ballcatchers.com | Famous Home Run Balls Caught by Fans

Chris Burke

Sunday, October 9, 2005

Minute Maid Park (Houston)

2005 NLDS, Game 4: won the longest postseason game in history

Watch Video

Shaun Dean

25, comptroller

Porter, Texas

On October 9, 2005, the Houston Astros won the longest postseason game in MLB history, an 18-inning thriller against the Atlanta Braves, to clinch the National League Division Series. The game was decided by a dramatic home run from Chris Burke in the bottom of the 18th inning.

Shaun Dean, a dedicated Astros fan, was in the second row of the left field stands at Minute Maid Park. During the game, Dean caught Lance Berkman's grand slam in the eighth inning, and ten innings later, he astonishingly snagged Burke's game-winning homer. "As a baseball fan, you hope to catch a foul ball, get something once in your life," Dean said. "To be an Astros fan, be at the playoffs and catch both balls, it was an unreal experience."

After the game, an usher directed Dean to Astros staff members, who took him near the clubhouse. Although he didn't get to enter due to the celebrations, he met team broadcaster Jim Deshaies and GM Tim Purpura. Dean never considered selling the balls. During an interview on 'Sports Edge' on Sirius radio, Wagerweb.com offered him $10,000 for the two historic baseballs, but he declined. "If the Astros want them, they can have them, but if not, both balls go in my son's room," he responded. Dean planned to display them on a shelf in his 3-year-old son Tyler's room, decorated with sports memorabilia.

Dean and his son later met Roger Clemens, who signed their No. 22 jerseys and spent a few minutes with Berkman and Burke. The Astros also gave Dean and his family tickets to Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against St. Louis.

"It's a pretty cool story," Burke said. "What are the odds of Lance and I hitting the ball in the same spot? It's a cool thing he's giving the balls back."

Dean ultimately donated both balls to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The balls, along with a picture of Dean and his family, are part of an exhibit commemorating the event. Brad Efron, chairman of the department of statistics at Stanford University, told ESPN.com that the odds of catching two home run balls in this case are between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 5,000. "Of the 43,000 people there, there are actually only a couple thousand people in the ballpark who can catch a homerun ball," Efron said. "So the odds are not as astronomical." However, the odds of catching two crucial home run balls in such an important game remain extraordinary.

Jeremy Hermida

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Sun Life Stadium (Miami)

2nd player in history to hit a grand slam in his 1st major league at-bat

?

On August 31, 2005, Jeremy Hermida of the Florida Marlins made history by becoming the second player ever to hit a grand slam in his first major league at-bat. Hermida, a highly-touted prospect, came to the plate with the bases loaded and hit the ball into the right field seats at Dolphins Stadium.

This remarkable feat made Hermida an instant sensation and etched his name in the record books. The ball was caught by a fan in the right field stands, becoming a cherished memento of Hermida's memorable debut.

Johnny Damon

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Yankee Stadium (New York)

2004 ALCS, Game 7: extended Red Sox lead and led to win that advanced Boston to the World Series

?

In Game 7 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, Johnny Damon hit a crucial grand slam that extended the Red Sox's lead and helped propel Boston to a victory that advanced them to the World Series.

The ball barely cleared the right field fence and was retrieved by an unidentified fan. The grand slam was a key moment in the game, solidifying the Red Sox's comeback and ultimately breaking the "Curse of the Bambino" with their eventual World Series win.

David Ortiz

Sunday, October 17, 2004

Fenway Park (Boston)

2004 ALCS, Game 4: home run led to a Red Sox win

Watch Video

?

On October 17, 2004, David Ortiz delivered a pivotal home run in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, leading the Boston Red Sox to a dramatic win over the New York Yankees. This victory ignited a historic comeback that would ultimately break the "Curse of the Bambino."

With the Red Sox trailing three games to none in the series and facing elimination, Ortiz stepped up to the plate in the 12th inning. He smashed a pitch that just cleared the 380 marker on the right-center field fence at Fenway Park, sending the ball into the hands of a stadium worker who retrieved it from beyond the fence.

Ortiz's walk-off home run gave the Red Sox a 6-4 victory, keeping their World Series hopes alive. The win marked the beginning of an unprecedented comeback, as the Red Sox went on to win the next three games against the Yankees, securing their place in the World Series. They ultimately won the championship, ending an 86-year title drought.

Barry Bonds

Friday, September 17, 2004

SBC Park (San Francisco)

700th career home run

Steve Williams

25, mortgage broker assistant

Pacifica, California

On September 17, 2004, Barry Bonds hit his 700th career home run, becoming the first player since Hank Aaron to reach this milestone. The historic blast occurred at SBC Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco, and the ball landed in the left field bleachers, sparking a chaotic scramble among fans.

Steve Williams emerged from the pile of fans with the ball, although several others, including Timothy Murphy, claimed they had possession of it first. Murphy stated that the ball had hit him in the chin and rolled away, and he had secured it under his right leg before Williams reached in and took it.

Despite exhaustive video footage of the melee, the legal battle over the ball's ownership was not straightforward. A judge prohibited Williams from selling the ball until the legal matters were resolved.

In October 2004, the ball was auctioned on Overstock.com, where an unidentified bidder nicknamed "bomasterj" paid $804,129 for it. Williams planned to donate a portion of the proceeds to two charities: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Edgewood Center for Children and Families in San Francisco. He also expressed a desire to buy his mom a convertible and considered going back to school to complete his college degree.

However, in June 2005, the ball was sold again at a Sotheby's/SportsCards Plus auction in New York for $102,000 ($85,000 plus $17,000 in commission fees). The buyer, the London-based online betting firm Sportsbook.com, announced plans to tour the ball across major U.S. cities and eventually offer it to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

"This ball represents one of the greatest achievements in the history of the sport," said Sportsbook.com marketing director Alex Czajkowski. "We want to make sure it has a worthy and permanent home. The ball belongs in Cooperstown."

Ken Griffey Jr.

Sunday, June 20, 2004

Busch Stadium (St. Louis)

500th career home run

Watch Video

Mark Crumley

19, nursing student

Mount Carmel, Illinois

On June 20, 2004, during a Father's Day game between the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, Mark Crumley experienced an unforgettable moment. Crumley's brother had bought tickets for the family, and despite almost skipping the game, Crumley found himself in the right place at the right time.

While walking toward a Cardinals souvenir shop inside the stadium, Crumley saw a baseball flying his way. The ball, hit by Ken Griffey Jr. for his 500th career home run, bounced above him and landed right in his hands. Security quickly escorted Crumley away, as he held the milestone ball.

Crumley was taken to the Cincinnati Reds' clubhouse to return the ball to Griffey. As a Cardinals fan, Crumley quickly removed his No. 5 Albert Pujols jersey, not wanting to meet Griffey in an opponent's gear. When they met, Crumley was somewhat speechless and simply thanked Griffey, noting his height. Griffey, appreciative of Crumley's gesture, gave him the No. 30 jersey off his back, along with other memorabilia, including a signed bat from Sean Casey and items signed by Barry Larkin. Griffey also promised more memorabilia to come.

In addition to the memorabilia, Griffey arranged for Crumley and three guests to attend the All-Star Game. This package included four field box seats along the third-base line, round-trip airfare for four, four tickets to the Home Run Derby, four tickets to the fanfest, and hotel accommodations.

After returning to his seat, Crumley watched the rest of the game wearing his new No. 30 Reds jersey. He continued to receive calls from Rob Butcher, the Reds' public relations man, detailing further plans and tickets, showcasing Griffey's ongoing gratitude.

Reflecting on the experience, Crumley expressed his amazement and joy at the unexpected turn of events. Despite being a Cardinals fan, he appreciated the opportunity and the generosity shown by Griffey and the Reds organization.

Barry Bonds

Tuesday, April 13, 2004

SBC Park (San Francisco)

661st career home run, passing Willie Mays' career total

Larry Ellison

53, computer sales executive

Fairfield, California

On April 13, 2004, Barry Bonds hit his 661st career home run, surpassing his godfather Willie Mays on the all-time home run list. This significant blast traveled 468 feet and became the 29th home run to land in McCovey Cove, and the 33rd overall at SBC Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco.

In a remarkable twist of fate, the ball was once again plucked out of the water by kayaker Larry Ellison, who had also retrieved Bonds' 660th home run ball the day before. The struggle to secure this historic ball was intense; Ellison's cell phone was ruined by salt water, and he was hit over the head by an oar blade. Despite the chaos, he managed to hold on to the ball.

After the game, Ellison approached Bonds to return the ball, as he had done with the previous one. However, this time Bonds told Ellison to keep it. The ball was later sold for $17,000.

Barry Bonds

Monday, April 12, 2004

SBC Park (San Francisco)

660th career home run, tying Willie Mays' career total

Larry Ellison

53, computer sales executive

Fairfield, California

On April 12, 2004, Barry Bonds hit his 660th career home run, tying him with his godfather, Willie Mays, on the all-time home run list. This historic moment occurred at SBC Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco, and Bonds' towering three-run shot splashed into McCovey Cove, marking the 28th time he had hit a home run into the water.

Ellison, a dedicated kayaker known for wearing an Arnold Schwarzenegger mask and a T-shirt reading "Arnold the Governator," was out in his kayak accompanied by his 23-year-old son, Jeremy, who was in another kayak. The two had agreed to be a team and decide together what to do if either caught the milestone home run ball. Ellison, with no competition around him, managed to secure the ball.

Despite the potential financial windfall from selling the ball, Ellison and his son decided that the ball should go to Bonds and Mays, considering its significance to both players. "It was important for them," said Ellison.

The Giants and Bonds were grateful for Ellison's gesture. In return, they provided Ellison with other memorabilia and six tickets behind home plate for the next game so he and his family could enjoy the experience as VIPs. Ellison kept the memorabilia and five of the tickets but chose to turn down the seat for himself, preferring to continue watching games from his kayak in McCovey Cove.

Alex Gonzalez

Thursday, October 23, 2003

Pro Player Stadium (Miami)

2003 World Series, Game 4: won the second-longest game in World Series history

?

Aaron Boone

Thursday, October 16, 2003

Yankee Stadium (New York)

2003 ALCS, Game 7: won the game and series for the New York Yankees

Watch Video

Rick Peterson

In Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, Aaron Boone hit a legendary walk-off home run that secured the New York Yankees' victory over the Boston Red Sox, propelling them to the World Series. Rick Peterson, a fan in attendance, caught the historic ball under memorable circumstances.

Peterson's wife had left after the seventh inning, believing her presence jinxed the Yankees. When Boone swung and connected with the ball, Peterson instantly knew three things: the Yankees would win, the Red Sox would lose again, and the ball was headed straight for him. The ball deflected off someone else's hand before hitting Peterson in the chest, where he secured it.

The moment was a frenzy of excitement as fans clamored for photos with Peterson and the ball. He recalled, "A lot of people wanted to take pictures. They wanted me with the ball, me with their girlfriends and the ball, or me with them and the ball. One guy came up and kissed me on the cheek. The guy next to me gave me two big bear hugs."

After the game, Boone signed the ball for Peterson, and they took photos together. Peterson plans to keep the ball, a treasured memento of a defining moment in Yankees history.

Chris Burke Sunday, October 9, 2005 Minute Maid Park (Houston) 2005 NLDS, Game 4: won the longest postseason game in history Watch Video Who Caught the Ball? Shaun Dean 25, comptroller Porter, Texas	What's the Story? On October 9, 2005, the Houston Astros won the longest postseason game in MLB history, an 18-inning thriller against the Atlanta Braves, to clinch the National League Division Series. The game was decided by a dramatic home run from Chris Burke in the bottom of the 18th inning. Shaun Dean, a dedicated Astros fan, was in the second row of the left field stands at Minute Maid Park. During the game, Dean caught Lance Berkman's grand slam in the eighth inning, and ten innings later, he astonishingly snagged Burke's game-winning homer. "As a baseball fan, you hope to catch a foul ball, get something once in your life," Dean said. "To be an Astros fan, be at the playoffs and catch both balls, it was an unreal experience." After the game, an usher directed Dean to Astros staff members, who took him near the clubhouse. Although he didn't get to enter due to the celebrations, he met team broadcaster Jim Deshaies and GM Tim Purpura. Dean never considered selling the balls. During an interview on 'Sports Edge' on Sirius radio, Wagerweb.com offered him $10,000 for the two historic baseballs, but he declined. "If the Astros want them, they can have them, but if not, both balls go in my son's room," he responded. Dean planned to display them on a shelf in his 3-year-old son Tyler's room, decorated with sports memorabilia. Dean and his son later met Roger Clemens, who signed their No. 22 jerseys and spent a few minutes with Berkman and Burke. The Astros also gave Dean and his family tickets to Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against St. Louis. "It's a pretty cool story," Burke said. "What are the odds of Lance and I hitting the ball in the same spot? It's a cool thing he's giving the balls back." Dean ultimately donated both balls to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The balls, along with a picture of Dean and his family, are part of an exhibit commemorating the event. Brad Efron, chairman of the department of statistics at Stanford University, told ESPN.com that the odds of catching two home run balls in this case are between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 5,000. "Of the 43,000 people there, there are actually only a couple thousand people in the ballpark who can catch a homerun ball," Efron said. "So the odds are not as astronomical." However, the odds of catching two crucial home run balls in such an important game remain extraordinary.

Jeremy Hermida Wednesday, August 31, 2005 Sun Life Stadium (Miami) 2nd player in history to hit a grand slam in his 1st major league at-bat Who Caught the Ball? ?	What's the Story? On August 31, 2005, Jeremy Hermida of the Florida Marlins made history by becoming the second player ever to hit a grand slam in his first major league at-bat. Hermida, a highly-touted prospect, came to the plate with the bases loaded and hit the ball into the right field seats at Dolphins Stadium. This remarkable feat made Hermida an instant sensation and etched his name in the record books. The ball was caught by a fan in the right field stands, becoming a cherished memento of Hermida's memorable debut.

Johnny Damon Wednesday, October 20, 2004 Yankee Stadium (New York) 2004 ALCS, Game 7: extended Red Sox lead and led to win that advanced Boston to the World Series Who Caught the Ball? ?	What's the Story? In Game 7 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, Johnny Damon hit a crucial grand slam that extended the Red Sox's lead and helped propel Boston to a victory that advanced them to the World Series. The ball barely cleared the right field fence and was retrieved by an unidentified fan. The grand slam was a key moment in the game, solidifying the Red Sox's comeback and ultimately breaking the "Curse of the Bambino" with their eventual World Series win.

David Ortiz Sunday, October 17, 2004 Fenway Park (Boston) 2004 ALCS, Game 4: home run led to a Red Sox win Watch Video Who Caught the Ball? ?	What's the Story? On October 17, 2004, David Ortiz delivered a pivotal home run in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, leading the Boston Red Sox to a dramatic win over the New York Yankees. This victory ignited a historic comeback that would ultimately break the "Curse of the Bambino." With the Red Sox trailing three games to none in the series and facing elimination, Ortiz stepped up to the plate in the 12th inning. He smashed a pitch that just cleared the 380 marker on the right-center field fence at Fenway Park, sending the ball into the hands of a stadium worker who retrieved it from beyond the fence. Ortiz's walk-off home run gave the Red Sox a 6-4 victory, keeping their World Series hopes alive. The win marked the beginning of an unprecedented comeback, as the Red Sox went on to win the next three games against the Yankees, securing their place in the World Series. They ultimately won the championship, ending an 86-year title drought.

Barry Bonds Friday, September 17, 2004 SBC Park (San Francisco) 700th career home run Who Caught the Ball? Steve Williams 25, mortgage broker assistant Pacifica, California	What's the Story? On September 17, 2004, Barry Bonds hit his 700th career home run, becoming the first player since Hank Aaron to reach this milestone. The historic blast occurred at SBC Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco, and the ball landed in the left field bleachers, sparking a chaotic scramble among fans. Steve Williams emerged from the pile of fans with the ball, although several others, including Timothy Murphy, claimed they had possession of it first. Murphy stated that the ball had hit him in the chin and rolled away, and he had secured it under his right leg before Williams reached in and took it. Despite exhaustive video footage of the melee, the legal battle over the ball's ownership was not straightforward. A judge prohibited Williams from selling the ball until the legal matters were resolved. In October 2004, the ball was auctioned on Overstock.com, where an unidentified bidder nicknamed "bomasterj" paid $804,129 for it. Williams planned to donate a portion of the proceeds to two charities: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Edgewood Center for Children and Families in San Francisco. He also expressed a desire to buy his mom a convertible and considered going back to school to complete his college degree. However, in June 2005, the ball was sold again at a Sotheby's/SportsCards Plus auction in New York for $102,000 ($85,000 plus $17,000 in commission fees). The buyer, the London-based online betting firm Sportsbook.com, announced plans to tour the ball across major U.S. cities and eventually offer it to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. "This ball represents one of the greatest achievements in the history of the sport," said Sportsbook.com marketing director Alex Czajkowski. "We want to make sure it has a worthy and permanent home. The ball belongs in Cooperstown."

Ken Griffey Jr. Sunday, June 20, 2004 Busch Stadium (St. Louis) 500th career home run Watch Video Who Caught the Ball? Mark Crumley 19, nursing student Mount Carmel, Illinois	What's the Story? On June 20, 2004, during a Father's Day game between the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, Mark Crumley experienced an unforgettable moment. Crumley's brother had bought tickets for the family, and despite almost skipping the game, Crumley found himself in the right place at the right time. While walking toward a Cardinals souvenir shop inside the stadium, Crumley saw a baseball flying his way. The ball, hit by Ken Griffey Jr. for his 500th career home run, bounced above him and landed right in his hands. Security quickly escorted Crumley away, as he held the milestone ball. Crumley was taken to the Cincinnati Reds' clubhouse to return the ball to Griffey. As a Cardinals fan, Crumley quickly removed his No. 5 Albert Pujols jersey, not wanting to meet Griffey in an opponent's gear. When they met, Crumley was somewhat speechless and simply thanked Griffey, noting his height. Griffey, appreciative of Crumley's gesture, gave him the No. 30 jersey off his back, along with other memorabilia, including a signed bat from Sean Casey and items signed by Barry Larkin. Griffey also promised more memorabilia to come. In addition to the memorabilia, Griffey arranged for Crumley and three guests to attend the All-Star Game. This package included four field box seats along the third-base line, round-trip airfare for four, four tickets to the Home Run Derby, four tickets to the fanfest, and hotel accommodations. After returning to his seat, Crumley watched the rest of the game wearing his new No. 30 Reds jersey. He continued to receive calls from Rob Butcher, the Reds' public relations man, detailing further plans and tickets, showcasing Griffey's ongoing gratitude. Reflecting on the experience, Crumley expressed his amazement and joy at the unexpected turn of events. Despite being a Cardinals fan, he appreciated the opportunity and the generosity shown by Griffey and the Reds organization.

Barry Bonds Tuesday, April 13, 2004 SBC Park (San Francisco) 661st career home run, passing Willie Mays' career total Who Caught the Ball? Larry Ellison 53, computer sales executive Fairfield, California	What's the Story? On April 13, 2004, Barry Bonds hit his 661st career home run, surpassing his godfather Willie Mays on the all-time home run list. This significant blast traveled 468 feet and became the 29th home run to land in McCovey Cove, and the 33rd overall at SBC Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco. In a remarkable twist of fate, the ball was once again plucked out of the water by kayaker Larry Ellison, who had also retrieved Bonds' 660th home run ball the day before. The struggle to secure this historic ball was intense; Ellison's cell phone was ruined by salt water, and he was hit over the head by an oar blade. Despite the chaos, he managed to hold on to the ball. After the game, Ellison approached Bonds to return the ball, as he had done with the previous one. However, this time Bonds told Ellison to keep it. The ball was later sold for $17,000.

Barry Bonds Monday, April 12, 2004 SBC Park (San Francisco) 660th career home run, tying Willie Mays' career total Who Caught the Ball? Larry Ellison 53, computer sales executive Fairfield, California	What's the Story? On April 12, 2004, Barry Bonds hit his 660th career home run, tying him with his godfather, Willie Mays, on the all-time home run list. This historic moment occurred at SBC Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco, and Bonds' towering three-run shot splashed into McCovey Cove, marking the 28th time he had hit a home run into the water. Ellison, a dedicated kayaker known for wearing an Arnold Schwarzenegger mask and a T-shirt reading "Arnold the Governator," was out in his kayak accompanied by his 23-year-old son, Jeremy, who was in another kayak. The two had agreed to be a team and decide together what to do if either caught the milestone home run ball. Ellison, with no competition around him, managed to secure the ball. Despite the potential financial windfall from selling the ball, Ellison and his son decided that the ball should go to Bonds and Mays, considering its significance to both players. "It was important for them," said Ellison. The Giants and Bonds were grateful for Ellison's gesture. In return, they provided Ellison with other memorabilia and six tickets behind home plate for the next game so he and his family could enjoy the experience as VIPs. Ellison kept the memorabilia and five of the tickets but chose to turn down the seat for himself, preferring to continue watching games from his kayak in McCovey Cove.

Alex Gonzalez Thursday, October 23, 2003 Pro Player Stadium (Miami) 2003 World Series, Game 4: won the second-longest game in World Series history Who Caught the Ball? ?	What's the Story?

Aaron Boone Thursday, October 16, 2003 Yankee Stadium (New York) 2003 ALCS, Game 7: won the game and series for the New York Yankees Watch Video Who Caught the Ball? Rick Peterson	What's the Story? In Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, Aaron Boone hit a legendary walk-off home run that secured the New York Yankees' victory over the Boston Red Sox, propelling them to the World Series. Rick Peterson, a fan in attendance, caught the historic ball under memorable circumstances. Peterson's wife had left after the seventh inning, believing her presence jinxed the Yankees. When Boone swung and connected with the ball, Peterson instantly knew three things: the Yankees would win, the Red Sox would lose again, and the ball was headed straight for him. The ball deflected off someone else's hand before hitting Peterson in the chest, where he secured it. The moment was a frenzy of excitement as fans clamored for photos with Peterson and the ball. He recalled, "A lot of people wanted to take pictures. They wanted me with the ball, me with their girlfriends and the ball, or me with them and the ball. One guy came up and kissed me on the cheek. The guy next to me gave me two big bear hugs." After the game, Boone signed the ball for Peterson, and they took photos together. Peterson plans to keep the ball, a treasured memento of a defining moment in Yankees history.