ATLANTA >> The Atlanta Braves filed a lawsuit against former employees Bill Acree and his son Ben Acree, in addition to Heritage Auctions, in a case involving the home plate and bases from Hank Aaron’s 715th home run.

The Braves’ lawsuit, filed in Cobb County Superior Court on Sept. 27, contends the memorabilia was stolen, unlawfully possessed and attempted to be sold at auction. The team demanded that the items be returned by Heritage, seeks unspecified damages at a jury trial and a court order declaring the Braves the rightful owner of the home plate and bases.

Bill Acree worked for the Braves since 1966, holding several positions, including senior adviser. Ben Acree worked for the Braves from 1997 until 2016 as part of the home clubhouse staff.

The memorabilia were part of Heritage Auctions’ Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction held in August. The items were obtained by a long-term Braves employee and gifted to his son, who consigned the items, according to the auction house description. The Braves sent a cease-and-desist letter to Heritage demanding several items of Aaron and other Braves memorabilia.

The home plate and bases ultimately were pulled from the auction, but several other items were sold.