Tim Murphy’s quest for Barry Bonds’ historic 700th home run ball
isn’t over just yet.
Hollister – Tim Murphy’s quest for Barry Bonds’ historic 700th home run ball isn’t over just yet.
Murphy, 40, of Hollister, is continuing to pursue legal action to obtain the ball he believes is rightfully his after he said he cradled it under his body before being pushed away by other fans. The ball has been estimated to be worth $100,000.
“It got a little hairy last week,” said Murphy’s wife, Bobbi about all the phone inquires they’ve been receiving. “It’s comes down to the principle. We just want both sides to be heard. We got a lot of support here from our family and friends in Hollister.”
On Oct. 1, San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Ronald Quidachay declined to issue an order requiring the ball to be held by a third party until the suit is resolved. Steve Williams, who ultimately came up with the ball, said he plans to sell the ball immediately. But Murphy has indicated that he may sue for the proceeds of the sale.
“This is an initial procedural step in the case and does not mean the that the case is concluded,” said Attorney Joe Scanlan in a press release. “Based upon video footage, and testimony of nearby witnesses, we believe that we will establish that Mr. Murphy possessed the ball, but that the ball was then taken from him through means which the law cannot and does not condone.”
In the original suit that Murphy filed on Sept. 28 in San Francisco County Superior Court, he said that he is the rightful owner of the ball that he says was stolen from him in the melee in the bleachers after Bonds launched his 700th home run at SBC Park on Sept. 17.
The suit claims that 50 people and Williams wrestled with him for 60 seconds. Murphy said in the suit the ball struck him in the chin and he cradled it with his leg to establish possession.
“We believe that all fans will agree that attempts by the fans to gain physical possession of the ball are governed by some limits and ultimately by the rule of law,” Scanlan said in the press release.
There is a news conference with Murphy’s attorneys in San Jose today to announce their next step.
