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| July
3, 2008 Hey Zack(My Role Model), My name
is Anthony and i'm a big Phillies fan. I'm going to Phillies-Mets game
the 4th of July weekend and I was wondering if you are going to be there.
If you are, send me an e-mail and tell me where you are going to be
sitting so I stop and say hi to the most awsomest person in the world.....YOU!!!!!
Hope to see you there! :] |
| July
3, 2008 I stumbled upon your page, www.zackhample.com/photos.htm, purely by accident. I was googling something entirely different, but I wanted to let you know I was completely taken in by your page. I began looking at a few of the recent photos you posted (the ones with the catchy titles such as "My Teeth" and "Teasing a Dead Animal") and by the time worked my way back to "Up to the Ceilin' and up to the Sky", I was in tears. You have created a beautiful story of your life through these pictures -- well done. Thanks :) |
June
29, 2008 |
| June
28, 2008 hey zack:) i just read your article on yahoo news. never heard ofyou before but i thought that was pretty cool how u can beg for a baseball in 32 different languages:) but besides that i saw ur pic and ure a complete hottie....:) -Michelle, age 26 New Orleans, LA |
| June
26, 2008 Hello ZACK, You are truly Awesome. I ran across your Blog as I was reading up on shagging balls, and getting autographs, because…… I am traveling to Shea this weekend from Kansas for a bucket list trip,(not that I am going to Die or anything). Just something I would like to do before Shea is retired. Mets are my team. Anyhow, If you get this and you might be at Shea on Saturday, I would really like to meet you Just to shake hands I think your story from 6-23 was really cool and I will probably start reading your stuff more often. -Clifford Wichita, KS |
June 19, 2008
Thx again for the autographs, was very nice of you and you really made
my kids day. |
| June
11, 2008 I have only been to 11 Major League games in my life. But one of them was last year at Coors and I saw Griffey hit a HR. You may remember I posted last year that I finally got my first baseball, with your help. You told me that my goal this year was to double that. Well my brother and I recently went to the Cardinals/Pirates series in St. Louis. He has never got a MLB ball and I had the one. We used every trick and lesson that we have read on your blog. We both just wanted one each in a four game series. We are still in shock!! I got 5 and he got 4!! He has been practicing the glove trick for months and he got 3 balls using it...Thanks again for your blog and love of baseball. My brother and I just can't tell you how much that trip meant and snagging the 9 baseballs. Keep up the good work and I wish you luck in all you do! -Jim, age 40 Price, UT |
| June
10, 2008 Hey man whats up ummm i am just emailing you to let you know i actually got my first ball at Yankee stadium sunday june 8th during battung practice and i used all of your tips and they worked and i am just thanking you for heliping me by putting tips on your site so thank you -Kevin |
June
9, 2008 |
| June
8, 2008 Thank you for all the fun and the things you taught me yesterday. I still cant believe I was lucky to meet you. I hope I have the chance to sit with you again soon. My Mom will send the pictures, and my brothers say thank you. I will buy your new book as soon as I come back from Colombia. Your good friend -Alejandro, age 8 Miami, FL |
| June
6, 2008 Hi Zack, Travis and I enjoyed meeting you in Philadelphia on Monday night June 2. It was fun to talk to you and receive additional tips on snagging baseballs. Travis ended up collecting 5 baseballs at the Phillies game, and gave 1 away. We took your advice about Yankee Stadium when we went to the Yankees/Blue Jays game on June 3. We entered at Gate 6, and came away with 2 baseballs during Batting Practice. Even I snagged one of the 2!!! We were hopeful of getting a Yankees Final Season ball from the Ump, but we weren't lucky. Travis was "bummed" about that! Great to meet you in person, and continued best of luck to you. We are going to an Astros/Cardinals game in Houston on Saturday night. We have some Astros B/P balls that are marked with the "H". I hope we get some Cardinal baseballs! Good luck to you, and I hope to see you again in the future. Regards, George Tyler, TX |
| June
3, 2008 Zack, Thanks for answering!!!!! This is Alejandro's mom: My son is going crazy with you and your books, You –tube, he knows you better than anybody. He is a very smart little boy, and this weekend we are going to another baseball game to see if he can catch some more balls. (He carries your book with him, so he knows how many balls he needs to catch to break the record!) He actually caught 2 balls last time he went to a Marlins game As a mother thanks for the inspiration you have given him. He is into sports since a very young age, but baseball is his passion!!! More than catching a ball, it is about believing that you can achieve what you set up your mind into. That is the lesson he is learning with you and the balls. You are going to make him the happiest kid on earth with this e-mail God bless you -Rosa Miami, FL |
May 14, 2008 |
| May
10, 2008 hi zack, I have only gone to 1 game this year and snagged 1 ball, thanks to your tips...i actually had a dream about u a couple days ago and dreamn't that I met you and you taught me how to snag at game. lol, just a little thing. -Sanjib, age 14 Chicago, IL |
| May
10, 2008 I went to Shea last night for the rain delay...After Oliver Perez was throwing for 15 minutes (?) he threw that ball up to me. I would've never attempted to get it if it wasn't for this MLBLOG of yours I read. I go to the ballpark for the game more than wanting to get a game ball but, after I read every entry you've posted, my 19 year old mind has been inspired. But don't worry. I collect ticket stubs more than game balls haha. Thanks man. -Donnie |
| May
5, 2008 Hey ! whats upp?? Well let me tell you something... my name is carter r . and i am 12 years old... and i live in kansas city!!! The royals suck, and they probably always willl, but that is not why i am e mailing you! I was on youtube and i searched "baseball" I saw a video and it looked cool!!! IT WAS YOU! You where with that kid at the athletics BP,,, I have been searching for the last 3 days non-stop all about your facts you talked about, and im even gona buy your books very soon. This is probably the millionth e-mail you have read today that is the exact same as all the rest. But i really want to learn more about snagging balls! It all stated this morning when i made THE GLOVE TRICK! I thought it was such a great invention! I came right home from school today, and showed my mom how it worked! I even showed her all of you videos on youtube , and i convinced her to take me to the red sox(my fav team)vs. the royals BP The game is not till august, but it will no doubt be one of the best experiences of my life, and i could have never convinced her with out your videos!!! My goal is to get a ball from DAVID ortiz and MANNY ramirez... i am gona try to ask them in spanish too !!!!!!..... DAME LA BOLA POR FAVOR........!!!!!!!! Man i wish i could meet you some day ,,,, i want you to know that there a lot of kids who look up to you and you are a great blogger too........ MY ONLY QUESTION IS... WELLL SINCE I AM ONLY 12 DO YOU THINK THAT ANY OF THE SECURITY GUARDS WWILL GET MAD WHEN I DO USE THE GLOVE TRICK....you ARE a true life saver .... PLEASE CONTACT BAK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE |
| May
2, 2008 Zack, I just wanted give a shout and let you know that I have really enjoyed reading your blog for the last year or so. I go to a ton of games at coors field every year and try to make it a point of of getting to bp at least a few times every season. I have some great home run area seats for tomorrows game and I'm going to try the glove trick a bit tomorrow, wish me luck! -Geoff |
| April
28, 2008 I have been reading your blog for over a year now and I have read every word. After discovering it, I went back and read the archives and seldom go a day without checking for an update...My wife and I enjoy collecting baseballs as well and have our own little competition going. Unfortunately (or fortnunately) her cute/hotness factor has her slightly ahead of me since we started three years ago. -Phillip Hilliard, FL |
| April
28, 2008 Zack- Well done on the trip to Disney. I'm sure I can speak for all of us who read the blog, that we appreciate the quickness that you were able to post about the games. They are always entertaining and like most people that have already commented, I laughed at the first pic as well. -Phill Orem, UT |
| April
24, 2008 Hi Zack.... Just wanted to let you know that it was great meeting you in person finally. I had a good time hanging out off and on throughout the game...You were a lot different in person than I thought you would be. That's a good thing by the way. See you tomorrow. Leigh, age 40 San Diego, CA |
| April
17, 2008 Great stuff! I know that you share your information with other baseball enthusiasts as I have witnessed this in some of your posts and video clips...Thanks for passing on your treats to others-and especially leaving some of those treasures for the youngsters. |
| April
16, 2008 Congratulations on reaching the 3,000 Ball Club (during the streak) and also for the 500 Consecutive Games With A Ball Club, and obviously for the 28 record...For anyone who wonders why it's a good thing to swipe baseballs off the field, just consider that you have a legion of followers now who are buying tickets to be at Major League games. It's all good. I think a club oughta just save you the trouble and present you with a box of 29 variety baseballs at a future game. -Mark Newman/MLB.com New York, NY |
| April
15, 2008 Wow Zack I can't believe it! 28 ball is simply amazing and that's why you're the best there is. There has to be a place in the Guiness Book of Records and Baseball Hall of Fame for you. PS....the bookstores are still hiding your books and so I'm still having to move them to better spots where everyone can see ;) -Mike, age 26 Albuquerque, NM |
| April
14, 2008 OH MY GODDDDD!!! This is the single most incredible thing I've ever read in my life!! Every second was more gripping than the last. At one point, I had to slow myself down from reading too fast. I'm talking about ME, and I wasn't even within 300 miles of the place, but it felt like I was there. You are one incredible b--a--s--t--a--r--d! (I mean that in the best of ways.) CONGRATS! (I am so pumped right now, just from reading your entry.) I can't believe how awesome this ballpark sounds. (And it really does look like Nationals Park is a Citizens Bank clone.) Speaking of which, I can't wait to go there tomorrow. I'm going to try to break double-digits, which seems really easy right about now... Anyway, congrats on essentially clinching a victory in our little season-long competition. It was fun while I still had a chance. Greg, age 18 New York, NY |
| April
10, 2008 zack, awesome site. just happened on it today and am hooked. i also enjoy the thrill of snagging baseballs at games. sometimes i can't enjoy the actual game until i've already got one. -Bernard |
| December
2, 2007 Dear Zack, I am not sure if this is actually the Zack Hample that collects the thousands of baseballs but I read a couple articles about you and I find them very interesting and cool, and I am glad to see there is some one that has a love for the game of baseball as I do. I myself collect baseballs, mostly autographed. But I also bought off of Ebay last year an Alex Rodriguez Home Run ball. It was his # 317 of his career, with the Texas Rangers. It has a letter of authenticity from Elite Sports. And indeed says it is his # 317 Home Run ball. I have the box score with it and the Arod Road to 500 card of it too. It is really neat and I just wanted to share that with you ! And it would be cool to hear back from you ! Well, All the best and Happy Holidays......... Nino |
| October
7, 2007 ive read every single word of every entry you've written atleast 3 times, i love it...its to the point where my family is watching a met game at shea and every foul ball we say, " i bet zack got that one"...or every 3rd ball out...so you dont stop reading this, im just going to end by saying i respect what you do and the passion you have (im a writer myself-school sports section!!)... thanks, josh |
| October
1, 2007 this was my 1st year reading your blog, and finally meeting you, and it helped my snagging start and take off. not to mention the excitement of reading your new adventures every day at the ballpark. thanks, its been good. -Gary, age 14 |
| September
12, 2007 Hey Zach, just wanted to drop you a note to say it was nice to finally meet you Friday night at the Astros game. I was the guy from New Jersey who was with you for a bit in the RF loge trying to get a ball. My son was there also. I introduced you to my nephew in LF later. We each ended up getting one ball. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I really love getting to the ballpark early to take it all in and get a ball. I have also had the chance to meet a lot of ballplayers. It is a great hobby, this snagging, business. I have had a great time doing it the past 2 season. Mainly because of you. You are a great writer and the stories on your blog are really interesting. Don't stop and don't let any critics get to you. My son (Patrick) was hoping you would mention him in your blog after meeting him Friday. Don't worry about it. He is a great kid but really shy and has trouble asking for balls himself. He thought itwas cool meeting you. Good luck with the book and I hope we cross paths again. Your snagging compadre Brendan PS Patrick says to tell you HI |
| August
25, 2007 I just wanted to let you know I was bored last night since the Rockies played a day game, so I tried to figure out the glove trick. I got it set up perfectly, and my 3-year old daughter can do it standing on top of a chair. I took it to the game tonight, and a buddy came over and wanted to try it on a ball in left-center, one try and he got the ball. A little later, a ball rolled to the fence where I stand in straight-away left field, and there were a couple of players that didn't go retrieve it, and Willy Mo started to go get it just as I was lowering my glove. Willy Mo walked over and stood there and watched me pick it up, he just smiled. I just thought I'd let you know, I had about 50 people asking me where I got the idea, and I told them about your book. -Dan Denver, CO |
| August
9, 2007 Hey Zack, I was just reading your blog on mlb.com because I saw this newscast of you and I thought that you looked extremely familiar. So I found your website, and I read the blog of the game that you went to last year on June 14, 2006, it was the Phillies vs. Mets. I read the entire blog and I was in shock. That is how I remember you, during batting practice you were right next to me the whole time, and when you got that ball with the Ashburn Alley logo on it, I was the person that told you what that meant. I could'nt believe it when I read that this morning, hopefully I will see you soon, and I'm going to the game tomorrow (8/10/07). Phillies vs Braves. I'm a huge fan of you and i hope that you remember me. -Justin Lehigh Valley, PA |
| July
30, 2007 MY son has had your book for 4 years. We read it every year before we go on our annual two week baseball trip to major league parks. With your great book we usually get like 10 or 15 balls. -Michael Maywood, NJ |
| July
15, 2007 Hey Zack. I've read your latest book and loved it and i'm looking for How to Snag Major League Baseballs but can't find it anywhere. But i have watched so many videos of you and read so much about you and you are my idol. i tell people that and they think im wierd but who cares. im not wierd.... i think. just joking. my mom and i were watching the homerun derby when Morneau hit the homerun. instantly, my mom and i were both like "thats zack hample!!!". my mom is (i hope) working on getting to go to a game with you and me. -Clif, age 13 Tenafly, NJ |
| June
26, 2007 Zack, thanks to your blog, and tips below, I was able to snag a ball for my son, Colin. One of my lifelong goals was to get an MLB game-used ball, and it came on the perfect day--Father's Day with my dad and 2-year-old. (See attached.) Better yet, it was tossed to us by none other than Ryan Howard. Now that I see how easy it is, I look forward to passing the tips along to Colin when he's old enough to understand. Thanks again. -Jim |
| June
24, 2007 Hey Zack, I accidentally stumbled on your blog and I LOVE IT. I have learned so much about baseball and am totally amazed by your glove trick. I attend ball games alot and love to collect autographes. I tried the trick yesterday at Angel Stadium and I snagged 2 balls! Also, I love your book "How to Snag ML baseballs." At first I couldn't find it on amazon, ebay or just about any places on web. Good thing is that I used Google book search it is avaliable in my local library~I actually applied for library card just to rent your book!!! THANK YOU ZACK, YOU ARE MY ROLE MODEL and the video is very cool, too!!!!! -Sammy |
| June
24, 2007 I really enjoy reading your blog, and it played a major part in inspiring my current goal of getting a bucket (35-50) balls for my former high school team by seasons end. Though I only average about one ball per game, I am well on my way. Thanks. -Andy |
| June
22, 2007 I've been reading your blog and it's really so much fun. Your love of the game is infectious and every entry is worth reading. All the stuff about Bonds' 724th is especially amazing. The more I think about it, the more I want to tell you I think you are a hero and an inspiration. The game needs more people like you- who can help the next generation fall in love with baseball for life. I got to thinking about the impact you've already had on kids who will cherish their game balls. Balls they may not have had a chance at without your help. I know you are working on a revision to your first book and I really hope you can get it back in print. Good luck with that. -Ethan, age 30 New York, NY |
| June
22, 2007 I've been enjoying your blog. Thanks for sharing your wisdom for all of us who have just longed to go home with just 1 ball after a game! I grew up in Chicago (go Cubbies!) but moved out to Australia because of work. I can't wait to go back to the US ballparks to try out your suggestions. -Eddie |
| June
18, 2007 Hey, My name is Toby, i'm a big baseball fan living in England. This year i persuaded my parents to take me to Chicago and i'm going to be watching three baseball games there, two major league and one minor league. I was browsing on youtube when i ran into your videos and i think that what you do is great. When i go to Chicago i'll be watching my first ever baseball game and i'd love to be able to come back home with a major league ball. I was wondering if your book would still be in stores, i know it came out a couple of years ago but if i could get a copy that would be really great. I've learnt loads of tips already from your videos and i'll do my best to use them. I'll appriciate any reply. Keep the streak going! Your Fan, Toby |
| June
7, 2007 I recently discovered your blog, and I think it is awesome. Ever since I started reading I have now been trying to snag balls at every game I attend. I used to think it was so hard, but after reading about how many you get ive been able to get a few here and there. -Chris, age 19 Rutherford, NJ |
| June
6, 2007 Hi Zack, I've been reading your site for about a year now, and have enjoyed your love of baseball and stories. I have never in my life got a ball, even at minor league games, but I went on vacation to Denver this past weekend, used your tips, and got my first ball ever at batting practice. It was an official Major League Ball and it is now proudly displayed in a case in my living room! Thanks for the tips on here, it paid off so nice for me. -Jim, age 39 Price, UT |
| June
2, 2007 Dear Mr. Zack- Thanks for making our first Yankee game memorable. Thanks for the great tips! My daddy got three balls for his three boys. We only need one more for our little sister. We enjoyed hearing you talk about your passion for baseball and all the great places it's taken you. Hopefully we'll meet up again :-) Your friends, Owen and Ethan |
| May
29, 2007 Just started reading your blog a few weeks back. I am not much of a collector (I have 7 career balls) but still like reading your stories. -Pete Pittsburgh, PA |
| May
1, 2007 You are a genius! Your method of snagging balls at batting practice totally worked for me. I used a modified method - instead of a glove, pen and rubber band - I was able to use a cup, roll of tape and very long string. I managed to get them into Yankee Stadium. I managed to pick up five balls - day one! My son (9) was so excited - he started to hand balls out to the kids around him. He kept two and even managed to get one signed by Reggie Jackson as he was leaving the parking lot. -Ken |
| April
22, 2007 Hi zack, this is Darby from Lafayette ,Indiana.I'm 11 years old and a huge fan of yours.I read your blog every week.Its neat how you know were to get all the baseballs at. I havent gotten to read your books yet.Your glove trick is awesome.I think its a good idea to have both teams hats at a ballgame.I find it interesting how you get all of your balls.Good luck at the home run derby.I would like to know if there's batting practice at minor leauge baseball games.I have started a used baseball collection of my own.I have also caughten a puck.Well I've gotta go know.Bye |
| April
21, 2007 Hey Zack my name is Ryan and I live in Northern Kentucky right next to GreatAmerican ballpark. I am a big fan of yours and saw you on the CBS evening news. I go to GABP several times a year and just last week I broke my old record of 7 baseballs with 11 on April 17 against the brewers. I just wanted to say what's up and keep doing what you are doing. Write me back if you can. |
| April
3, 2007 My snagging starts on April 9 vs. Philly, and I'm only 8. I, thanks to you, caught 15 balls at games last year |
| March
29, 2007 Hey zack...wish I could have been able to make it to the book signing..would have been cool to meet ya. Plans got changed unfortunately! I was looking thru you site and photos and all and I noticed that ASHBURN ALLEY baseball that you got at Citizens Bank park..thats awesome. WOW. I never knew about those baseballs...never saw them. i am a huge Phillies fan but we don't get down to the park much any more as we have a indy league team here (lancaster Barnstormers) and we have season tickets for them. I get quite a few batting practice baseballs from them...I collect autographs and I stand outside in the parking lot during bp and shag the ones that come out over the rf wall (its a short porch...300". Those baseballs are nothing special...just plain ones marked with LAN in black sharpie. some nights i bring in about 10 of them....very often I toss them back to the grounds guy! I currently have 115 baseballs...in 714 minor league games attended...i do get my share of foul balls and balls given to me by the players..etc etc. I catalog them all in a notebook..where I got them, who hit them, (if I know) what type of baseball things like that..I also put a small bit of tape on them below the logo that I number...each one in accordance to the number in the notebook. Then I keep running track by League /city etc. Not as massive a job as it would be for you but still fun to do. Wish i still had the energy to try out your methods but hey..I've done ok for myself. zKeep up the great work on the website and the blog..i really love reading it. I am looking forward to reading you latest book..I just wish I had a copy of the first one..is there any chance it is in another printing? thanks and looking forward to more of your antics. -Amy, age 48 Lancaster, PA |
| February
1, 2007 hey i just wanted to e-mail to let u know that you were my first memory from my first mets game i was about 6 or 7 and it was during BP you caught a ball and gave it to me...thanks so much that was my first game and my first used OMLB..i just thought i would let u know this ttyl -Domenick, age 16 Norwalk, CT |
| January
6, 2007 Hey Zack, I just saw some clips of you on You Tube, and they give me lots of ideas. I have never got a major league baseball. Last year I went to a total of 13 games and I got no baseballs. Now that I heard of your tips they can help me get baseballs. I really like your hobby and I wish to collect baseballs too with my dad. I was wondering on 1 of your videos I saw you holding a sheet with pictures of the players and I think some names on the back of the sheet. What is that for ? I was also wondering do you got any tips of ways to get baseballs at Rogers Centre? Thanks! -Derek Toronto, Canada |
| November
27, 2006 Hey, I saw you on t.v. and thought you were rad, so I wanted to get a copy of your book. I've only seen it on amazon.com, and it was $25. I was wondering if I would be able to purchase the book from you directly for less than that. -Tiffany, age 19 Santa Clarita, CA |
| September
13, 2006 As a dad of a 10yr old who has used your techniques to snag his 1st baseball at a major league game...THANK YOU -John Chicago, IL |
| August
31, 2006 Zack are you going to tommorow night's game at Yankee Stadium vs. the Twins. Please please please please please can you go!!! I will be there and I want to meet you!!!! |
| August
23, 2006 I just started reading your blog about a month and a 1/2 ago and I am now a huge fan of yours. I also bought your book last week and since then I went to Camden Yards and got 2 balls and got 14 minor league AA Eastern League balls in 6 games. btw...Nice snag on the Bonds ball. I saw it on MLB live and thought that it might be you but I was not sure. I must be so awesome to own a huge piece of baseball history. -Michael, age 14 |
| August
22, 2006 I thought you were an obsessed whacko at first, but appreciate your passion, and respect how you educate your competition. -Jeff Philadelphia, PA |
| July
26, 2006 Hi Zack, i have been a fan ever since i read your book a couple years ago and just recently started reading your blogs. I was just curious if you had any tips for snagging balls at safeco field and the metrodome? I also was wondering if you know what time the Metrodome opens? Thanks for taking the time. -Tyler |
| June
22, 2006 You have a great blog and I love reading your entries. I recently got a copy of your book from a friend and now I have already gotten 13 balls in just 3 games. I just wanted to thank you for giving me and I'm sure many others a new and fun hobby. I don't get to Shea as much as I'd like to, but I hope to bump into you the next time I go. -Jeff |
| June
13, 2006 I bought your book when I was 9 or 10 at a book fair at my school. I loved it. I'm psyched to see you are writing a new one! I'm 16 now and attend as many dodger games as I can. I LOVE GETTING BALLS!!!! You are a legend! I have 7 balls. My numbers are going up. I caught one in 2002, 2 in 2003, 2 in '05, and I'm already at two for this season. My last baseball is questionable, I didn't get a player or coach to throw me the Ball, rather than an Umpire, Would you count this? -Ethan Van Nuys, CA |
| June
2, 2006 I think your blog is fascinating on many levels. I never really cared much about getting balls at games, but there I was at Shea last week lungng over a rail just to grab one. Unfortunately, all I came away with was a bruised right knee- I think I need a little more practice. But, the only reason I felt emboldened to try to get one was because of your blog. Last month I was able to get one for my 7 year old nephew by employing a liitle inspiration I got from your blog---I complemented Tony Pena into tossing me one. Boy, was my nephew impressed. Passion is infectious, whatever the subject matter, and you exude passion through your ball collecting tales. You're also a very provocative storyteller and that's what I enjoy most. Keep on collecting Collecta, 3000 is on the way. -Carl, age 32 New York, NY |
| May
13, 2006 Just wanted to send a quick note saying, Keep doing what you're doing. I read one of your recent posts about the haters ("begging for balls") and they are full of it. It's no ones business to tell you what is the "right" way to have a collection. I personally think it's great that you have this hobby and that you use all your methods to obtain baseballs. Not to sound like a suck up but I'm a huge fan of MLB and the Mets so I understand how much fun it must be when I read up on your own personal fan/player interactions. Keep up the good work and stay with it. |
| November
17, 2005 I just wanted to say hey and I love reading your blog. I discovered it yesterday and have been reading all I can. I love it. This is what I love about going to a game. I collect autographs and try to get balls. I am not as much of a diehard as you are but man, you are encouraging me to become one. Problem is I am 38 and have 2 little kids I have to watch. Hard to run and grab a ball and keep up with the 2 and 3 year old. They tend to slow you down a little. Keep up the writing. I love it. |
| October
16, 2005 i am extremly impressed with your collection im 14 years old im almost where u stand just kidding. but im not bad ive caught about 25 thanks for your tips. -Andrew |
| October
6, 2005 Zack im your biggest fan,ive been a huge fan for about 1 year i look at your blog every day, i live near san fransisco are you planning on going to sf ever its so fun sbc park is great have you ever officially met jt snow? he`s my favorite player.Do you know how i could get a copy of your book? sorry im asking you so many questions but i idelize you.please email me back withe the answers. |
| September
24, 2005 Ive been following your blog almost daily since April... this season has been much more fun because of your advice and insight on ball snagging that we can all try. Keep it up! -Nick |
| September
22, 2005 Hey Zack got your book and it really works!!! Been to 3 Yankee games and 3 BP balls: 2 from Yankee bats and one from Orioles 3rd base coach Treblehorn. Thanks Zack. -Nelson |
| August
31, 2005 Thanks for the tips. I loved coming back to read about myself on your website... very cool. -Lars, age 17 Seattle, WA |
| August
30, 2005 I recently came across your website on mlb.com. I am a Southern Californian Red Sox fan, having lived there for 5 years before moving west. I am truly inspired by your hobby, and find it amazing how you could catch so many baseballs in all the games you go to. I recently went to my second baseball game on August 20th, Red Sox vs. Angeles in Anaheim, and I caught a ball! This ball was not from batting practice, because it was a day game after a night game, so I very happy. This ball was hit by Chone Figgins, and when the ball came my way, it first hit the light board, bounced off of it onto the ground, and then I chased it down the stairs 4 more rows, until it got stuck in a chair. At this point I realized that someone spilled their beer on me and pushed them away with my glove in frustration. I picked up the ball and just starred at it in awe for about a minute until an usher came to congratulate me. It was one of the best feelings of my life. I then remember your story, and thought I've still got 2,631 more balls to catch to reach you. Thanks for the inspiration. -Adam, age 13 Irvine, CA |
| August
22, 2005 This is so cool, a person doing exactly what I hope to do when I'm older! O.O Sounds like ya have a lot of fun at those games, any tips for a 14 year old on getting some balls? ;) -Fiona |
| August
2, 2005 I began regularly reading your weblog about 2 months ago, maybe more, i cant exaclty remember, anyhow, i was addicted right away. For a few years now ive been a collector of MLB and Minor League baseballs, i just love them. The way they smell when they are new, the perfect red stitches (on most balls, multi colored on asg balls) the perfect shape and weight, everything is perfect about them. They are just gems, just though i'd let you know i share the same fasicnation as you do. Do you ever find that people find it an odd hobby? I get some strange comments when people get into my car and i have a baseball sitting in there (i keep it in there because i just love how they feel, look, smell etc.). Whatever, ive even used some of your techniques to snag a few baseballs in Pawtucket RI, where the Pawtucket Red Sox play. Here is a good story for you, i was going to a game there in Pawtucket, and i did not have time to print out rosters for the teams, so i knew it would be somewhat on the tough side to call out players and get thier attention with out thier names, so i payed attention to the lineups on the scoreboard before the game began. This just happened to be a night where the area had a large thunderstorm, BP was cancelled there was minimal 'catch' being played by the players, although there were a few that did. Anyhow, i remembered a few names and numbers of the opposing teams, one specific that i remembered was number 19 of the Louisville Bats, his first name was alex, last name slips my mind now. As the opposing team left the field from toss warm ups i noticed that 19 had a baseball in his glove, as he approached the dugout i called out "Alex!" he looked right at me, i made a motion with my 2 fingers and thumb as if there were a baseball between them and he tossed the ball right to me, I owe that catch to Zack I thought (of course i wont give away any of the balls i catch). But anyway, keep the blogging up, I love reading it. -Dan |
| July
30, 2005 Man....I can't believe it...you were exactly right... about 10 minutes into batting practice..as I was standing on the stairs in between two sections in left field...Here come a bomb during BP by Brian Jordan (who is on the DL, didn't expect him to hit..) but I came away with the ball!!!! My first ever...wow Thanks so much for the tip! -Scott Huntsville, AL |
| May
18, 2005 I read your blog... AND live in Israel (Jerusalem)! You are living my dream (many ballparks, many "snags")... I live vicariously through you! Thanks, Kenny |
| May
17, 2005 Hey,hello.I am a chinese girl. Yesterday,it is a very chance that i found your blog website .i must admit that it is a very excellent website ,i like it .so i send a few words to you . |
| May
3, 2005 I owe you thanks about how to get an autographed baseball from that section of your book. I wrote to George Steinbrenner, stroked his ego in a letter and viola! - instant result. Thanks again for writing the book and of course your excellent advice. -Gabriel, Salinas, CA |
| May
22, 2004 Hi. I'm Evan and I'm from California . I am twelve years old.I have read your great book many times. I got in second grade and then every year I kept reading it, I have learned all your techniques. I enjoy going to dodger stadium( it is the closest stadium to me). My dad and I go about once every two weeks since I have a lot of homework and stuff like that. When I go My dad and I buy lodge tickets. We get their 90 minutes before the game and watch BP. At 90 minutes before the game their is no one guarding the door leading to the lower level. Every time my dad and I sneak down to watch BP. My record is three balls in one game but I'm trying to break that record. I have twelve total but I'm adding a lot each time I go to games. Last season my dad and I were at a dodger vs. mets game sitting in the lodge seats. Edguardo Alfonso hit a foul ball a few aisles over from me and their was another person racing me to the ball but I dove and beat him to the ball. this was my first and only game ball. Once I tried to bring a fishnet in but they wouldn't let me. To make it worse they didn't even return it to me after the game. Since then I have never tried to bring one in. Even though you are probably busy please try to get back to me. |
| September
29, 2003 Hey Zack.. Just wanted to thank you for your tips... went to a game on my birthday and using them got my first ever BP ball.. also got 33 autos including Magglio, Frank Thomas, and Jose Lima.. but was very happy to get that and just wanted to thank you for your tips.. keep up the good work. -Matt |
| July
24, 2003 Zack, I would like to say that I bought your book right about when it came out, because I couldn't figure out why I could never catch a ball. Since then, although it took me three years, I have snagged 4 balls at the age of thirteen. Today, I had my first multi-ball game, then rubbed it in my sister's face (she almost made me late for BP). -Charlie New York |
| June
22, 2003 Hi there! I met you outside the Yankee game on Jun 17 and saw you get ball 2020 or 2023(?). I was able to order your book from a bookstore at Roosevelt Field Mall(they found me the last paperback copy from Reno). Thank you again for your web address and I've since finished your book and hope to met up again, hopefully to get it signed by the author. Thank you again for renewing my hopes to one day get a major league baseball. -Jim Queens, NY |
| May
29, 2003 Dear Zack, I am a baseball fan whose dream was to catch a foul ball also. I have always wanted to.I think you may be like me and get a kind of weird feeling when you see a fan catch a ball. To me, it's like seeing a Grand slam hit out of Yankee Stadium. My dream came true at Yankee Stadium. They were playing the Indians. It was in BP. A coach from Cleveland walked over to the outfield fence with a ball. I was 12. There wereprobably 20 kids reaching out. I stuck out my hat. And all of the sudden he looked up at me. I guess he saw the look on my eyes because he just reached up and stuck it in my hat. It was so awesome. I hope to get some more. I would love so much to be able to find a copy of your book. -David, age 13 Greenville, SC |
| May
20, 2003 I wrote you at the end of last summer thanking you for your advice in your book, and giving me more advice of where to go at Shea. I just wanted to say that thanks to you, I have snagged my 25th ball tonight (all at Shea and none during a game yet) and have got a least one at every game I went to BP for. I'm not setting any goal for the number of balls, I'm just having fun catching them. I guess my next goal is to catch a foul ball during the game...was 5 rows away tonight. Its funny I used to go to games to watch them, now I'm there to hunt balls. Maybe thats good, cause the Mets are going no where fast. Also, your advice for sneaking down works great too. I buy the nose bleeds all the time (even they are overpriced), and always watch the games from either field or lodge yet. Usually I'll stay in the upper deck for one inning or two, then move down. I memorized which ramps go down to the correct levels and every nook and cranny of the stadium (I didn't realize that some ramps went straight from the upper level to the street). Well enough blabbing, I just wanted to thank the "Ball King" for giving me a new hobby. Hopefully one day we can meet at Shea. Yours Truly, Mike |
| March
10, 2003 Are any of your balls that you caught for sell in bulk? I am interested in a couple of hundred for a huge wall mural display for a soon to be opened sports bar. Thanks-John |
| October
30, 2002 hi zack how are you? i just finished reading your book, it was really cool. my main hobby is collecting memorabilia from sporting events, mainly hockey and baseball. probably 85% of the reason why i go to MLB or minor league games is to get a ball. i feel so good when i get one. i only have about 5 balls from the 20 or so mlb games ive been to. your book was right up my alley. i bought it yesterday afternoon at a school bookfair and finished it this morning. -Jordan, age 13 Miami, FL |
| July
27, 2002 Dude you are such a geek. Why don't you take up a more productive hobby, like girls or smoking crack. -Alex |
| March
22, 2002 I bought your book about a year or two ago. It was really informing. I go to a lot of Tacoma Rainers baseball games and my brother and I get several baseballs. We even sometimes get baseball bat. I used a lot of your tips to get baseballs at Seattle Mariners games. I've gotten 5 baseballs from the Mariners and 1 of them is a game ball from Kazahiro Sazaki. -Jeff Tacoma, WA |
| January
24, 2002 Zack, Thanks man, I have been so intrigued by your story, that I now own YOUR BOOK. It's pretty sweet, I have made that glove contraption, and it works. At Spring Training last year, I got my first ball ever, I'm 28. For years as a kid, I went to Twins games, just praying, and of course I got nothing. Now that I'm an adult, I can go to games super early, and go to Spring Training. I now live in Dallas, TX, and the Rangers park is GREAT for balls (I've gotten 2). I had my shoulder separate last time I got a ball at the Ballpark in Arlington. It popped out, then right back in. It hurt for about 3 months. But, as you say, pain goes away, but you still have the ball. It's sitting right here. Thanks for the advice and a chance to still act like a kid at 28. -Dan |
| September
10, 2001 In school we need to do a book report,and guess what book i'm doing...hmmm...yep i'm doing How to Snag Major League Baseballs by Zack Hample. -Adam New York, NY |
| September
2, 2001 Your book is great. It must be great having all those Major League balls. Thanks to you, I caught my first four balls in one game. Unfortunately, I don't go to games very often, but when I do, I follow your book. I have even made the Zacktrap with my glove. You are the best ball snagger in the world. -Matthew, age 11 |
| July
18, 2001 Hey! I think your great. I have your book. It really helps in snagging me some balls. -Chris Minneapolis, MN |
| July
13, 2001 hey zack will you please e-mail my brother because he doesn't believe me i have your real address. -Michael |
| July
9, 2001 Dear, Zack I bought your book about two years ago. I had never gotten a ball in my life, but I so dearly wanted one. Your book has gotten me 15+ balls. Your book has good facts, and it's funny. -Garrett Bloomington, MN |
| May
17, 2001 Since I can remember, I have longed to snag a major league baseball at the park. It didn't seem fair for lucky fans who happened to be seated where the foul balls landed to leave the stadium with a souvenir that I so desperately craved. I gave up on my dream many years ago. When I saw your book, my determination returned. Although I'm now 36, I knew I still had a chance to realize my dream. I ordered your book (FedEx), read and reread it and developed my plan. I chose today's game, which started at 12:35-most kids would still be in school. I typed up lineups for both teams so I could memorize names and numbers (even birthdates-there were 2 May birthdates close to today's date!). Checked the pitching rotation and ordered my tickets accordingly. I stood at will call an hour early and was the 5th person in at the gate-only to discover there was no batting practice. Plan B.... A few Reds pitchers were warming up. Being fluent in Spanish, I eyed Osvaldo Hernandez and was determined to ask him to throw me his ball when he was finished. At 11:24, 19 minutes into the stadium, I snagged my first! I swear it was in slow motion and destined to be a highlight on Sportscenter! When the Diamondbacks took the field, I headed toward the 3rd base side. After welcoming Reggie Sanders back to Cincinnati, I asked him for his ball. At 12:15, number 2! THANK YOU! You gave me not only tips, but, perhaps more importantly, the courage and determination to fulfill a dream. What a rush...maybe I'll get some sleep tonight. -David Cincinnati, OH |
| April
22, 2001 I loved your book. It really inspired me to attend more games. -Jeremy H. Sioux Falls, South Dakota |
| April
11, 2001 Hi, Thanks For making the wonderful book. I went to The vet for the Phillies on April 9, 2001. I went to bating practice brought both a Marlins and a Phillies hat and at the end of BP Pat Burrel saw me with my glove and hat on and throgh me the ball. I was so excited. Then I had very good seats right behind the Marlins dougout and Derek Lee Saw me with my Marlins Hat on Dring the game and he tossed me the ball and one kid jumped in front of me to get it and he did. So later the next ining he saw me again and throught it to me. So now I have 2 balls for that game, and I ow it all To you. -Carmen |