ballcatchers.com | Famous Home Run Balls Caught by Fans

Manny Ramirez

Monday, October 6, 2003

Network Associates Coliseum (Oakland)

2003 ALDS, Game 5:

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During Game 5 of the 2003 ALDS, Manny Ramirez hit a crucial go-ahead three-run homer off Barry Zito, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, in the sixth inning. This pivotal moment in a do-or-die game helped propel the Red Sox forward, with the weight of their 85-year title drought hanging in the balance. Ramirez's dramatic home run struck the concrete steps in the bleachers and then bounced back onto the field.

Rafael Palmeiro

Sunday, May 11, 2003

Ballpark in Arlington (Arlington)

500th career home run

Father John Collet

Irving, Texas

Father John Collet, a professor at Holy Trinity Seminary at the University of Dallas, paid $20 for his ticket to the game. When Rafael Palmeiro hit his 500th career home run, the ball landed near the right field foul pole and was bobbled by fans around Collet. Despite the scramble, Collet managed to grip the home run ball and hold fast against a mob snatching at the souvenir, sustaining only a minor scrape on his left hand.

"It was a surprise. First of all, I was submerged in all these people, and then all of a sudden I looked around and there were all these policemen all around. I was escorted out very quickly. I didn't really have time to pay much attention," Collet said.

Palmeiro, who is Catholic, was visibly relieved when he heard a priest had caught the ball. He shook Collet's hand, thanked him for his kindness, and the pair shared a few laughs before a group of local media. Collet exchanged the historic ball for autographed items including a baseball, a bat, a batting helmet, T-shirts, and a jacket. Palmeiro said the negotiations between him and Collet "weren't bad" and that he "was glad to get the ball back."

Sammy Sosa

Friday, April 4, 2003

Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati)

500th career home run

Zach Kirk

22, college student

St. Louis, Missouri

Zach Kirk and his girlfriend, Jessica Shull, attended the game hoping to see a home run from Adam Dunn or Ken Griffey Jr. However, it was Sosa who made history that day.

The home run ball soared over their heads, deflected off several sets of hands, and ultimately landed at Kirk's feet. He quickly dove on it, securing the prized possession. Instantly, fans offered business cards and sums of up to $20,000 for the ball. Kirk was then taken by Major League officials for the ball's authentication and tagging.

A Cubs representative offered an autographed Sosa jersey and photographs in exchange for the ball. Although Kirk humorously asked for an internship in the media relations department, his request was declined. Sosa himself stated he didn't mind if he didn't get the ball back.

Despite considering returning the ball, Kirk decided to keep it, influenced by the potential financial benefits for his future. He later auctioned the ball through MastroNet Inc. in 2003, where it sold for $44,824. Kirk planned to use the money to fund his graduate degree in education.

Barry Bonds

Sunday, October 20, 2002, 9:01pm

Edison Field (Anaheim)

2002 World Series, Game 2: dramatic home run almost spoiled Angels chances of winning the World Series

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On October 20, 2002, during Game 2 of the World Series, Barry Bonds hit a dramatic and powerful home run that almost derailed the Anaheim Angels' chances of securing their first World Series victory. The game was held at Angel Stadium, and the Angels were just one out away from their historic win when Bonds stepped up to the plate.

In a memorable moment, Bonds hit a towering shot that left fans and players in awe. Tim Salmon, watching from the dugout, famously mouthed on national TV, "That's the farthest ball I've ever seen hit." The television cameras lost sight of the ball, leading many to believe it may have cleared the stadium entirely.

Barry Bonds

Friday, August 9, 2002

PacBell Park (San Francisco)

600th career home run

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Jay Arsenault

36, carpenter

Vacaville, California

On August 9, 2002, Barry Bonds hit his 600th career home run, becoming the fourth player in MLB history to reach this milestone, joining Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Willie Mays. The historic home run, a 421-foot solo shot, came in the sixth inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Pacific Bell Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco. Bonds hit a 2-1 pitch from Pirates starter Kip Wells over the center field wall, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Jay Arsenault, a carpenter, caught the ball in the center field bleachers. He was immediately swarmed by fellow fans, leading to a chaotic scene where he was bloodied, bruised, and accused of biting, but managed to maintain possession of the ball until security rescued him.

The story took a dramatic turn when Arsenault's former friends filed a lawsuit in Solano County Court, claiming that he reneged on a promise to share the profits from the ball. Arsenault had allegedly agreed with his workmates to split any profits if one of them caught Bonds' 600th home run ball. This verbal agreement, according to California law, could be enforceable as a contract. Attorney Curtis Floyd, representing the plaintiffs, argued that Arsenault's agreement with construction firm workmate Tim Fisher and two other colleagues should be honored.

Despite the legal battles, the ball was sold at auction by Mastro Auctions for $46,303 in 2002. Arsenault's statement to reporters reflected his sense of personal entitlement: "I'm a carpenter and I can't think of a person who deserves this more than me. I've been getting up early and going to work for a long time."

Scott Brosius

Thursday, November 1, 2001

Yankee Stadium (New York)

2001 World Series, Game 5: led to a win by the New York Yankees

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Derek Jeter

Wednesday, October 31, 2001

Yankee Stadium (New York)

2001 World Series, Game 4: won the game and evened the World Series at 2-2, earned Jeter the nickname "Mr. November"

Watch Video

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Barry Bonds

Sunday, October 7, 2001

PacBell Park (San Francisco)

73rd, setting single-season record

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Patrick Hayashi/Alex Popov

San Diego, California/Bay Area

On October 7, 2001, Barry Bonds hit his 73rd home run of the season, setting a new single-season home run record at Pacific Bell Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco. The home run ball's retrieval became one of the most contentious moments in baseball memorabilia history.

Alex Popov initially stopped the ball in his glove but did not secure it. As the crowd surged, Popov dropped the ball, and Patrick Hayashi, standing nearby, picked it up from the ground and placed it in his pocket. Hayashi described the moment: "The ball came into my area, bounced around and the guy at the bottom of the pile ended up with it. It's all luck. Be in the right place at the right time."

Popov sued Hayashi, claiming he was the rightful owner since he initially caught the ball and that the crowd, along with Hayashi, effectively stole it from him. The legal battle over the ball's ownership lasted 14 months, ending with a judge ruling that the ball should be sold, and the proceeds split between Popov and Hayashi.

The ball was sold for $517,500 (or $450,000 plus commission fees) to comic book artist Todd McFarlane. However, due to extensive legal fees, neither Popov nor Hayashi is believed to have made a significant profit from the sale. Hayashi used the remainder of his share to fund his master's degree.

Barry Bonds

Friday, October 5, 2001, 8:15pm

PacBell Park (San Francisco)

71st, breaking Mark McGwire's single-season record

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Jerry Rose

49

Knights Landing, California

On October 5, 2001, Barry Bonds hit his 71st home run of the season, breaking Mark McGwire's single-season record. This monumental blast occurred at Pacific Bell Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco. The ball was caught by Jerry Rose, who was in the sought-after cheap seats behind the deepest part of the park, where fans paid as much as $150 for standing-room-only tickets that normally cost $9.

Bonds' historic shot sailed to the deepest part of the park, well above the 421-foot sign, and to the right of where Rose was standing. The ball would have hit a brick facade, but Rose managed to pluck it from the air and secure it in his mitt.

Immediately after the catch, Rose was swarmed by fans celebrating the momentous event. The crowd around him was so dense that Major League Baseball personnel couldn't initially reach him. It took a half-dozen San Francisco police officers, led by officer Maria Escobar, to force their way through and escort Rose and his wife out of the frenzied crowd.

Rose described the experience as akin to "moving the President," as he was drenched in beer and hustled through the screaming throng by San Francisco police and MLB officials. One enthusiastic fan even tried to grab Rose, saying, "I just wanted to touch him."

When asked about his intentions for the ball, Rose dodged the question, simply expressing his desire for a Giants victory.

Barry Bonds

Friday, October 5, 2001

PacBell Park (San Francisco)

72nd

Watch Video

Marquis Grissom

34, Los Angeles Dodgers player

On October 5, 2001, shortly after breaking Mark McGwire's single-season home run record with his 71st home run, Barry Bonds hit his 72nd home run in the same game at Pacific Bell Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco. This home run barely cleared the wall, creating a frenzy among fans eager to catch another piece of history.

San Francisco firefighter Steve Coffey, 47, described the scene: "We had a big, mad rush for it. Probably all of us felt like we got a glove on it. It never hit the ground." The ball bounced off several fans and eventually landed back on the field.

Marquis Grissom retrieved the ball on the warning track and returned it to Bonds. Dodgers first baseman Paul Lo Duca remarked that he had an impulse to run and grab the ball himself, highlighting the excitement and intensity of the moment.

Bonds, reflecting on the historic event, mentioned that he had no immediate plans for the ball other than to "just stare at it for a while," capturing the awe and significance of his achievement.

Manny Ramirez Monday, October 6, 2003 Network Associates Coliseum (Oakland) 2003 ALDS, Game 5: Who Caught the Ball? ?	What's the Story? During Game 5 of the 2003 ALDS, Manny Ramirez hit a crucial go-ahead three-run homer off Barry Zito, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, in the sixth inning. This pivotal moment in a do-or-die game helped propel the Red Sox forward, with the weight of their 85-year title drought hanging in the balance. Ramirez's dramatic home run struck the concrete steps in the bleachers and then bounced back onto the field.

Rafael Palmeiro Sunday, May 11, 2003 Ballpark in Arlington (Arlington) 500th career home run Who Caught the Ball? Father John Collet Irving, Texas	What's the Story? Father John Collet, a professor at Holy Trinity Seminary at the University of Dallas, paid $20 for his ticket to the game. When Rafael Palmeiro hit his 500th career home run, the ball landed near the right field foul pole and was bobbled by fans around Collet. Despite the scramble, Collet managed to grip the home run ball and hold fast against a mob snatching at the souvenir, sustaining only a minor scrape on his left hand. "It was a surprise. First of all, I was submerged in all these people, and then all of a sudden I looked around and there were all these policemen all around. I was escorted out very quickly. I didn't really have time to pay much attention," Collet said. Palmeiro, who is Catholic, was visibly relieved when he heard a priest had caught the ball. He shook Collet's hand, thanked him for his kindness, and the pair shared a few laughs before a group of local media. Collet exchanged the historic ball for autographed items including a baseball, a bat, a batting helmet, T-shirts, and a jacket. Palmeiro said the negotiations between him and Collet "weren't bad" and that he "was glad to get the ball back."

Sammy Sosa Friday, April 4, 2003 Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati) 500th career home run Who Caught the Ball? Zach Kirk 22, college student St. Louis, Missouri	What's the Story? Zach Kirk and his girlfriend, Jessica Shull, attended the game hoping to see a home run from Adam Dunn or Ken Griffey Jr. However, it was Sosa who made history that day. The home run ball soared over their heads, deflected off several sets of hands, and ultimately landed at Kirk's feet. He quickly dove on it, securing the prized possession. Instantly, fans offered business cards and sums of up to $20,000 for the ball. Kirk was then taken by Major League officials for the ball's authentication and tagging. A Cubs representative offered an autographed Sosa jersey and photographs in exchange for the ball. Although Kirk humorously asked for an internship in the media relations department, his request was declined. Sosa himself stated he didn't mind if he didn't get the ball back. Despite considering returning the ball, Kirk decided to keep it, influenced by the potential financial benefits for his future. He later auctioned the ball through MastroNet Inc. in 2003, where it sold for $44,824. Kirk planned to use the money to fund his graduate degree in education.

Barry Bonds Sunday, October 20, 2002, 9:01pm Edison Field (Anaheim) 2002 World Series, Game 2: dramatic home run almost spoiled Angels chances of winning the World Series Who Caught the Ball? ?	What's the Story? On October 20, 2002, during Game 2 of the World Series, Barry Bonds hit a dramatic and powerful home run that almost derailed the Anaheim Angels' chances of securing their first World Series victory. The game was held at Angel Stadium, and the Angels were just one out away from their historic win when Bonds stepped up to the plate. In a memorable moment, Bonds hit a towering shot that left fans and players in awe. Tim Salmon, watching from the dugout, famously mouthed on national TV, "That's the farthest ball I've ever seen hit." The television cameras lost sight of the ball, leading many to believe it may have cleared the stadium entirely.

Barry Bonds Friday, August 9, 2002 PacBell Park (San Francisco) 600th career home run Watch Video Who Caught the Ball? Jay Arsenault 36, carpenter Vacaville, California	What's the Story? On August 9, 2002, Barry Bonds hit his 600th career home run, becoming the fourth player in MLB history to reach this milestone, joining Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Willie Mays. The historic home run, a 421-foot solo shot, came in the sixth inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Pacific Bell Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco. Bonds hit a 2-1 pitch from Pirates starter Kip Wells over the center field wall, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Jay Arsenault, a carpenter, caught the ball in the center field bleachers. He was immediately swarmed by fellow fans, leading to a chaotic scene where he was bloodied, bruised, and accused of biting, but managed to maintain possession of the ball until security rescued him. The story took a dramatic turn when Arsenault's former friends filed a lawsuit in Solano County Court, claiming that he reneged on a promise to share the profits from the ball. Arsenault had allegedly agreed with his workmates to split any profits if one of them caught Bonds' 600th home run ball. This verbal agreement, according to California law, could be enforceable as a contract. Attorney Curtis Floyd, representing the plaintiffs, argued that Arsenault's agreement with construction firm workmate Tim Fisher and two other colleagues should be honored. Despite the legal battles, the ball was sold at auction by Mastro Auctions for $46,303 in 2002. Arsenault's statement to reporters reflected his sense of personal entitlement: "I'm a carpenter and I can't think of a person who deserves this more than me. I've been getting up early and going to work for a long time."

Scott Brosius Thursday, November 1, 2001 Yankee Stadium (New York) 2001 World Series, Game 5: led to a win by the New York Yankees Watch Video Who Caught the Ball? ?	What's the Story?

Derek Jeter Wednesday, October 31, 2001 Yankee Stadium (New York) 2001 World Series, Game 4: won the game and evened the World Series at 2-2, earned Jeter the nickname "Mr. November" Watch Video Who Caught the Ball? ?	What's the Story?

Barry Bonds Sunday, October 7, 2001 PacBell Park (San Francisco) 73rd, setting single-season record Watch Video Who Caught the Ball? Patrick Hayashi/Alex Popov San Diego, California/Bay Area	What's the Story? On October 7, 2001, Barry Bonds hit his 73rd home run of the season, setting a new single-season home run record at Pacific Bell Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco. The home run ball's retrieval became one of the most contentious moments in baseball memorabilia history. Alex Popov initially stopped the ball in his glove but did not secure it. As the crowd surged, Popov dropped the ball, and Patrick Hayashi, standing nearby, picked it up from the ground and placed it in his pocket. Hayashi described the moment: "The ball came into my area, bounced around and the guy at the bottom of the pile ended up with it. It's all luck. Be in the right place at the right time." Popov sued Hayashi, claiming he was the rightful owner since he initially caught the ball and that the crowd, along with Hayashi, effectively stole it from him. The legal battle over the ball's ownership lasted 14 months, ending with a judge ruling that the ball should be sold, and the proceeds split between Popov and Hayashi. The ball was sold for $517,500 (or $450,000 plus commission fees) to comic book artist Todd McFarlane. However, due to extensive legal fees, neither Popov nor Hayashi is believed to have made a significant profit from the sale. Hayashi used the remainder of his share to fund his master's degree.

Barry Bonds Friday, October 5, 2001, 8:15pm PacBell Park (San Francisco) 71st, breaking Mark McGwire's single-season record Watch Video Who Caught the Ball? Jerry Rose 49 Knights Landing, California	What's the Story? On October 5, 2001, Barry Bonds hit his 71st home run of the season, breaking Mark McGwire's single-season record. This monumental blast occurred at Pacific Bell Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco. The ball was caught by Jerry Rose, who was in the sought-after cheap seats behind the deepest part of the park, where fans paid as much as $150 for standing-room-only tickets that normally cost $9. Bonds' historic shot sailed to the deepest part of the park, well above the 421-foot sign, and to the right of where Rose was standing. The ball would have hit a brick facade, but Rose managed to pluck it from the air and secure it in his mitt. Immediately after the catch, Rose was swarmed by fans celebrating the momentous event. The crowd around him was so dense that Major League Baseball personnel couldn't initially reach him. It took a half-dozen San Francisco police officers, led by officer Maria Escobar, to force their way through and escort Rose and his wife out of the frenzied crowd. Rose described the experience as akin to "moving the President," as he was drenched in beer and hustled through the screaming throng by San Francisco police and MLB officials. One enthusiastic fan even tried to grab Rose, saying, "I just wanted to touch him." When asked about his intentions for the ball, Rose dodged the question, simply expressing his desire for a Giants victory.

Barry Bonds Friday, October 5, 2001 PacBell Park (San Francisco) 72nd Watch Video Who Caught the Ball? Marquis Grissom 34, Los Angeles Dodgers player	What's the Story? On October 5, 2001, shortly after breaking Mark McGwire's single-season home run record with his 71st home run, Barry Bonds hit his 72nd home run in the same game at Pacific Bell Park (now Oracle Park) in San Francisco. This home run barely cleared the wall, creating a frenzy among fans eager to catch another piece of history. San Francisco firefighter Steve Coffey, 47, described the scene: "We had a big, mad rush for it. Probably all of us felt like we got a glove on it. It never hit the ground." The ball bounced off several fans and eventually landed back on the field. Marquis Grissom retrieved the ball on the warning track and returned it to Bonds. Dodgers first baseman Paul Lo Duca remarked that he had an impulse to run and grab the ball himself, highlighting the excitement and intensity of the moment. Bonds, reflecting on the historic event, mentioned that he had no immediate plans for the ball other than to "just stare at it for a while," capturing the awe and significance of his achievement.