The Lunatic Fringe

I have never caught a foul ball.  One came close, but the ricochet caught by a female friend of mine who would’ve gotten it anyway.  While working as a photographer, I’ve had a few foul balls come in my direction (including a screamer that hit a foot away from my head against the wall at Municipal Stadium), but when you’re working at a game, no souvenirs.  I’d toss them into the crowd towards a kid.  But boy, the 20-something guys begging for the balls right next to the 10-year olds was a little…pathetic.  I get wanting to get a ball, I do.  But begging?  Offering me money?  Come on…

After all this time being around the game, I don’t know if I really would ever keep a foul ball hit at me.  It isn’t the same for me as when I was the kid.  But a home run ball…now that I’d keep, if the rules for keeping a home run ball allow me to.