ballcatchers.com
A home run is perfect.
A home run is a gift.
A home run is history.
And sometimes history picks you.
A home run is a gift.
A home run is history.
And sometimes history picks you.
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Who Caught the Ball?
Chris Matcovich
22, college student Suffern, New York
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What's the Story?
On April 17, 2009, Gary Sheffield hit his 500th career home run during a game at Citi Field, becoming the 25th player in Major League Baseball history to reach this milestone.Chris Matcovich was in section 132 in left field when Sheffield stepped up to the plate. As the ball soared into the stands, Matcovich lost sight of it momentarily but then saw it descending towards him. The ball first hit off a man's hand in the last row and then floated gently into Matcovich's hands. Matcovich recounted his thoughts at the moment: "Just don't drop it. If I dropped it, I would have been so disappointed in myself for the rest of my life." After catching the ball, Matcovich and his friends walked around the stadium and found security to inform them that he had the ball. They were escorted to the security office, where Major League Baseball officials authenticated the ball. Sheffield's teammates had joked that it might cost him a hefty sum to get the ball back, with estimates jokingly around $100,000. Sheffield, humorously concerned about his wife's reaction to such a cost, was relieved when Matcovich expressed that he wanted nothing more than to return the ball to Sheffield. "I wanted nothing but to just give it back to Gary," Matcovich said. "It was his ball. It's not mine." Sheffield appreciated Matcovich's gesture, noting that Matcovich didn't have to return the ball but chose to do so out of respect. In gratitude, Sheffield signed jerseys for Matcovich and his friends and planned to give them some signed bats as well. Matcovich was also invited back to throw out the first pitch at a future game and watch batting practice from the field. |
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2008 NLCS, Game 4:
Who Caught the Ball?
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What's the Story?
In Game 4 of the 2008 NLCS, Matt Stairs hit a crucial home run that played a pivotal role in the Philadelphia Phillies' victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, propelling them toward their eventual World Series win. The Dodgers, despite their storied history and the excitement surrounding Manny Ramirez and the revitalization of "Mannywood," couldn't overcome the Phillies' determination and the unexpected heroics of a 40-year-old veteran.Stairs, who humorously referred to himself as the "Wonder Hamster," stepped up to the plate in the eighth inning with the game tied at 5-5. Facing Dodgers' pitcher Jonathan Broxton, Stairs delivered a towering two-run homer into the right field seats, silencing the Dodgers' crowd and giving the Phillies a 7-5 lead. The ball landed in the stands and was retrieved by an excited fan, who instantly became part of the memorable moment. While the identity of the fan who caught the ball remains unknown, the significance of Stairs' home run is well-remembered by Phillies fans and baseball enthusiasts. Stairs' homer didn't just change the course of the game; it became a defining moment in the Phillies' postseason run. Philadelphia went on to win the game and eventually the series, advancing to the World Series where they captured their first championship since 1980. |
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Who Caught the Ball?
Joe Scherer
51, hospital worker |
What's the Story?
On June 9, 2008, Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 600th career home run at Dolphin Stadium, and Joe Scherer, a season ticket holder, was there to catch it. Wearing a giveaway Sergio Mitre jersey, Scherer had a hunch that Griffey would pull one to right field. As the ball was hit, Scherer moved only about five empty seats to his left and made a clean catch in his glove. "The ball went directly from Griffey's bat to my glove. I am the only fan who touched the ball, and I never lost possession of it," Scherer recounted.Scherer's catch can be clearly seen in the video footage. To avoid the mob scene that ensued, he pointed to another ball from batting practice underneath a seat, sparking a scrum among fans duped into believing it was the real No. 600. With the real ball in hand, Scherer quietly left the chaos and was escorted to the ground floor of Dolphin Stadium, where he placed the ball in an executive office. Reds media relations director Rob Butcher and Reds clubhouse manager Rick Stowe approached Scherer, informing him that Griffey would like the ball. Scherer replied, "Before you go any further, because of my circumstances, I'm keeping it. I have plans for it." Griffey responded, "I'd like it. I can't control it. The guy has it. I'll worry about it later." Marlins president David Samson gave Scherer his personal phone number and advised him to sleep on his decision. Samson, speaking on Scherer's behalf, described him as a mid-40s season-ticket holder since 1993 and said Scherer recognized the importance of the ball to Griffey. Scherer declined to identify himself and refused to speak to the media. Another fan, Justin Kimball, claimed he caught the ball but had it ripped from his hands, pointing to scratches on his leg and arm as evidence. However, video footage showed Scherer catching the ball, and Major League Baseball authenticated it for him. In June 2008, Scherer announced he would auction the ball, stating he needed the money. Griffey suggested he think carefully about his decision. "It's his choice. I'd like to have it, but it is what it is," said Griffey. When Griffey's agent, Brian Goldberg, was asked about Scherer's expectations, he said, "He's got to separate fantasy from reality. ... I don't think the dollar value is going to be anything close to what Joe thinks. This ball didn't break any records and it's not unique." Griffey, through the Marlins' front office, made an offer to Scherer for the ball's return. The offer included 10 Griffey memorabilia items, some game-used articles, items from other players, and an all-expense-paid trip for four people to New York for the All-Star break, including tickets to the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. Scherer declined the offer. Scherer ultimately used Mastro Auctions to sell the ball for $42,000 in August 2008. |
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500th career home run
Who Caught the Ball?
Damon Woo
40, financial analyst Manhattan, New York
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What's the Story?
On the night of Manny Ramirez's 500th career home run, Damon Woo made a memorable catch. The day before, Woo had promised his girlfriend's son, Ryan McCarthy, that if he caught Ramirez's historic home run ball, he would give it to him. Woo, along with his brother Jason, sat in Section 94, seats 15 and 16, at Camden Yards, ready for the moment.When Ramirez stepped to the plate in the top of the seventh inning, Woo was ready. He had pulled out his camera to capture the moment. As soon as Ramirez hit the ball, it was clear it was going out of the park. The specially-labeled ball, identified as ball No. 92, flew straight towards the Woo brothers. Damon quickly put his camera away and braced himself. The ball hit him in the neck, and he managed to trap it with his right hand. He then put the ball into his blue Red Sox hat and secured it in his pocket. His brother Jason covered him until Baltimore police escorted them to safety. After being taken to the Red Sox clubhouse, Woo called McCarthy to confirm what to do with the ball. McCarthy gave his blessing for Woo to hand the ball over to Ramirez. When presented with the ball, Ramirez was grateful. Woo congratulated him and said, "Congratulations, you got 500. It's all yours." Ramirez appreciated the gesture, remarking, "It belongs to [Ramirez]. It's his accomplishment. It's his achievement. It's his ball." In return for the ball, Woo received equipment and memorabilia from Ramirez and game tickets from the Boston Red Sox. Ramirez expressed his gratitude, mentioning his plans to take pictures with his kids with the ball and to see how much money he could raise to donate to a local children's hospital in Boston. However, no such event ever took place, and it is assumed the ball is still in Ramirez's possession. Reflecting on the experience, Woo felt a strong connection to Ramirez and was satisfied with his decision. He received many supportive messages from friends around the globe, affirming he did the right thing. While there were fleeting moments of doubt, his brother's moral support helped him stay confident in his choice. |
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grand slam to win the first game at Nationals Park
Who Caught the Ball?
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What's the Story?
At the inaugural game at Nationals Park, Ryan Zimmerman etched his name into the history books with a dramatic grand slam that secured a win for the Washington Nationals. This unforgettable moment not only marked a victorious start for the new stadium but also became a cherished memory for Zimmerman.After the game, Zimmerman traded a signed jersey to obtain the home run ball. He intended to keep the ball at his house or possibly gift it to his parents as a treasured memento of this historic occasion. |
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500th career home run
Who Caught the Ball?
Will Stewart
28, accountant Austin, Texas |
What's the Story?
Jim Thome's 500th career home run was a significant milestone, and he expressed a strong desire to have the ball for a special reason. He planned to drive with his father to deliver it to the Baseball Hall of Fame.Will Stewart, who caught the historic ball, was initially unaware of its significance when he attended the game. After learning about it, he decided to return the ball to Thome. Stewart's gesture was greatly appreciated by Thome and the White Sox organization. In appreciation, the White Sox offered Stewart two season tickets for the 2008 season, an autographed ball, and a bat. Stewart chose to donate the season tickets to a charity of Thome's choice, which were auctioned off during the Joyce Thome Benefit for the Children's Hospital of Illinois. The team also flew Stewart out from Texas with a group of his friends to sit in Thome's box during one of the White Sox-Cubs games the following season. Thome and his father later visited Cooperstown to deliver the 500th home run ball to the Hall of Fame. Thome felt that the ball belonged in the Hall of Fame for everyone to see, rather than keeping it at home. The father-son trip to Cooperstown was an unforgettable experience, with Thome describing it as one of the greatest days of his and his father's lives, aside from the birth of his children. |
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762nd career home run, setting career record
Who Caught the Ball?
Jameson Sutton
24, unemployed Boulder, Colorado
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What's the Story?
On September 5, 2007, Barry Bonds hit his 762nd career home run, setting the all-time career home run record. This historic blast occurred at Coors Field in Denver. The ball was retrieved by Jameson Sutton during a three-man scuffle. Unlike many other milestone catches, Sutton was not approached by MLB officials, whisked away by stadium security, or interviewed on TV. Instead, he returned to his seat, watched most of the game, and left the stadium before the final out.Sutton placed the ball in a safe deposit box and tracked Bonds' stats for the remainder of the season, knowing that another home run would decrease the value of his ball. However, he never rooted against Bonds, saying, "I thought it would be cool if he could keep adding to his record, but he never did, and that's when I was like, 'Damn.'" Months later, Sutton came forward and announced that due to a serious illness in the family, he would auction off the ball. Game footage and a successful polygraph test corroborated Sutton's claim that he had the real ball. He had hoped to sell the ball for $1 million, but it ultimately sold for $376,612 through SCP Auctions. "I am happy with my decision to sell the 762 ball and wish the new owner the best," Sutton said. "I'm especially proud to help my family pay some of the medical costs due to my father's illness and thank SCP Auctions for all their help." The ball had never been formally authenticated, as there was a perceived mix-up. In 2019, it sold again, this time for $282,900. |
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756th career home run, breaking Hank Aaron's career record
Who Caught the Ball?
Matt Murphy
22, college student Elmhurst, New York
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What's the Story?
On August 7, 2007, Barry Bonds hit his 756th career home run, breaking Hank Aaron's record for the most career home runs in Major League Baseball history. This historic home run took place at AT&T Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco.Matt Murphy, a New York Mets fan, was on a one-day stopover in San Francisco with a friend on their way to Australia. On a whim, they decided to purchase game tickets at the last minute. Murphy, wearing a Mets jersey and cap, moved in the bleachers to where he thought the ball would land. When Bonds connected, "there was complete chaos," said officer Ana Morales. The ball "hit something, bounced up, and then as it was going down toward the ground, he [Murphy] leaned over and got it." A massive pile of fans scrambled for the ball, and Murphy ended up at the bottom of the pile. "It took a weird bounce and I just dove on it," Murphy said. "I just curled under a bleacher and immediately there was a 30-person dogpile." Officers began peeling people off the top, and when they reached Murphy, he was bent over and bloodied, with the ball in his hand. Morales instructed him to "put the ball in your pocket and we will protect you." Murphy was then led to a secure area in the ballpark where Giants officials authenticated the baseball. "I won the lottery," Murphy told The Daily News. "I'm scraped up but nothing serious." Despite the milestone, Bonds expressed indifference about owning the ball, stating, "I don't want the ball. I've never believed a home run ball belonged to the player. If he caught it, it's his." Murphy decided to sell the ball because he couldn't afford to pay the taxes required to keep it. It went to auction with SCP Auctions and sold for $752,467.20. The winning bidder was fashion designer Mark Ecko, who asked the public to vote on what he should do with the ball on vote756.com. The public chose to send the ball to the Hall of Fame with an asterisk, symbolizing the controversy surrounding Bonds' career and alleged steroid use. The ball was marked with an asterisk and donated to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame president Dale Petroskey stated that accepting the ball did not mean the Hall endorses the viewpoint that Bonds used drugs, but they promised Ecko that the asterisk would not be obscured. Bonds criticized Ecko, calling him "stupid" and "an idiot," and expressing disbelief that Ecko spent $750,000 on the ball only to mark it with an asterisk. |
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Who Caught the Ball?
Walter "Sonny" Kowalczyk
29, labor relations student Trenton, New Jersey |
What's the Story?
On August 4, 2007, Alex Rodriguez hit his 500th career home run, becoming the youngest player in MLB history to reach this milestone. The historic homer landed in the hands of Walter "Sonny" Kowalczyk, a lifelong Yankees fan who had emptied his bank account to buy season tickets.After catching the ball, the 6'4", 250-pound Kowalczyk used his frame to protect the prized possession from a scrum of crazed fans. By the time police intervened, he was in a fetal position, shielding the ball. Stadium security then escorted Kowalczyk to a suite to watch the rest of the game and later drove him home. Rodriguez expressed a desire to get the ball back, stating, "It's his ball. Let him enjoy it and then go from there." Despite attempts by Rodriguez and the Yankees to purchase the ball from Kowalczyk, a deal was never finalized. In February 2010, SCP Auctions sold the ball for $103,579. |
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755th career home run, tying Hank Aaron's career record
Who Caught the Ball?
Adam Hughes
33, plumber La Jolla, California
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What's the Story?
On August 4, 2007, Barry Bonds hit his 755th career home run, tying Hank Aaron's longstanding record for the most career home runs in Major League Baseball history. The historic blast took place at PETCO Park in San Diego, and the ball was caught by Adam Hughes.Immediately after catching the ball, security escorted Hughes to a location where MLB officials could authenticate and tag the ball. Reflecting on the moment, Hughes said, "I'm really happy for Bonds. He made a lifetime achievement and I feel very fortunate that I caught this ball. Never in a million years did I expect it." After considering his options for a week, Hughes decided to sell the ball. It was sold by SCP Auctions for $186,750. Hughes planned to share the money with a cousin who attended the game with him. He also intended to use the proceeds to pay off debts, donate to charity, and save the remainder. |