BOSTON – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – The Boston Red Sox yesterday filed a request for a judgment to determine who is the rightful owner of the ball that was used in the final out of their 2004 World Series victory.
If the judgment results in a determination that the ball belongs to the Red Sox, the club intends to display and preserve the historic artifact for all of Red Sox Nation to enjoy. The Red Sox have no intent or desire to derive any commercial benefit from the ball.
“Despite the legal language that can suggest otherwise, the action seeking a declaratory judgment in no way reflects on our feelings or respect for our alumnus, Doug Mientkiewicz, who caught the throw that gave us our first World Championship in 86 years,” said Lucinda Treat, the Red Sox’ chief legal officer.
“We have made numerous approaches to the Mientkiewiczes, and to their representatives, to seek an amicable private settlement, and to ensure that this piece of club history remains accessible to all of our fans,” Treat said. “All were rebuffed. That is why we now seek a judgment.”
