Anthony Gruppuso-USA Today Sports
Baseball fan Zack Hample might be one of the luckier guys out there.
Usually baseball fans will go to the game in the hopes of catching maybe one foul ball or a home run, but it’s just not that easy. For Hample however, there seems to be a magnet.
On Thursday night, Hample attended the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees game and came away with a pair of home run balls. Yes, not one, but two. The Diamondbacks scored four runs in the 12th inning on Thursday night, defeating the Yankees by a final score of 6-2. Hample collected the first ball in the right field section during the third inning. He then caught a second ball in the left field stands during the ninth inning.
Now for the bizarre news — this isn’t the first time that Hample has caught two home run balls in one game. Yes, he did three years ago in 2010 at Camden Yards. Now wait, Hample’s collection doesn’t end at four. He also caught Barry Bonds‘ 724th home run, the first home runs of both Mike Trout and Mike Nickeas. He also caught the New York Mets‘ last ever home run ball at Shea Stadium (2008).
Overall, Hample has collected 29 home runs — 24 of which he’s caught in the air, five others which have been thrown into the stands.
Oh by the way, Hample is also the author of the 1999 book, “How to Snag Major League Baseballs.”
The numbers don’t lie — Hample is a pro — he has perfected the art of catching a home run ball.
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
