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The Miami Marlins are nearing a resolution to a federal lawsuit filed by a baseball collector, James Kevin Gossett, who claimed the team failed to honor a deal to sell him a base used in a game where Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani made history by reaching 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. A court filing on Friday indicated that both parties are close to finalizing the matter but have been delayed due to the holiday season and scheduling conflicts.

Gossett alleged that he had agreed to pay $2,500 for the base from which Ohtani departed when he stole his 50th base. The arrangement was that Gossett would receive first base if Ohtani stole second to hit the milestone. However, during the Dodgers' game in Miami on September 19, Ohtani stole third base to reach his 50th steal, seemingly entitling Gossett to second base instead. Despite this, the Marlins did not remove second base as agreed and allowed the Dodgers to claim it when Ohtani stole second to mark his 51st steal in the same game.

In the filing, the Marlins and Gossett noted that they had reached an agreement in principle but required additional time to finalize the terms. They requested a 14-day stay to complete the process, explaining that if the matter wasn’t resolved within that timeframe, the Marlins would proceed with filing their answer to Gossett’s complaint, as originally scheduled for Friday.

Gossett’s suit included email exchanges with the Marlins, confirming the terms of the agreement to purchase in-game memorabilia, which typically includes items like jerseys, bats, and helmets. The game in question also saw Ohtani hit his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs, adding to the significance of the event and complicating Gossett’s claim to second base.

The Marlins reportedly informed Gossett that the second base, which he had hoped to purchase, went to the Dodgers due to Ohtani’s 51st stolen base, which took place shortly after the 50th.

Gossett is represented by Matthew P. Leto of the Leto Law Firm and Richard A. Roth and Brian Levenson of Roth Law Firm PLLC. The Marlins are represented by Patrick F. Martin of Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart PC.

The case is James Kevin Gossett v. Miami Marlins Teamco LLC et al., case number 1:24-cv-24323, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.