they celebrate their upcoming one-year wedding anniversary, Roman and Valenzuela reflect on the rollercoaster of emotions that came with catching a piece of baseball history.