THE
PLACE TO LEARN ABOUT BASEBALL -- AND HOW TO SNAG ONE AT A MAJOR LEAGUE GAME
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Nice
emails from nice people
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| February 2, 2010 Zack: As a fan of baseball, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your efforts posting your stories and adventures on your blog. I have remained a silent fan of yours for about two years, but wanted to take a moment to send you a note. Although I wish to remain annoymous, I have recently started a blog of my own baseball collection. Please forgive me, but your opinion would be very much appreciated on my blog as I consider you an expert in your field. I have had an interest in baseballs for a long time. I really enjoy your passion, but mine lies in a somewhat different genre; I enjoy collecting baseballs (both new and vintage) that are still in there original boxes. My preferences are for baseballs in un-opened boxes, but in this genre, I understand one cannot be picky. So my collection consists of baseballs in their original boxes, opened or not. I currently have about 100 baseballs, from the 1920s to today, all in their original packaging/boxes, but only a fraction of them are posted on my blog. As time permits, between career and personal obligations, I post what I can on my blog. I do this for two reasons. First, to share my passion with vintage baseballs with other fans. Secondly, this gives me a redundant opportunity to catelogue my collection for insurance purposes. I am no where in the league that you are, but as a fellow baseball collector who is just starting out with sharing his collection with the masses, I wanted to share this with someone. I thought you of all people could appreciate it. Anyway, sorry for taking up your time...All the best to you, and thank you for your blog; I have gotten A LOT of enjoyment out of it! Very respectfully, -Paul Lorton, Virginia |
| January 26, 2010 I hope you realize what a charmed life you lead. I'm often jealous. |
| January 24, 2010 I cant beleive ive waited this long to tell you but thanks for everything. Ive always wanted to get baseballs, i was crazy to get them. Minor league game after minor league game i tried so hard. One day i came across you on yahoo news and ever since then ive managed to snag 27 minor league baseballs and 5 mlb baseballs. You have helped me so much. I just wanted to tell you thanks! -Nathan |
| December
11, 2009 My son (age 11) is a huge fan of yours...views your blog site…watches you on tv, etc. He's also an avid sports memorabilia collector. I was wondering if you autograph & sell baseballs…if so, I'd like to get him one for Christmas. Thanks, Dean |
| November
28, 2009 Congratulations on turning your passion for catching baseballs into what appears to be a stand-alone business. I linked to your website from WSJ.com and really enjoyed reading your story as my older brother and me both love going to MLB games for the opportunity to try to get a ball at batting practice. We don't make it to anywhere as many games as you (about 3-5/year), but I could easily identify with the excitement about trying to get a batting practice ball. -Mark, age 27 Chester Springs, PA |
| November
26, 2009 Yo, Zack. So an interesting story from Thanksgiving. We're down in Virginia with my wife's family. We have a couple New Yorkers (wife's cousins) with us here. I was hanging out on the couch with a cousin who lives in Hell's Kitchen. So I asked him if he's ever been to Argosy Books. Indeed, he has. I mentioned that your family owns it and that I'd met you at several games this season and that you catch a ridiculous amount of balls. We were chatting about your exploits at the ballpark and then all of a sudden some lady (a mother of my sister-in-law's friend) who lives in California breaks into our conversation, "And, doesn't he give a lot of those balls away to kids?!" I said, yes, in fact you do. She said she'd seen you on TV talking about it. I mentioned you'd been on Conan recently, but that wasn't where she saw you. Anyway, I thought it was interesting that she felt the need to get into the converation to mention that you give baseballs to kids. Okay. That's all from here. Happy Thanksgiving. -Todd, age 33 Wyomissing, PA |
| November
6, 2009 Congratulations on raising so much money for a great cause!!! It looks like I owe $26.90 (wish I could give more)? Where do I send a check? Thanks again for putting such good karma into the universe through baseball. -Laura |
| October
14, 2009 Hey Zack, I saw you on Conan. I don't follow baseball regularly, so I wasn't familiar with your name or cause, but I'm glad I do now. You were well-spoken on television (little did I know, until I saw your blog, that you are an old-hand with television/magazine appearances), and now that I've found your blog I'm impressed with your writing as well and your clear eye for detail. You're supporting a great cause, and doing a really great thing for these kids- thanks for putting the word out there! -Lorelai |
| October
14, 2009 Hey Zack, Just wanted to let you know I snagged my first baseballs ever at a Phils/Marlins game 2 weeks ago. Technically, they were all thrown to me by players, but using the cheat sheet and roster sheet really worked! I ended up with 3 balls on the day, but I gave one to a little kid. His father thanked me and said it was his son's first baseball, and the feeling of satisfaction far outweighed the loss of my third ever MLB baseball. I gave the other one to my father, who also had never caught a foul ball or anything in his life, and it really made it a great day for both of us in all the years we've been going to games together. Just wanted to say thanks for all the tips, and bringing out a new ballhawk in me. -Harry, age 21 |
| October
12, 2009 dear zack although Id never watched conan before (and frankly wouldnt bother to again), I gladly turned on the tube to see you in action. I thought his ongoing riff was hostile, attention seeking in the most transparently infantile style and idiotic. you on the other hand were composed, funny, smart warm and entirely likable. so much for smarmy tv take gd care xox miche. |
| October
9, 2009 Zack, Just spent about 2 hours looking at your site, was like a good book that I couldn't put down. Although they'll probably disappoint me again, I'd like to do a 2010 mets game with you, probably with a friend of mine or two also. I grew up in marine park, went to xaverian high school in bay ridge, I'm living in manhattan now. I saw your newkirk ave gangsta photo, good stuff, which high school did you go to? Congrats again on an amazing life and being able to capture it all on your site. Best part is that you made the site yourself, no professionals, keep it real buddy, awesome.... -Chris |
| October
9, 2009 Hi Zack, Thanks so much for joining us on The Tonight Show. Your segment was great fun! And what a feat you accomplished ... getting Jeff Garlin and Conan so excited!!! Safe travels home. All the best, Britt |
| September
25, 2009 Thanks a lot for the tremendous job you do with your blog and website, you've definitely inspired me to become a ballhawk. -Jake, age 19 Moundsville, WV |
| September
24, 2009 It was cool to meet you tonight. I check your site out often and started ballhawking for fun when I can because of you. Ive always been a baseball fan and i thought it would be weird for an older guy to go out and try to get game balls and autographs. Then I realized how many out there actually do it. Then I said, you know what, It ain't so bad...hahahahaha...I got your book through Amazon earlier in the season. It was good stuff and all the best on your new work. I look forward on purchasing a copy. I try to make it out to Citifield as much as I can. Between family and work, its tough. I've made actually like 15 games this year--All at Citifield. I'm a fireman up in the Bronx at Engine 75. I'm also a professional fire photographer. My work has appeared in several fire service publications, CBS, the NY Post and Applebees Restaurants. Thats my niche as ballhawking is yours. Ive been shooting alittle over 15 years now. Enough of my blabber dude. Again, cool to meet you finally and all the best on your charity. Stay Safe, Be Well and God Bless -Danny |
| September
17, 2009 My son is a big fan of yours. he is pratcing to use your glove trick and learned it is not as easy as you make it. I tell him he has been doing it for years and knows how to do it, So we put down some balls and he went up on our pourch which is about 11 feet up in air. He is practicing to do it so next year he can get the balls at the cell that fall into the bullpen or between the fans and the field. just wanted to know you have some followers in chitown. -Mark Chicago, IL |
| September
16, 2009 hello zack my name is evan im 14 years old and im from long island.im a hudge yankee fan ive been goin to there games my whole life and caught my first ball in 2003 i found your website last year and fell in love with it i really enjoy goin on your site and checking out all your sick pics from all the games you've been to through out the years. like when i saw the 32 balls u snagged in kansas city i said dawm thats inpressive! i have 20 game balls life time and 31 bp balls all from yankee stadium but the main reason why im sending you this message is because i want u to maybe end up getting back to me letting me know the next time your gonna be at yankee stadium and maybe ill catch up with u early in bp. yes i know how strict yankee stadium security is but ill always be attending the games trying to snag balls. i really like what your doing with your charity and would like to really catch up with u at a game if u EVER EVEN READ THIS EMAIL! or if u hav someone else who checks your email account but if this message ever gets read i would like u to PLEEEEEEEAAAASE SHOW THIS TO ZACK i would really aprechiate it and to get back to me as soon as u open this email thank you 4 your time and i just want to say im a yankee season ticket holder and hav all my play off tickets at home this year so maybe ill see u at a game then if u go and i will be doing your famous glove trick that i love doing from your BIGGEST fan evan PLEASE EMAIL BAK OR TELL ZACK ABOUT THIS EMAIL PLEASE IT WOULD REALLY MAKE ME HAPPY to talk to u zack thanks for your time |
| September
16, 2009 Hi Zack! I've been visiting your site for a few years now and just like to say I'm a big fan. Unfortunately because of my schedule and having moved to Las Vegas I don't get a chance to attend very many major league games a year so I sort of live through you and your blog haha :) -Mickey |
| September
14, 2009 Hi Zack Hope all is well with you. It has been a long time since I have written! Just wanted to say hello, your last post (where you visit MLB) was insane! I actually mean what I am about to say.... I would PAY to read your blog! It is that good and original!!! I say we do away with all the kids who copy you!!! Take care and E-mail with the book updates! I can't wait to order my copy! Take care my friend! -Matt |
| September
11, 2009 Zack, I stumbled onto your MLB blog the other day and just wanted to shoot you an email on what a great thing I think you are doing with raising money by shagging balls. Your blog is great and from especially from my perspective as person who spent their student loan money going to ~40-60 Red Sox games/yr in college and shagging balls mostly in the right field corner. I pledged you .10 per ball but will cut you a check for $100 at the end of the season regardless. If you are ever at Fenway or need tickets (no charge) let me know and consider it an open invitation. I am a bleacher season ticket holder with a 3 year old daughter which means I get to ~10 games a year now instead of 40+, and would rather see my tix go to real fans of the game. Good luck- hope you hit 500 balls shagged this year! -Matt |
| August
15, 2009 Ok, so lets get the wide eyed huge grin on my face fangirl stuff out of the way first: You are awesome, I love your books, and, because it bears repeating, you are awesome! Good, now that that's cleared up, I want to let you know that because of you baseball has become an even deeper and richer experience for me. I didn't think I could love it any more, but I've been known to be wrong from time to time. This was one of those times. Moneyball was what started this love in the first place...way back in college in a sports psychology course. We focused on baseball a lot, and I saw what a deep, vast ocean the sport is when I had always thought that it was a shallow puddle. See? Wrong again! Point is, ever since then, I've been ravenously devouring all books about baseball I can get my hands on that are worth their salt (I mean, I"m not made of money, so I have to pick and choose what I read). Your books are really at the top of my list. I owe you a huge amount of thanks, so I figured I should drop you a line and do it properly. So, Zack, thank you and please keep writing and being as much of a professional baseball fan as one can possibly be!:D -Amanda Hieb Highlands Ranch, Colorado (and yes, I'm an undying Rockies fan-but have respect for a lot of other teams out there...I'm not so narrow minded to think mine is the only team worth loving, admiring, or just plain enjoy watching;) |
| August
15, 2009 Thanks Zack for giving me hours and hours of fun, reading through your blogs. I even took my ipod to bed to read them the other day. As I'm English I've only ever gone to one baseball game, which was a college game in Florida. This however was around 5 years ago and I'm now 15. I snagged 4 balls that day. 4 lying in a small grass verge and one I caught in an upper foul area section. Your page, zackhample.com is an inspiration to me, and I wish that one day I could go around the stadiums like you and try to snag hundreds of balls in The Bigs!!. |
| August
14, 2009 Zack, My name is Christian I'm 13 and I was wondering if you will ever be in Chicago for a Cubs game. I only have one baseball that i snagged from a game. It was the inaugural season ball for the Yanks. I hope that one day perhaps this year you can help me get a few more. I have seen all of your videos and check out your blog every day. I'm a big fan of yours and I would love to go snag some baseballs with you. Arigatou, Gracias, Spasiba, Thank You. |
| August
14, 2009 I gotta say u r a legend!!!! I'm always showin friends ur videos n page they say ur nuts I'm like I wanna do da too go all over I wanna be the mexican zack hample lol.... -Jose Los Angeles, CA |
| August
11, 2009 Dear Zack: I recently came across a YouTube video about you and then found my way to your blog. After showing them to my baseball-obsessed son, Jack, he has become an 8-year-old ballhawk blogger. You are his hero. If you get a chance, check out www.baseballballhawk.blogspot.com. He would pee his pants if you became a follower of his blog. Thanks for your good work and good works! Best, Neal |
| August
3, 2009 thanks to you my dreams came true my goal was to get the metrodome logo baseball which i did and to get the one with the guy batting which i see on your blog i read it dailey and i got that too thank you now i have to make new dreams (= thank you again. |
| July
31, 2009 Hi Zack, I have to start off by saying 'Thanks' because your glove trick made my day yesterday. I went to see the Yankees at U.S. Cellular pretty last minute, and only arrived at the stadium when batting practice was just wrapping up. No luck at the dugout as they left the field so I went to the bullpens to check for anything that wasn't picked up. I had decided to bring the stuff for the glove trick despite never using it before and having some trouble getting used to it in a short amount of time, but it paid off. My only goal was to get a Yankee commemorative ball. I saw nothing in the right field pen, then went over to the gap between the wall and the seats in left-center field and saw only one ball laying in the entire gap. I gave it a shot and knocked it closer to see that it was commemorative. After a few readjustments I reeled it in and got applauded by a bunch of people. So again, Thank You. If it wasnt for your blog, I would have never known. |
July
28, 2009 |
| July
26, 2009 Dear Zack, Hey what's up. I am Andrew from the Yankee game today (June 26, 2009). I saw your website and youtube videos and they were awesome. In case you really don't remember me I am the kid who you gave your buissness card to and autographed it and my dad's name was Danny. I was just wondering if you got a ball today. Thank's so much for being so nice to me at the game and sharing your infoformation about your awesome experiences at the ballgames you have been to. I hope we can keep in touch. Hopefully I can run into you at another game. Once again thanks a lot. Your fan, |
| July
26, 2009 I would just like to formally announce myself as a ZackFan. I love reading your blog even though I'm not really a ballhawk myself. |
| July
24, 2009 Hey Zack! I heard about you probably back in like 2007? I live around the LA area and love going to dodger games always trying to snag balls!! Anyways I wanted you to know your a really cool guy and an inspiration to alot of people!! I spent all of this month going through EVERYONE of your blog enteries!! I literally stayed up at night reading them cause I love reading about the awesome player-fan interaction!! It's really cool! Hope you can get your collection even bigger!! Thanks for just being cool! |
| July
21, 2009 Zack, wanted to thank you for your blog. It's always an entertaining read, and it got me motivated at the White Sox/Rays game today to get a ball for my eight year old nephew. I got to the stadium first, ran to the right center stands, and right in the front row was an Easter Egg of a game used (it had the rubbing mark on it) Metrodome ball. Just as I was picking it up, Carlos Pena blasted a ball to the stands. I had time to run it down as it bounced down the steps, and it was a mint World Baseball Classic 09' ball in beautiful shape! Then I got my third ball of the day on a ground rule double in batting practice that I had to jump up to snag with my glove. My nephew was a happy camper. Thanks again for all the tips man, and if you ever swing by Chicago, I will definitely be there to see you in action (unless you come to Wrigley, I refuse to step foot there.) -Mike |
July
15, 2009 |
| July
10, 2009 I just wanted to say thank you for getting me into ballhawking. You really have changed my life. If it wasn't for stubling on to your blog I would've never gotten into ballhawking and I wouldn't've found this great passion of mine. -Philip |
| June
28, 2009 Dear Mr. Hample, Hi, my name is Michael Higgins, and I'm 13 years old. I LOVE baseball, and I check your site very often for updates. I think you snagging 32 balls is amazing! I am an autograph seeker, and was never really into foul balls or batting practice or anything. But I went to a Rays-Marlins game yesterday and saw them both take batting practice. I kept all your entries and tips in mind and tried my best to catch a ball or have a player shagging them throw one to me. (But only before the Marlins started signing.) Unfortunately, I came up empty-handed. But I got closer than I ever have to getting a player to throw me something. I guess it helps being a kid. Anyway, I was just emailing you to say thank you for all the tips, and that you are a great author...I look forward to your next blog entry. If you find the time, I would love to hear back from you! Sincerely, Michael Orlando, FL |
| June
25, 2009 A million thanks for your support of the MLB book. I've been meaning to email and say thanks again for the blog entry you did on the book -- you're a class guy and I really appreciate all you've done. I hope to be able to repay you one day. Not sure how, but I hope I'll be able to do so. -David Horne, author of Major League Baseball: An Interactive Guide to the World of Sports |
| June
22, 2009 You do more to show the non-Ebay mentality of baseball autographs and balls than anyone out there. I am just glad you are still loving doing it and teaching the next generation. Major kudos to you. -Cliff |
| June
21, 2009 Mr. Hample (or Zack), My name is Conner V. I live in KC. And i can make a ryme anytime! Not really, this email is to compliment your abilities as a "deeply serious baseball geek" and "ballhawk". I personally thought that you were a hoax when i first saw your website. But then i read, reread, and rereread your mlb blog (awesome) and began to appreciate your skill. By the way, today, your glove trick impressed a retirement home today when i successfully demonstrated it to all 100 of them, basically thanks to you. I noticed that you were in KC a couple days ago and i know how the games went. Don't you think the royals are a little streaky?? Anyway, i've never managed to get my paws on a MAJOR league baseball, but i've gotten MINOR league baseballs. However, with your detailed tips and tricks, i can snag one at the next royals home game. THANKS AGAIN, -Conner, age 13 |
| June
18, 2009 I am so glad you got some major props from the KC broadcast guys. Two interviews in one day is amazing for most people, much less a ball hawk. I have to commend you on the way you do present yourself. Everything I have heard about you is total class and totally about the game and the art of snagging balls too. Glad MLB and the fans have someone like you to prop up there as a fantastic example of what is good about the game. |
| June
17, 2009 I saw your interview of FSN tonight during the 3rd inning. I hadn't seen or heard of you before and man was I impressed. You are living the dream ! Keep up the great work ! It's great to see someone who loves the game like you that can live out what so many of us would love to do. |
| June
12, 2009 Hi Zack- I'm a big fan of what you are doing and so I was extremely upset when I read your blog and saw that you were at the O's game the same day I was there. So I'm wondering when you are leaving, and if you are going to any games this weekend. Because I think meeting you would be very cool. Have fun in Baltimore, and I hope you grow to love our ballpark. From a big fan, Zevi |
June
11, 2009 |
| May
22, 2009 Hey Zack, Ive been reading your blog for about a year now and I must say I'm very impressed. It has inspired me to also follow on in the footsteps of you. I look forward to every entry you write. Let me tell you a little bit about me I have collected two balls in my short career of ballhawking, both from Petco Park. I am a fan of the Boston Red Sox because I lived in Boston for about 6 years. I still remain loyal to all the Boston teams. I collect sports things like baseball cards and autographs my favorite card is a triple jersey card of Pedro Martinez, Roy Oswalt, and Dontrelle Willis, and I also have an autrographed ball from the 2004 Boston Red Sox. I hope to become a pro sports player because I love sports. Thanks for always writing a good blog and being an inspiration. I look forward to hearing from you. -David, age 13 San Diego, CA |
| May
16, 2009 man you rule I love ur pashion 4 the game |
| May
14, 2009 Despite the trash I talked on my blog about you a year ago, I realize you are a true fan and I enjoy reading your work. -Mario |
| May
11, 2009 Zack- I was in Minnesota over the weekend to collect some balls and see the Dome...At one point I got 2 balls from the Mariners in a matter of 30 seconds, then a kid turns around and says, "Are you Zack Hample?" I said no with a smile on my face. Dude, you are a rock star! When you have people in Freaking Minnesota asking about you then you have made it! -Matt, age 29 Los Angeles, CA |
| May
9, 2009 IM Definatly going to have another wwz this year. it was so awesome i NEED to have another one. THANK YOU SO MUCH! It was SOOOOOO great last night, AND i would have only gotten 5 of the 10 balls, if not for you. -Joe, age 14 Sag Harbor, NY Watch With Zack client on 5/8/09 at Citi Field |
| May
5, 2009 Zack- It was truly an honor getting to watch you in action the past couple days. I like what you have said about the ballpark, I guess I get spoiled 'cause I get to go so often. Thanks for being so cool with my daughter & I really hope we can do it again soon. Your new friend, -Brian Arlington, TX |
| April
27, 2009 Zack! Thanks for linking to my blog and getting me some face time on your own! I had so much fun sitting back and watching the master (you) work his magic (snagging)!!! You need to come back to Miller Park soon! It certainly was fun doing my thing and seeing a celebrity like you competing with me a few sections over. -Shawn, age 19 Milwaukee, WI |
| April
26, 2009 Hi Zack I first met you on July 2, 2008 outside and then in the upper deck of Yankee Stadium. I believe they were playing the Rangers. I was with my 9 (now 10 ) year old son. Anyway he was amazed at how many balls you catch. He has a collection of 16 balls , 12 hockey pucks , 5 hockey autographs, and 10 signed baseballs, Not bad for 10 years old. Anyway my son has to do a biography report next month, I was wondering if anybody has every written one about you. I know he can get a lot of info about you off of your website, however it must be from a book about you. Right now it is between Derek Jeter, Grady Sizemore and yourself Thanks Andrew |
April
26, 2009 |
| April
26, 2009 Zack, I hope you are doing well..Just wanted to tell you I took my kids to the Atlanta Braves-Marlins series last week and my son Lucas (10) came away with his 1st 3 major league baseballs at his 1st major league games. We got em during BP with the Marlins and he was very excited. You were an inspiration for us to get agrressive and get some balls. Keeping catching!!! Thanks, John Olszewski Editor-in-Chief Sports Carolina Monthly |
| April
22, 2009 Zack, I don't even like baseball but I was researching baseballs and came across your site. I have never been so highly entertained by a subject I have no interest in before this! I even learned some things and somehow I even (almost) felt like I was kinda there, ya know? You are a great writer, think about that...take it where it leads you and good luck with your hobby! Thanks for a good read! |
April
20, 2009 |
| April
16, 2009 I really love reading your blog, it's always interesting and usually I get a laugh or two out of each one as well. I have also noticed that it has improved tremendously in 2009 compared to 2005. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into it, I always enjoy reading it and look forward to new posts. -Chad Canton, OH |
April
9, 2009 |
April 1, 2009 I
got back from Spring Training and i had 4 big moments because of you. |
| February
20, 2009 Zack, I sent your name to a friend of mine who works in the Marketing Department for the Tampa Bay Rays. I would think that you doing either a clinic or even a Q & A on a weekend series would be fantastic. Hopefully they can also see the great P R this can do for both of you because of your great talent in the outfield shagging balls. The things you can teach the younger Rays fans would be evident in the outfield for years, and maybe more if they remain Rays fans. Just wanted you to know that even in Korean, Chinese and even Taiwanese, you have a great positive message for baseball fans. -Rays Renegade St. Petersburg, FL |
| February
4, 2009 hey zack i read your book about 4-5 years ago and it changed my life. ive been going to batting practice and spring training ever since...I'm born and raised an Angels fan and go to 20-40 games a season. Since reading your book I have snagged 342 baseballs and have traveled to Spring training, Yankee Stadium, Fenway (For an Angels game in 2007...third base side during BP...I love it), the 2006 world baseball classic semi-finals and finals, and a Reds vs. Padres game this past summer. -Warren, age 15 Orange County, CA P.S. All Star Game 2010 Angel Stadium Come chill man! |
January
29, 2009 |
| January
26, 2009 Just stumbled across this site.Man, what a full life you have seem to have led.Seem to have covered your whole life in 30 minutes.Funny how it can be broken down into just a few minutes here and there.Just thought I would take a few minutes and say You have been truly blessed. |
| January
24, 2009 I was a telling friend of mine about you while I was on your blog and I said ME: "Hey, do you know who Zack Hample is?" FRIEND: "No" ME: "He, caught the LAST homerun ever hit by a Met at Shea." FRIEND: "Did you ever hear about the guy that caught those 2 homeruns at Yankee Stadium?" ME: "THAT'S HIM!!!!!!!!" FRIEND: "Dang" ADD HIM TO THE LIST OF YOUR FANS. -Evan, age 15 Raleigh, NC |
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