This Day in New York Yankees History 6/19: AROD3K

Congratulations went out to Alex Rodriguez on this day in 2015 as the Yankees designated hitter hit his 3,000th hit of his major league career. In the first inning Rodriguez stepped up to the plate against the Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander and clobbered an opposite field home run to right field for the historic hit. Alex became just the third player in the history of the game to hit a home run for his 3000th hit joining Wade Boggs (Tampa Bay Rays) and Derek Jeter (New York Yankees) all-time. Congratulations once again to A Rod from all Yankees fans and from everyone here at The Greedy Pinstripes.



Also on this day in 1950 Joe DiMaggio had a two hit day and collected his 2,000th hit of his career. DiMaggio had an RBI single in the third inning and had another RBI single in the seventh inning to reach the milestone. The Yankees would beat the Indians 8-2 in DiMaggio's 1,537th game of his career.

For all the fans growing up in my generation to have a three strikeout game for a batter is something that happens once or twice a week, but it didn't happen all that much by Joe DiMaggio. On this day in 1942 DiMaggio struck out three times in a game for the first and only time in his 1,787 game career. The Indians Mel Harder is the pitcher that will forever go down in history in a 5-4 victory for Cleveland at Cleveland Stadium.


Also on this day in 1921 Babe Ruth vaulted himself into second place on the career list for home runs. Ruth would hit his 127th home run helping the Yankees beat the Red Sox in Fenway Park 7-6 in 10 innings. Ruth would pass Sam Thompson on the All-Time list and would find himself just 11 home runs away from the All-Time record holder Roger Connor.

Alex Rodriguez’s Return to Baseball?

Holy clickbait, Batman! Both here and by Alex Rodriguez on his Instagram account. On Alex’s Instagram account, the Yankees former third baseman and DH in case you’re new to the universe, Alex posted a video of him and his girlfriend Jennifer Lopez working out, presumably in their home. Alex captioned the video with “Comeback???” Later on in the post you could tell that this was an obvious joke and that he was just showing him and his Bronx-born girlfriend working out but I figured let’s have a little fun with it anyway here on the blog and get everyone excited about the man they call A-Rod pulling a Bernie Mac in Mr. 3000 and making a comeback.

Did I have you going? Check out the video. Alex is doing pushups, both with and without J-Lo on his back, and Lopez is seen dancing on the video to “Hypnotize” by the Notorious B.I.G. It’s worth a watch or two. Enjoy!

ICYMI: The TGP Exclusive Interview w/ Zack Hample

This morning we talked about Zack Hample and some of the advice that he was giving out to the USA Today about catching fly and foul balls at the ballpark. In the article we reminded everyone that if the name Zack Hample sounds familiar it is because he was the man who caught Alex Rodriguez’s 3,000^th hit, a home run to right field, inside Yankee Stadium. As you may remember there was a lot of controversy surrounding the home run ball after Hample caught it, so much so that Hample decided to come on The Greedy Pinstripes to talk about it and try to clear his name. Here is that interview from the 2015 season just in case you missed it. Enjoy and Happy Saturday!

Zack Hample is the lucky man that caught Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th hit that cleared the right field wall into the Bleacher Creatures, maybe you've heard of him? Zack's relationship with the Yankees fans immediately took a hit when he balked at the chance to return the historic baseball to Alex and the Yankees and has been on the defensive ever since. We have seen Mr. Hample on Good Day America, Conan O'Brien, Sportscenter and on many other avenues and today he lent his ear to us here at The Greedy Pinstripes. I admit that when I first sent the request to Zack I didn't expect to get a response but I had to have a horse in the race if I wanted a chance to win, to my surprise Zack responded. Zack was excited to be able to speak to the Yankees fans directly and give his side of the whole A Rod and 3,000 hit situation and I was more than happy to bring him an avenue. This is his avenue and this is his interview, Mr. Zack Hample:


The Greedy Pinstripes:

I think the first question my readers and Yankees fans everywhere want to know is are you a Yankees fan or would you consider yourself a general MLB fan?

Zack Hample:

I'm not a Yankees fan, but I'm not your typical Yankees hater either. I know it might sound weird, but I don't have a favorite team. For the last twenty years, I've rooted more for individual players, probably because I've attended games at 51 different major league stadiums and gotten a bit jaded in the process. Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera were two of my all-time favorites, not just on the Yankees, but in all of baseball, so whenever they were directly involved in the game, I rooted for them. I still root for the team in certain situations depending on who's hitting, pitching, etc.


TGP:

Can you put into words how much of a tug of war is going on inside your head right now when faced with the question of whether to give the ball back or not?

ZH:

The president of a major auction house told me that the ball could be worth $500,000, but you know what? On a personal, sentimental level, it's worth much more to me than that, so I'd rather keep it than sell it. Of course it's also worth a lot to Alex Rodriguez, so I'm taking that into consideration and considering all my options, including using the ball to raise a whole lot of money and awareness for my favorite children's baseball charity, Pitch In For Baseball. The point is, this is a HUGE decision, and I'm incredibly conflicted.


TGP:

Can you share some and maybe explain the spectrum of the uproar you are receiving by Yankees fans and non-Yankees fans alike? I assume your most hateful responses have come from Yankees fans, are they any that are “PG” enough that you feel comfortable sharing?

ZH:

Bald Vinny has said the nastiest things on the biggest platform. I don't care to repeat them here, nor do I feel like getting into a war or words. I can deal with being insulted, but I don't appreciate false accusations, so I'd like to let everyone know that I don't knock over little kids. Despite what Vinny and various media outlets are claiming, it's simply not true. Come watch me during batting practice for five minutes or for the next twenty-five years and you won't see me knock anyone down. I've never done it -- not once in more than 1,200 games! It's not who I am or what I do. Before every single pitch is thrown, I glance to my left and right and often look over my shoulder to make sure I have some room to move in case a ball flies my way. I'm hyper-aware of my surroundings and take special care not to cause physical harm to anyone.


TGP:

Do you have any regrets for reportedly tweeting out, to paraphrase, that if you caught the 3,000 hit home run ball you would give Alex a “dummy ball and the finger?”

ZH:

I deeply regret that. I didn't have many followers then, and of course I had no idea that I'd actually end up snagging the ball, so I was just trying to be snarky. But it was a dumb, unnecessary, negative thing to say. Most people say things that they wish they could take back, and for me, this is it.


TGP:

I think everyone would like to hear your stance on Alex, the game of baseball in the steroid era and his repeated offenses and how it’s affected and shaped the game.

ZH:

Some of my favorite players of all time -- guys I practically worshiped as a kid -- turned out to be steroid users. It really hurt, and I instantly stopped rooting for them. A-Rod is no different. I understand that many people, especially Yankees fans, still love him, but I hope that people will respect the way I feel.


TGP:

If you can get into it and name specifics what are some of the things that the Yankees have offered you?

ZH:

Initially they offered me a chance to meet A-Rod, have my own press conference at Yankee Stadium, appear on the YES Network during the game, receive Legends tickets and all sorts of signed memorabilia including balls, bats and jerseys. I told them I appreciated it, but that the ball was worth more to me than anything they could possibly offer. I had no intention of selling it at first. I was actually planning to keep it forever because it really was THAT meaningful to me. At the very least, I knew I needed to leave the stadium that night with the ball still in my possession. I needed to think about it.


TGP:

Has Alex Rodriguez tried to contact you directly in any way?

ZH:

No, and I'm sure he won't. The Yankees said I could meet him if I give the ball back, so if he were to reach out to me, that would diminish their offer. I don't blame A-Rod for staying out of it.


TGP:

Would this have mattered at all to you if you were the one to catch Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit and not A-Rod's 3,000th hit?

ZH:

If I had caught Jeter's 3,000th hit, I still would've wanted to leave the stadium with the ball and think about it. I don't think that's unreasonable.


TGP:

For those who haven’t heard about your blog, ZackHample.com, and your books, "How to Snag Major League Baseballs", "Watching Baseball Smarter" and "The Baseball: Stunts, Scandals and Secrets Beneath the Stitches,"tell us how that came about and maybe share a few trade secrets for those of us who have not read the books or seen the blog.

ZH:

I wrote my first book, How To Snag Major League Baseballs, when I was 19. It was my dad's idea. He was a writer, so he helped me brainstorm and then organize my ideas into an outline. The next book, Watching Baseball Smarter, was his idea too, but he didn't help in any way until the first draft was complete and I wanted his opinion. The third book, The Baseball, was my own idea. My publisher approached me and said they wanted me to write another book, so I worked with them to develop the idea. Then I signed a contract for it up front, quit my regular job, and worked on the book full-time for 18 months. Trade secrets in terms of snagging baseballs? The number one piece of advice is to make sure you have some room to move. I always make sure not to get trapped in the middle of a long row of people, but at Yankee Stadium that's tough because it always so crowded.


TGP:

Surely you have a fourth book in the works after this whole A-Rod ordeal, any ideas for a title?

ZH:

I'm considering a bunch of different ways to write about the whole A-Rod thing and share the story with everyone, but I'm not sure if it's book-worthy.


TGP:

How many baseballs have you caught as of doing this interview?

ZH:

Including batting practice and all the various ways that I get them, my current total is 8,172. That includes 159 foul balls during games, 32 home runs, and one ground-rule double.


TGP:

Will your foul ball grabbing record ever be broken and where do you think your 10,000th ball will be caught?

ZH:

It's certainly possible for someone even crazier and more obsessed to break my record, but I'd say it's unlikely. Camden Yards is my favorite stadium, so I'm thinking it'd be cool to snag my 10,000th ball there.


TGP:

Is the A-Rod ball the highest profile ball you’ve caught? Do you think it is worth the most monetarily?

ZH:

It's the highest-profile ball by far -- no question about it -- and I would say that it's worth more by itself than my entire collection.


TGP:

We’ve heard stories of you catching Barry Bonds 724th home run ball and consecutive home runs inside Yankee Stadium in 2008, which would you say in your favorite memory? Is there a milestone home run ball we missed or don’t know about?

ZH:

Prior to A-Rod's 3,000th hit, my favorite ball that I caught was the last home run that the Mets ever hit at Shea Stadium. I also caught a Derek Jeter homer in 2012. That was his 3,262nd career hit. And here's another random one that remains as one of my most cherished baseballs: the final out from Mariano Rivera's 313th career save. Later in his career, he saved all the final-out balls, but at that time, he used to toss them into the crowd when he walked off the field.


TGP:

This isn’t really Yankees related but how did the whole controversy over Mike Trout’s first home run ball come about and how do you think you got stuck in the middle of it?

ZH:

I'm not aware of any controversy. I caught his first career homer in 2011 at Camden Yards, and I gave the ball back to him after the game, no questions asked, other than to be the person to hand it to him.


TGP:

Tell us about the charity work that you do with “Pitch in for Baseball” and the work you do with BIGS Sunflower Seeds and your fans to donate money to underprivileged children so they can have baseball and softball equipment.

ZH:

Since 2009 I've been using my collection to raise money for Pitch In For Baseball, a non-profit charity that provides baseball and softball equipment to underprivileged kids all over the world. Basically, people pledge money for every ball that I snag -- kind of like how your friend will run a marathon and ask you to pledge some money for every mile -- and it all goes to the charity. I've raised nearly $40,000 with the help of BIGS Sunflower Seeds, who sponsored me in 2013 and sent me to all 30 stadiums and made a large donation to the charity. If people Google my name along with the word "charity," they'll find more info about how it works.


TGP:

Speaking of charity and interviews, is Conan still the worst interview you’ve done since all this went down? Also how many interviews do you think you’ve done since catching the 3,000 hit ball?

ZH:

Yup, Conan was the worst. When I tried to talk about the charity, he cut me off twice, and when I forced it into the conversation, he made fun of me. He wasn't interested in anything I had to say -- just making me look bad and getting laughs. I did 16 interviews the day after snagging the A-Rod ball, and I've done approximately 35 more since then. There are still at least 100 interview requests that I haven't even responded to. I needed a break this week, so I went to a couple of Yankee games and then spent an evening hanging out with friends. I've also had to stop scheduling interviews because I'm losing my voice.


TGP:

Is there anything you want to say to the Yankees fans directly? The stage is all yours.

ZH:

I'm sorry for the negative comments I made about A-Rod. If you guys can forgive him for using performance-enhancing drugs, I hope you'll forgive me for some of the dumb stuff I've said. The Yankees have been so kind to me throughout this whole process, as have most of the fans I've met in person at the Stadium, and I truly appreciate that. I'm hoping to work out a way for A-Rod to get the ball back and for the charity to receive a huge donation and for myself to get some cool experiences and perks at the stadium, but it's taking time. That's why it's dragging on -- not because I'm holding the ball for ransom or trying to get more interview requests. If you see me at the Stadium at some point, please don't hesitate to come say hi.



Zack, thank you so much for probably the most interesting and most hyped interview I have ever done in my years as a blogger. I appreciate you doing this interview for us as the owner of the blog and as a Yankees fan because I was able to get answers to the questions that I and every Yankees fan wanted after the home run was hit. While the saga continues of whether Mr. Hample will or won't give the ball back to Alex we can at least make our judgments now knowing both sides of the story. 

I have found a whole new respect for Zack after doing this interview and see him in an entirely new light, I hope that everyone reading this can as well. I told Zack when I asked for the interview privately and I will reiterate it here on the blog, I was hyper-emotional when the ball was hit and it was not immediately given back. Like Zack did, I said some things that I am not proud of and I didn't mean and I apologized to him and told him it was nothing personal, if he hadn't forgiven then I don't think you would be reading this now. I think when all is said and done Pitch In For Baseball will get their donation for a very worthy cause, Zack will get more than ample perks at the Stadium, Yankees fans will forgive and forget and Alex will get the ball.

So it Seems Zack Hample is in the Advice Giving Profession Now

Zack Hample used to sell books, now it seems he is in the advice giving profession. What do I mean? Hample spoke to the USA Today this week and was giving advice to fans about how to catch baseballs in the stands at Major League games. If you really want to catch a ball I guess Hample is the person you need to be talking with as he has caught around 9,800 baseballs since 1990 including Barry Bonds’ 724^th career home run and Alex Rodriguez’s 3,000^th hit, a home run in the right field bleachers inside Yankee Stadium.

Hample suggests getting to the ballpark early, at least 90 minutes before first pitch, to catch balls from batting practice or to get a ball thrown to you from the players on the field. Hample has a few other suggestions for catching fly and foul balls that I won’t bore you with but if you want to read about it then head over to the USA Today and check it out.

No bigger or better catch has ever been made, even by Zack Hample, than you Kari Ann Burch. I love you. Enjoy your weekend everybody. 

On the Eve of Derek Jeter Day…

Derek Jeter Day is tomorrow and now that we’ve met the man, the myth and the legend that will be honored tomorrow with his #2 uniform number retired let’s take a look at the moments that made Derek Sanderson Jeter into the larger-than-life player and ambassador that he is today.

Remember the Jeffrey Maier home run against the Baltimore Orioles in the 1996 ALCS? Jeter, with the Yankees trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning, hit a ball to the wall that Orioles outfielder Tony Tarasco tracked before a 12-year old Yankees fan named Jeffrey Maier reached out and took the ball from the field of play. Umpires called the ball a home run, the Yankees won the game and the series en route to the World Series championship.  

Speaking of World Series championships the Yankees were back in the World Series in 2000 looking for their fourth title in five years. The team standing in their way? Their crosstown-rivals the New York Mets. Jeter started the series off in “Jeterian Fashion” hitting a home run off Bobby Jones en route to a World Series MVP Award and another ring for the collection.

Great things happen to the Yankees Captain in October and “the flip” is just another one in the long line of great things. On October 13, 2001 Jeter and the Yankees found themselves down 0-2 to the Oakland Athletics in a best-of-five series but the team had the lead on the road in Game 3. Shane Spencer overthrew the cut-off man after Terrence Long lined a shot off Mike Mussina down the right field line and Jeter seemingly came out of nowhere to cut the ball off and shovel it to catcher Jorge Posada before Jeremy Giambi could cross the plate safely. The lead was safe and the Yankees went on to win the game and the series before falling to the Arizona Diamondbacks in seven games in the World Series.

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Speaking of that 2011 World Series with the Arizona Diamondbacks the Yankees shortstop garnered a new nickname that postseason, Mr. November. For the first time ever a World Series game was played in November and as the clock struck midnight on November, 1^st the Captain came to the plate and hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10^th inning. The series was tied after four games.

Three years later it would be the Boston Red Sox celebrating in the World Series and not the Yankees but before October came to the sport we had to endure a game between the Yankees and Red Sox on July 1^st. In the game Jeter made a catch in the 12^th inning that resulted in him diving into the stands and leaving the game bruised and bloodied. The Yankees won the game in the 13^th inning but without the catch by Jeter who knows what could have come of the inning and that Trot Nixon at-bat.

2009 was a big season for the New York Yankees. The Yankees won their first World Series since the 2000 season, Jeter’s fifth ring in Yankees pinstripes, and Jeter also passed Yankees great Lou Gehrig on the Yankees all-time hit list. On September 11, 2009 the Yankees and Orioles were squaring off head-to-head when Jeter smacked a single off Orioles starter Chris Tillman for his 2,722 hit of his Yankees career. Lou Gehrig held the record for 72 seasons before Jeter broke it en route to yet another World Series victory.

Jeter wasn’t done hitting though as it took him a season and a half to collect another 278 hits for his 3,000^th hit of his career. In classic Derek Jeter fashion he did it in style smacking a home run off Tampa Bay Rays’ starter David Price for one of his five hits on the day.

How else would Jeter close out his career then with something dramatic? In his final game inside Yankee Stadium Jeter smacked a walk-off single to give the Yankees a victory over the Baltimore Orioles. That in itself was impressive but when you consider the fact that the Yankees had a huge lead entering the Top of the 9^th only to see oft-reliable David Robertson blow it goes to show you that at least some of the ghosts from the old Yankee Stadium made the trip across the street to the new stadium, at least for a night anyway.

And there you have it… just a few of the many, many things that made Derek Jeter a special player and a special kind of person. Well that and the alleged gift baskets he would give to his woman after he spent the night with them. That one we will never know for sure though, not for a while anyway. Enjoy Derek Jeter Day everyone!

So it Seems with Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

The title says it all. With great power comes great responsibility and that is something that we have always taken very seriously here at the blog. Now that isn’t meant to sound cocky or anything like that, power is used basically for the lack of a better term, but there is true power in the internet and the freedom of speech that comes along with it. While some may simply scoff at what we have to say on a daily basis others may take it as the gospel, that’s the beauty of being a human being with the ability and freedom to choose what they want for their lives.

So why the theme for today? Well, without giving too much away, we here at the blog have had something dropped in our laps that has the potential of not only stirring the pot but breaking the pot, the stand the pot is on and the mold holding whatever is holding the pot together and up with. It has the potential to be huge if done right so we are taking our time with it and we are going to make sure it’s done right. You will know the post when you see it, and clear your schedule when you do because this could be big.

I have a few things to work on for the blog before this comes out that I hope to get done today or tonight so if I am a bit quiet, especially in the comments section of the blog, that’s why. That and the very best distractions in the world that is. But that’s okay because this may bring us all what we have always wanted with this blog. Or maybe it won’t and that’s fine too.  I still love you to the moon and back.

I don’t plug and tease future endeavors often, I think the last time I did it was when we had the exclusive interview with Zack Hample who caught the Alex Rodriguez 3000 hit ball, but when I do it’s usually big…. So stay tuned.

How I Will Remember Alex Rodriguez

T-Minus less than a week until Alex Rodriguez is no longer listed as a player in uniform, what a bittersweet feeling for many Yankees fans including myself. I kind of ragged on Mark Teixeira in my “How I Will Remember” post about him but I just can’t do that to Alex for some reason. Call it being a homer, call it being bias or whatever label you want to put on it but I find it hard to stay down on someone for long who just wants to play the game and to win. That was Alex. Alex was a student of the game up until the day he announced he would walk away from it and while he has his issues and his imperfections I truly believe his intentions were pure. That’s just one of the many things I will remember about Alex Rodriguez. 

I can remember watching the 2009 version of the Yankees like a kid in the candy store. The Yankees had assembled the best infield of all-time, my opinion at the time anyway, but all those dollars spent and all those huge contracts meant nothing without the heroics of #13 in the postseason. Alex went from being called A-Rod to Clutch-Rod as he broke out like a 13-year old boy over summer vacation leading the Yankees to their 27^th World Series championship and his first championship of his career. 

No one was more disappointed in Alex than I was when he went on television with Pete Gammons and admitted to steroid use and begged for the countries and the game’s forgiveness. He got my forgiveness and I fought for him until the second time a steroid scandal broke out, this time with Biogenesis. Again, utter disappointment rained down from the masses when they learned Alex had used not only once but twice and that was about the time I stopped going to bat for him. 

I stopped going to bat for him but I never stopped rooting for him. Even if he came out and said he has used a third time before hanging up his cleats I would still consider myself to be an Alex Rodriguez fan, I’m loyal like that and loyal to a fault I guess. I just always loved to study him at the plate, study him in the field and modeled my own game after him. I feel pretty guilty about saying this with hindsight being 20/20 and all but while most kids around me in Little League in New York were trying to be Derek Jeter I just wanted to be A-Rod. I wanted to be the big shortstop that could hit 50 home runs a season. I wanted it all, just like A Rod. 

So this is a bittersweet retirement party for me when it comes to Alex Rodriguez. I want to see the youth come up and get a shot and I want the Yankees to put the best 25 guys out there day in and day out not only in 2016 and beyond and Alex just isn’t that anymore. At the same time it’s hard to see the end of an era and it’s equally as hard to see one of the players you grew up watching and idolizing as a kid say goodbye. It shows mortality and I’m not quite ready to feel mortal yet. 

So Alex, congratulations on an awesome career and good luck in everything that you do going forward. And thank you. For everything. 

This Day in New York Yankees History 6/19: AROD3K

Congratulations went out to Alex Rodriguez on this day in 2015 as the Yankees designated hitter hit his 3,000th hit of his major league career. In the first inning Rodriguez stepped up to the plate against the Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander and clobbered an opposite field home run to right field for the historic hit. Alex became just the third player in the history of the game to hit a home run for his 3000th hit joining Wade Boggs (Tampa Bay Rays) and Derek Jeter (New York Yankees) all-time. Congratulations once again to A Rod from all Yankees fans and from everyone here at The Greedy Pinstripes.

Also on this day in 1950 Joe DiMaggio had a two hit day and collected his 2,000th hit of his career. DiMaggio had an RBI single in the third inning and had another RBI single in the seventh inning to reach the milestone. The Yankees would beat the Indians 8-2 in DiMaggio's 1,537th game of his career.

For all the fans growing up in my generation to have a three strikeout game for a batter is something that happens once or twice a week, but it didn't happen all that much by Joe DiMaggio. On this day in 1942 DiMaggio struck out three times in a game for the first and only time in his 1,787 game career. The Indians Mel Harder is the pitcher that will forever go down in history in a 5-4 victory for Cleveland at Cleveland Stadium.


Also on this day in 1921 Babe Ruth vaulted himself into second place on the career list for home runs. Ruth would hit his 127th home run helping the Yankees beat the Red Sox in Fenway Park 7-6 in 10 innings. Ruth would pass Sam Thompson on the All-Time list and would find himself just 11 home runs away from the All-Time record holder Roger Connor.

Former Yankees Updates & MLB History

A few former Yankees made a little bit of history this week so we felt like they needed to be talked about here on the blog. I’m sure you guys get tired of hearing me rant and rave about all the losing, benching Chase Headley and all that jazz so why not something a little different this afternoon?

Ichiro Suzuki was a Yankees player for two-and-a-half seasons after being acquired from the Seattle Mariners with the intention of milking every dollar they could out of his chase for 3,000 hits in the Major Leagues and his quest for the all-time hits record between the USA and Japan. Ichiro is still yet to hit the magical 3,000 hit plateau but he took another step closer this week with a game-winning single in Miami. Ichiro’s career MLB hit total now stands at 2,947.

I promised history in the thread title and a former Yankees relief pitcher, Caleb Cotham, helped the Cincinnati Reds make history as well this week. This is not the history you want to be remembered for though unfortunately. The Cincinnati reds bullpen set a new MLB record when the team surrendered at least one run in the team’s 21^st consecutive game. The man on the mound, Mr. Cotham. For all you trivia and history buffs out there remember the name Kelby Tomlinson as he hit the two-out infield single to score Hunter pence and set the record.

So there you have it. A whole posting without saying Chase Headley sucks! Well, we almost made it anyway. Enjoy the day Yankees family. 

Former Yankees Update: Ichiro Suzuki

Ichiro Suzuki spent parts of the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons with the New York Yankees before leaving for warmer climates down in Miami for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. The Yankees signed Ichiro with the intent of having him chase down 3,000 hits in the United States while with the club. While that initial notion did not work out in New York the Marlins may see that exact plan come to fruition down in Miami if the aging Japanese-born star can grab just 65 more hits.

Ichiro, now 42-years old, is playing behind a talent group of core members in Miami’s outfield so the question of whether he will get enough at bats to grab 65 more hits is the question. If Miami plans on contending in 2016, and if you judge their offseason by their intentions then they do plan on contending, how can you sit one of Marcell Ozuna, Giancarlo Stanton or Christian Yelich often enough to get Ichiro the hits? If Ichiro were a few years younger, sure, but these days Ichiro just isn’t the same player he used to be as father time has caught up with him.

Ichiro is still fast and extremely durable, he played in 153 games last season and has played in at least 143 games in each of the past 15 seasons, but his batting average continues to drop the older he gets. Ichiro batted a career-low .229 last season which is a sudden drop off from his career average of .314. Ichiro has not hit .300 since the 2010 season. Can Ichiro do it?

Ichiro had 398 at bats last season and if he bats in the low .200’s again he may need another 300 or more to reach the 3,000 hit plateau. No one can predict what will happen this season. Injuries cannot be predicted and neither can effectiveness or playing time but if Ichiro gets the at bats you have to think that milestone staring him down in the face will be motivation enough to get there. I have faith in him and so should you. And if not, who is to say 2017 isn’t another year?

We’re rooting for you Ichiro. Get there!

Top 2015 Posts from The Greedy Pinstripes

Hello 2016. While 2015 was a great year for me personally and for the blog I am 100% looking ahead to 2016. 2016 is going to be so awesome that they had to have 366 days in it just to fit it all into one calendar, that's saying something! But really as we turn the final page of the 2015 year and open the book to Page 1 of the 2016 book we take one last look back at the year that was. Here are some top posts here on The Greedy Pinstripes according to view count and comments for your viewing pleasure... one last time. Happy New Years!

The most viewed article of the year was a hypothetical post, a post that outlined my predictions for the 2018 Yankees starting lineup. An awful lot can change between now and then but this is what I came up with. Hope you enjoyed! 

And while we're predicting I also predicted the team after the 2016 season. This seems more feasible at this point, doesn't it?

The Yankees came closest to acquiring Cole Hamels apparently, well before Texas actually acquired him, so he would have been added to the hypothetical 2017 team if traded for. No?

But whether the Yankees got Hamels or not Bryan Van Dusen still had to remind us that the team is NOT run by imbeciles. 

And it showed it my post highlighting how I was not worried about the 2015 season. Worked out well once again I think. 

My bold predictions for the 2015 season were pretty popular last season. I predicted a healthy season for A Rod with 20 home runs (he hit 33), Mark Teixeira would play in at least 135 games (I was close though) and Didi Gregorius would be a great offensive player. I did well overall I think. 

Here I showcased why I thought the Yankees won the Didi Gregorius trade.... because they did.

And maybe that's the reason why Robert Refsnyder has an "attitude problem?" 

2015 Midseason Top 30 Prospects List Incoming!

And did I mention we had an exclusive interview with Zack Hample, the guy who caught the Alex Rodriguez 3000 hit ball? Because we did, and it did well!

Speaking of A Rod, he apologized last season in a handwritten note! We showcase that here. 

Didi and others for Tulo, would you do it? A bit of a moot point now, thanks Toronto, but it was still an interesting idea me thinks. 

Speaking of moot points, Bryan Van Dusen showcased why Stephen Drew was likely done as a Yankee. This made for our second most popular article of the season and the year. 

I guess we could replace Drew with Jason Heyward and trade Brett Gardner, right? Well I had a plan, Theo Epstein and Hal Steinbrenner's checkbook just got in the way of it. 

Why I Won't Root for the Mets. Enough Said. 

I pissed off more people saying a Robert Refsnyder trade was coming than when I said I wouldn't root for the Mets though. 

But I made them all happy with me again when I compared the 2016 team to the 1996 team.

And finally, did you guys hear the Yankees got Aroldis Chapman?

This was a great year and I think 2016 will be even better. All because of you. Thank you. 

Remembering Yankees of the Past: Wade Boggs

The Boston Red Sox announced that they would be retiring the #26 formerly worn by one of their greatest players, Mr. Wade Boggs. Boggs made his name as a member of the Boston Red Sox but despite that and the fact that he hit his 3000^th hit as a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays I will personally always remember him as a New York Yankee. Boggs came over to man third base, eat chicken, win World Series rings and flips cars. The good news for the Bronx Bombers was that Boggs was all out of cars. So in honor of the Red Sox retiring the chicken man’s number we remember a Yankee of the past, we remember Wade Boggs.

In 1992 Wade Boggs slumped to a .259 batting average which was only one of three times in his career that he failed to reach the .300 mark. Boggs left Boston at the end of that season and was heavily recruited by both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Yankees. We wouldn’t be here speaking about him if he hadn’t chose the Yankees as New York added a third year to a contract offer that Los Angeles would not. Boggs rewarded the Yankees with three straight All Star appearances, four straight seasons of hitting .300 or better, and won a Gold Glove award while in New York.

Boggs helped the Yankees win their first World Series championship in 18 years in 1996, Boggs’ only World Series title of his career. Boggs was asked to pinch hit in the tenth inning of Game 4 against the Atlanta Braves and drew a bases loaded walk against Steve Avery that gave the Yankees the lead and eventually led to an 8-6 victory. The Yankees came back from six runs in that game and the Yankees won in six games. Boggs most memorable moment was when he was celebrating the victory by riding a on the back of a horse with an NYPD officer touring the field with one finger raised in the air. Boggs was scared of horses but Boggs was a champion.

Boggs finished his career by collecting his 3,000th hit in a Tampa Bay Devil Rays uniform. What could have been though if he had been at third base in that 1996 World Series Game 6 six and not Charlie Hayes. Boggs may never get a plaque in Monument Park and won’t get much recognition at all as a member of the Yankees but we thank him anyway, have some chicken on us.

New York Yankees in the Awards

According to Major League Baseball there are 10 instances this season where the New York Yankees were considered to be award worthy. It's almost award season time, one more series stands between the players and a long offseason, and the Yankees are up for 10 awards. Should they win it and do they have a shot? Check them out below and decide for yourself.

The first Award is the Best Breakout Player where the Yankees Andrew Miller is nominated after his first full season as a closer in his career. Miller joins other hopefuls Chris Archer, Nolan Arenado, Jake Arrieta, Jeurys Familia and others.

Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira are both up for Best Comeback Player after strong 2015 seasons for the New York Yankees. Teixeira spent most of 2014 injured and ineffective while Rodriguez was suspended for the entire season with a steroid suspension. ARod and Teixeira join Chris Davis, Prince Fielder, Matt Harvey, Ryan Madson and others in the running for the award.

Joe Girardi is up for best manager after leading the Yankees to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Other managers up for consideration are Jeff Bannister of the Texas Rangers and both World Series managers Terry Collins of the Mets and Ned Yost of the Royals.

Brian Cashman is also under consideration for the Best Executive of the Year in 2015 but will face stiff competition with Alex Anthopoulos of the Toronto Blue Jays, Sandy Alderson of the Mets, Theo Epstein of the Cubs, Andrew Friedman of the Dodgers and others.

The Yankees Twitter account, @Yankees, is actually up for the best social media account believe it or not. I can't get those guys to acknowledge I exist for anything but hey, they must be being social with someone to be up for the award.

Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th hit is under consideration for the Best Moment of 2015, Jimmy Fallon is up for Best Team Celebrity Fan for his fandom of the Yankees and so is a kid who stole a foul ball away from Carlos Beltran on September, 24 against the Chicago White Sox. John Sterling could win Best Call on the radio for Greg Bird's home run against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 22 in the finale of the potential award ceremonies for the Yankees.

CLICK HERE to vote. 

Meet Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera!

Steiner Yankees Sports, a friend and partner of us here on The Greedy Pinstripes, are hosting an event that us as Yankees fan absolutely cannot afford to miss. The even will showcase two Yankees legends Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera under one roof in the Hudson Theater at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York City. Everything you need to know about the event should be in the picture above. Head over to Steiner Yankees Sports to get your tickets for this event on November, 6.

Here is the official write up from Yankees Steiner Sports:

"They are two of the biggest names and best players in MLB history. Yankees' DH Alex Rodriguez is a 14 time All-Star who is no stranger to the spotlight. Not only is he Major League Baseball's active home run leader on the heels of catching Babe Ruth for third all time, he is also the newest member of baseball's 3000 hit club. Join us as he takes the stage with five time World Series Champion and MLB's all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera. Hear firsthand from these Yankee greats. This package includes 1 mezzanine seat ticket."

2015 Yankees: Alex Rodriguez Highlights

Highlights from Alex Rodriguez's age 40 season. Enjoy and have a good evening. 

Alex Rodriguez…. The Leader

What a difference a year makes. Around this time during the 2013 season we as a fan base was wondering what Alex Rodriguez had left after a second hip surgery and various lower leg injuries that hampered his season to date. Around this time last year in 2014 we were all dreading the offseason that was to come, Alex was suspended for the entire 2014 season after the Biogenesis scandal, was pushing 40 years old and had basically been out of the game for two full seasons. The fan base, as a majority anyway, hated Alex and had no respect for him, the organization didn’t seem to have much need for him either but as we look at the man, the myth, the leader that is Alex Rodriguez today we see an entirely different human being and ball player, do we not?

Alex has grown from a shell of a man into a leader, a leader that the Yankees can depend on. Alex has represented the team on HOPE Week and is YES Network spots and all that but this post is more geared towards his emergence as a leader from a teammate’s perspective. Who is the man at the top step after every home run or RBI to remove the batting helmet in celebration? And who is the first to give a huge fist pump and a big high-five to his teammates from the bench when a big hit or pitch is made? Who was standing as far as he could without upsetting the umpire or showing up the other team to high-five Slade Heathcott on his game winning home run Monday night? That’s right that was Alex.

This offseason, and well before Bald Vinny and others were doing and saying it and without the hope of financial gain from it as well, I asked to forgive Alex and all the steroid users. You’ve all done that and I don’t need credit as the first one to say it because I’m not that kind of dude, all that I ask now is that we all stop and thank Alex for his contributions not only on the field but off the field as well. Alex’s 3000 hit all the way to the agreement to donate the $6 million bonus he earned by tying Willie Mays on the all-time home run list. From the clutch home runs and game-tying or game-winning hits to every removed batting helmet after a big play we truly thank you Alex. Thank you for finally being you. 

Alex Rodriguez to be Honored on September 13th

The New York Yankees are finally ready to save face and honor their DH Alex Rodriguez for hitting his 3,000^th hit in his Major League career. The Yankees will honor Rodriguez in a special pre-game ceremony on September 13^th before the team plays host to the Toronto Blue Jays. Alex hit his 3,000^th hit at Yankee Stadium on a home run off the Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander that was ultimately caught and held ransom by Zack Hample.

Whether the Yankees are trying to save face or if they are simply looking to benefit from another presumed sellout at Yankee Stadium remains to be seen but in the end it doesn’t matter. Alex will be honored the way he should be and the fans, whether they stuck with him or not throughout the whole steroid suspension and Biogenesis fallout, will be able to cheer on the Yankees legend. Kudos to Hal Steinbrenner and the entire Yankees organization on this one, you get two thumbs up from this guy. 

Zack Hample Will Give Alex Rodriguez 3000th Hit Ball Today

Zack Hample, the man who caught the home run ball for Alex Rodriguez's 3000th hit, will give the ball back to Alex today at Yankee Stadium. More to come, stay tuned.

EDIT: Yankees paid $150,000 for the baseball and apparently 100% of it will head to Mr. Hample's charity of choice, Pitch In For Baseball that supplies under-privileged children with baseball and softball equipment and gear.

The entire list of what Hample will receive is not public record yet but you have to think that if Hample had offers as high as $500,000 for the ball he has to have quite a few perks coming his way from the Yankees and Hal Steinbrenner.

And just as a reminder he alluded to as much in THIS interview he did exclusively for the blog.

Most Popular Article of the Week: Zack Hample: The Exclusive Interview by The Greedy Pinstripes

Hey, @AROD, I'm the guy who snagged your 3,000th hit. Any chance for a follow back? It would mean a lot to me.

— Zack Hample (@zack_hample) June 23, 2015

Zack Hample is the lucky man that caught Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th hit that cleared the right field wall into the Bleacher Creatures, maybe you've heard of him? Zack's relationship with the Yankees fans immediately took a hit when he balked at the chance to return the historic baseball to Alex and the Yankees and has been on the defensive ever since. We have seen Mr. Hample on Good Day America, Conan O'Brien, Sportscenter and on many other avenues and today he lent his ear to us here at The Greedy Pinstripes. I admit that when I first sent the request to Zack I didn't expect to get a response but I had to have a horse in the race if I wanted a chance to win, to my surprise Zack responded. Zack was excited to be able to speak to the Yankees fans directly and give his side of the whole A Rod and 3,000 hit situation and I was more than happy to bring him an avenue. This is his avenue and this is his interview, Mr. Zack Hample:


The Greedy Pinstripes:

I think the first question my readers and Yankees fans everywhere want to know is are you a Yankees fan or would you consider yourself a general MLB fan?

Zack Hample:

I'm not a Yankees fan, but I'm not your typical Yankees hater either. I know it might sound weird, but I don't have a favorite team. For the last twenty years, I've rooted more for individual players, probably because I've attended games at 51 different major league stadiums and gotten a bit jaded in the process. Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera were two of my all-time favorites, not just on the Yankees, but in all of baseball, so whenever they were directly involved in the game, I rooted for them. I still root for the team in certain situations depending on who's hitting, pitching, etc.


TGP:

Can you put into words how much of a tug of war is going on inside your head right now when faced with the question of whether to give the ball back or not?

ZH:

The president of a major auction house told me that the ball could be worth $500,000, but you know what? On a personal, sentimental level, it's worth much more to me than that, so I'd rather keep it than sell it. Of course it's also worth a lot to Alex Rodriguez, so I'm taking that into consideration and considering all my options, including using the ball to raise a whole lot of money and awareness for my favorite children's baseball charity, Pitch In For Baseball. The point is, this is a HUGE decision, and I'm incredibly conflicted.


TGP:

Can you share some and maybe explain the spectrum of the uproar you are receiving by Yankees fans and non-Yankees fans alike? I assume your most hateful responses have come from Yankees fans, are they any that are “PG” enough that you feel comfortable sharing?

ZH:

Bald Vinny has said the nastiest things on the biggest platform. I don't care to repeat them here, nor do I feel like getting into a war or words. I can deal with being insulted, but I don't appreciate false accusations, so I'd like to let everyone know that I don't knock over little kids. Despite what Vinny and various media outlets are claiming, it's simply not true. Come watch me during batting practice for five minutes or for the next twenty-five years and you won't see me knock anyone down. I've never done it -- not once in more than 1,200 games! It's not who I am or what I do. Before every single pitch is thrown, I glance to my left and right and often look over my shoulder to make sure I have some room to move in case a ball flies my way. I'm hyper-aware of my surroundings and take special care not to cause physical harm to anyone.


TGP:

Do you have any regrets for reportedly tweeting out, to paraphrase, that if you caught the 3,000 hit home run ball you would give Alex a “dummy ball and the finger?”

ZH:

I deeply regret that. I didn't have many followers then, and of course I had no idea that I'd actually end up snagging the ball, so I was just trying to be snarky. But it was a dumb, unnecessary, negative thing to say. Most people say things that they wish they could take back, and for me, this is it.


TGP:

I think everyone would like to hear your stance on Alex, the game of baseball in the steroid era and his repeated offenses and how it’s affected and shaped the game.

ZH:

Some of my favorite players of all time -- guys I practically worshiped as a kid -- turned out to be steroid users. It really hurt, and I instantly stopped rooting for them. A-Rod is no different. I understand that many people, especially Yankees fans, still love him, but I hope that people will respect the way I feel.


TGP:

If you can get into it and name specifics what are some of the things that the Yankees have offered you?

ZH:

Initially they offered me a chance to meet A-Rod, have my own press conference at Yankee Stadium, appear on the YES Network during the game, receive Legends tickets and all sorts of signed memorabilia including balls, bats and jerseys. I told them I appreciated it, but that the ball was worth more to me than anything they could possibly offer. I had no intention of selling it at first. I was actually planning to keep it forever because it really was THAT meaningful to me. At the very least, I knew I needed to leave the stadium that night with the ball still in my possession. I needed to think about it.


TGP:

Has Alex Rodriguez tried to contact you directly in any way?

ZH:

No, and I'm sure he won't. The Yankees said I could meet him if I give the ball back, so if he were to reach out to me, that would diminish their offer. I don't blame A-Rod for staying out of it.


TGP:

Would this have mattered at all to you if you were the one to catch Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit and not A-Rod's 3,000th hit?

ZH:

If I had caught Jeter's 3,000th hit, I still would've wanted to leave the stadium with the ball and think about it. I don't think that's unreasonable.


TGP:

For those who haven’t heard about your blog, ZackHample.com, and your books, "How to Snag Major League Baseballs", "Watching Baseball Smarter" and "The Baseball: Stunts, Scandals and Secrets Beneath the Stitches,"tell us how that came about and maybe share a few trade secrets for those of us who have not read the books or seen the blog.

ZH:

I wrote my first book, How To Snag Major League Baseballs, when I was 19. It was my dad's idea. He was a writer, so he helped me brainstorm and then organize my ideas into an outline. The next book, Watching Baseball Smarter, was his idea too, but he didn't help in any way until the first draft was complete and I wanted his opinion. The third book, The Baseball, was my own idea. My publisher approached me and said they wanted me to write another book, so I worked with them to develop the idea. Then I signed a contract for it up front, quit my regular job, and worked on the book full-time for 18 months. Trade secrets in terms of snagging baseballs? The number one piece of advice is to make sure you have some room to move. I always make sure not to get trapped in the middle of a long row of people, but at Yankee Stadium that's tough because it always so crowded.


TGP:

Surely you have a fourth book in the works after this whole A-Rod ordeal, any ideas for a title?

ZH:

I'm considering a bunch of different ways to write about the whole A-Rod thing and share the story with everyone, but I'm not sure if it's book-worthy.


TGP:

How many baseballs have you caught as of doing this interview?

ZH:

Including batting practice and all the various ways that I get them, my current total is 8,172. That includes 159 foul balls during games, 32 home runs, and one ground-rule double.


TGP:

Will your foul ball grabbing record ever be broken and where do you think your 10,000th ball will be caught?

ZH:

It's certainly possible for someone even crazier and more obsessed to break my record, but I'd say it's unlikely. Camden Yards is my favorite stadium, so I'm thinking it'd be cool to snag my 10,000th ball there.


TGP:

Is the A-Rod ball the highest profile ball you’ve caught? Do you think it is worth the most monetarily?

ZH:

It's the highest-profile ball by far -- no question about it -- and I would say that it's worth more by itself than my entire collection.


TGP:

We’ve heard stories of you catching Barry Bonds 724th home run ball and consecutive home runs inside Yankee Stadium in 2008, which would you say in your favorite memory? Is there a milestone home run ball we missed or don’t know about?

ZH:

Prior to A-Rod's 3,000th hit, my favorite ball that I caught was the last home run that the Mets ever hit at Shea Stadium. I also caught a Derek Jeter homer in 2012. That was his 3,262nd career hit. And here's another random one that remains as one of my most cherished baseballs: the final out from Mariano Rivera's 313th career save. Later in his career, he saved all the final-out balls, but at that time, he used to toss them into the crowd when he walked off the field.


TGP:

This isn’t really Yankees related but how did the whole controversy over Mike Trout’s first home run ball come about and how do you think you got stuck in the middle of it?

ZH:

I'm not aware of any controversy. I caught his first career homer in 2011 at Camden Yards, and I gave the ball back to him after the game, no questions asked, other than to be the person to hand it to him.


TGP:

Tell us about the charity work that you do with “Pitch in for Baseball” and the work you do with BIGS Sunflower Seeds and your fans to donate money to underprivileged children so they can have baseball and softball equipment.

ZH:

Since 2009 I've been using my collection to raise money for Pitch In For Baseball, a non-profit charity that provides baseball and softball equipment to underprivileged kids all over the world. Basically, people pledge money for every ball that I snag -- kind of like how your friend will run a marathon and ask you to pledge some money for every mile -- and it all goes to the charity. I've raised nearly $40,000 with the help of BIGS Sunflower Seeds, who sponsored me in 2013 and sent me to all 30 stadiums and made a large donation to the charity. If people Google my name along with the word "charity," they'll find more info about how it works.


TGP:

Speaking of charity and interviews, is Conan still the worst interview you’ve done since all this went down? Also how many interviews do you think you’ve done since catching the 3,000 hit ball?

ZH:

Yup, Conan was the worst. When I tried to talk about the charity, he cut me off twice, and when I forced it into the conversation, he made fun of me. He wasn't interested in anything I had to say -- just making me look bad and getting laughs. I did 16 interviews the day after snagging the A-Rod ball, and I've done approximately 35 more since then. There are still at least 100 interview requests that I haven't even responded to. I needed a break this week, so I went to a couple of Yankee games and then spent an evening hanging out with friends. I've also had to stop scheduling interviews because I'm losing my voice.


TGP:

Is there anything you want to say to the Yankees fans directly? The stage is all yours.

ZH:

I'm sorry for the negative comments I made about A-Rod. If you guys can forgive him for using performance-enhancing drugs, I hope you'll forgive me for some of the dumb stuff I've said. The Yankees have been so kind to me throughout this whole process, as have most of the fans I've met in person at the Stadium, and I truly appreciate that. I'm hoping to work out a way for A-Rod to get the ball back and for the charity to receive a huge donation and for myself to get some cool experiences and perks at the stadium, but it's taking time. That's why it's dragging on -- not because I'm holding the ball for ransom or trying to get more interview requests. If you see me at the Stadium at some point, please don't hesitate to come say hi.



Zack, thank you so much for probably the most interesting and most hyped interview I have ever done in my years as a blogger. I appreciate you doing this interview for us as the owner of the blog and as a Yankees fan because I was able to get answers to the questions that I and every Yankees fan wanted after the home run was hit. While the saga continues of whether Mr. Hample will or won't give the ball back to Alex we can at least make our judgments now knowing both sides of the story.

I have found a whole new respect for Zack after doing this interview and see him in an entirely new light, I hope that everyone reading this can as well. I told Zack when I asked for the interview privately and I will reiterate it here on the blog, I was hyper-emotional when the ball was hit and it was not immediately given back. Like Zack did, I said some things that I am not proud of and I didn't mean and I apologized to him and told him it was nothing personal, if he hadn't forgiven then I don't think you would be reading this now. I think when all is said and done Pitch In For Baseball will get their donation for a very worth cause, Zack will get more than ample perks at the Stadium, Yankees fans will forgive and forget and Alex will get the ball.

Zack Hample: The Exclusive Interview by The Greedy Pinstripes

Hey, @AROD, I'm the guy who snagged your 3,000th hit. Any chance for a follow back? It would mean a lot to me.

— Zack Hample (@zack_hample) June 23, 2015

Zack Hample is the lucky man that caught Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th hit that cleared the right field wall into the Bleacher Creatures, maybe you've heard of him? Zack's relationship with the Yankees fans immediately took a hit when he balked at the chance to return the historic baseball to Alex and the Yankees and has been on the defensive ever since. We have seen Mr. Hample on Good Day America, Conan O'Brien, Sportscenter and on many other avenues and today he lent his ear to us here at The Greedy Pinstripes. I admit that when I first sent the request to Zack I didn't expect to get a response but I had to have a horse in the race if I wanted a chance to win, to my surprise Zack responded. Zack was excited to be able to speak to the Yankees fans directly and give his side of the whole A Rod and 3,000 hit situation and I was more than happy to bring him an avenue. This is his avenue and this is his interview, Mr. Zack Hample:


The Greedy Pinstripes:

I think the first question my readers and Yankees fans everywhere want to know is are you a Yankees fan or would you consider yourself a general MLB fan?

Zack Hample:

I'm not a Yankees fan, but I'm not your typical Yankees hater either. I know it might sound weird, but I don't have a favorite team. For the last twenty years, I've rooted more for individual players, probably because I've attended games at 51 different major league stadiums and gotten a bit jaded in the process. Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera were two of my all-time favorites, not just on the Yankees, but in all of baseball, so whenever they were directly involved in the game, I rooted for them. I still root for the team in certain situations depending on who's hitting, pitching, etc.


TGP:

Can you put into words how much of a tug of war is going on inside your head right now when faced with the question of whether to give the ball back or not?

ZH:

The president of a major auction house told me that the ball could be worth $500,000, but you know what? On a personal, sentimental level, it's worth much more to me than that, so I'd rather keep it than sell it. Of course it's also worth a lot to Alex Rodriguez, so I'm taking that into consideration and considering all my options, including using the ball to raise a whole lot of money and awareness for my favorite children's baseball charity, Pitch In For Baseball. The point is, this is a HUGE decision, and I'm incredibly conflicted.


TGP:

Can you share some and maybe explain the spectrum of the uproar you are receiving by Yankees fans and non-Yankees fans alike? I assume your most hateful responses have come from Yankees fans, are they any that are “PG” enough that you feel comfortable sharing?

ZH:

Bald Vinny has said the nastiest things on the biggest platform. I don't care to repeat them here, nor do I feel like getting into a war or words. I can deal with being insulted, but I don't appreciate false accusations, so I'd like to let everyone know that I don't knock over little kids. Despite what Vinny and various media outlets are claiming, it's simply not true. Come watch me during batting practice for five minutes or for the next twenty-five years and you won't see me knock anyone down. I've never done it -- not once in more than 1,200 games! It's not who I am or what I do. Before every single pitch is thrown, I glance to my left and right and often look over my shoulder to make sure I have some room to move in case a ball flies my way. I'm hyper-aware of my surroundings and take special care not to cause physical harm to anyone.


TGP:

Do you have any regrets for reportedly tweeting out, to paraphrase, that if you caught the 3,000 hit home run ball you would give Alex a “dummy ball and the finger?”

ZH:

I deeply regret that. I didn't have many followers then, and of course I had no idea that I'd actually end up snagging the ball, so I was just trying to be snarky. But it was a dumb, unnecessary, negative thing to say. Most people say things that they wish they could take back, and for me, this is it.


TGP:

I think everyone would like to hear your stance on Alex, the game of baseball in the steroid era and his repeated offenses and how it’s affected and shaped the game.

ZH:

Some of my favorite players of all time -- guys I practically worshiped as a kid -- turned out to be steroid users. It really hurt, and I instantly stopped rooting for them. A-Rod is no different. I understand that many people, especially Yankees fans, still love him, but I hope that people will respect the way I feel.


TGP:

If you can get into it and name specifics what are some of the things that the Yankees have offered you?

ZH:

Initially they offered me a chance to meet A-Rod, have my own press conference at Yankee Stadium, appear on the YES Network during the game, receive Legends tickets and all sorts of signed memorabilia including balls, bats and jerseys. I told them I appreciated it, but that the ball was worth more to me than anything they could possibly offer. I had no intention of selling it at first. I was actually planning to keep it forever because it really was THAT meaningful to me. At the very least, I knew I needed to leave the stadium that night with the ball still in my possession. I needed to think about it.


TGP:

Has Alex Rodriguez tried to contact you directly in any way?

ZH:

No, and I'm sure he won't. The Yankees said I could meet him if I give the ball back, so if he were to reach out to me, that would diminish their offer. I don't blame A-Rod for staying out of it.


TGP:

Would this have mattered at all to you if you were the one to catch Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit and not A-Rod's 3,000th hit?

ZH:

If I had caught Jeter's 3,000th hit, I still would've wanted to leave the stadium with the ball and think about it. I don't think that's unreasonable.


TGP:

For those who haven’t heard about your blog, ZackHample.com, and your books, "How to Snag Major League Baseballs", "Watching Baseball Smarter" and "The Baseball: Stunts, Scandals and Secrets Beneath the Stitches,"tell us how that came about and maybe share a few trade secrets for those of us who have not read the books or seen the blog.

ZH:

I wrote my first book, How To Snag Major League Baseballs, when I was 19. It was my dad's idea. He was a writer, so he helped me brainstorm and then organize my ideas into an outline. The next book, Watching Baseball Smarter, was his idea too, but he didn't help in any way until the first draft was complete and I wanted his opinion. The third book, The Baseball, was my own idea. My publisher approached me and said they wanted me to write another book, so I worked with them to develop the idea. Then I signed a contract for it up front, quit my regular job, and worked on the book full-time for 18 months. Trade secrets in terms of snagging baseballs? The number one piece of advice is to make sure you have some room to move. I always make sure not to get trapped in the middle of a long row of people, but at Yankee Stadium that's tough because it always so crowded.


TGP:

Surely you have a fourth book in the works after this whole A-Rod ordeal, any ideas for a title?

ZH:

I'm considering a bunch of different ways to write about the whole A-Rod thing and share the story with everyone, but I'm not sure if it's book-worthy.


TGP:

How many baseballs have you caught as of doing this interview?

ZH:

Including batting practice and all the various ways that I get them, my current total is 8,172. That includes 159 foul balls during games, 32 home runs, and one ground-rule double.


TGP:

Will your foul ball grabbing record ever be broken and where do you think your 10,000th ball will be caught?

ZH:

It's certainly possible for someone even crazier and more obsessed to break my record, but I'd say it's unlikely. Camden Yards is my favorite stadium, so I'm thinking it'd be cool to snag my 10,000th ball there.


TGP:

Is the A-Rod ball the highest profile ball you’ve caught? Do you think it is worth the most monetarily?

ZH:

It's the highest-profile ball by far -- no question about it -- and I would say that it's worth more by itself than my entire collection.


TGP:

We’ve heard stories of you catching Barry Bonds 724th home run ball and consecutive home runs inside Yankee Stadium in 2008, which would you say in your favorite memory? Is there a milestone home run ball we missed or don’t know about?

ZH:

Prior to A-Rod's 3,000th hit, my favorite ball that I caught was the last home run that the Mets ever hit at Shea Stadium. I also caught a Derek Jeter homer in 2012. That was his 3,262nd career hit. And here's another random one that remains as one of my most cherished baseballs: the final out from Mariano Rivera's 313th career save. Later in his career, he saved all the final-out balls, but at that time, he used to toss them into the crowd when he walked off the field.


TGP:

This isn’t really Yankees related but how did the whole controversy over Mike Trout’s first home run ball come about and how do you think you got stuck in the middle of it?

ZH:

I'm not aware of any controversy. I caught his first career homer in 2011 at Camden Yards, and I gave the ball back to him after the game, no questions asked, other than to be the person to hand it to him.


TGP:

Tell us about the charity work that you do with “Pitch in for Baseball” and the work you do with BIGS Sunflower Seeds and your fans to donate money to underprivileged children so they can have baseball and softball equipment.

ZH:

Since 2009 I've been using my collection to raise money for Pitch In For Baseball, a non-profit charity that provides baseball and softball equipment to underprivileged kids all over the world. Basically, people pledge money for every ball that I snag -- kind of like how your friend will run a marathon and ask you to pledge some money for every mile -- and it all goes to the charity. I've raised nearly $40,000 with the help of BIGS Sunflower Seeds, who sponsored me in 2013 and sent me to all 30 stadiums and made a large donation to the charity. If people Google my name along with the word "charity," they'll find more info about how it works.


TGP:

Speaking of charity and interviews, is Conan still the worst interview you’ve done since all this went down? Also how many interviews do you think you’ve done since catching the 3,000 hit ball?

ZH:

Yup, Conan was the worst. When I tried to talk about the charity, he cut me off twice, and when I forced it into the conversation, he made fun of me. He wasn't interested in anything I had to say -- just making me look bad and getting laughs. I did 16 interviews the day after snagging the A-Rod ball, and I've done approximately 35 more since then. There are still at least 100 interview requests that I haven't even responded to. I needed a break this week, so I went to a couple of Yankee games and then spent an evening hanging out with friends. I've also had to stop scheduling interviews because I'm losing my voice.


TGP:

Is there anything you want to say to the Yankees fans directly? The stage is all yours.

ZH:

I'm sorry for the negative comments I made about A-Rod. If you guys can forgive him for using performance-enhancing drugs, I hope you'll forgive me for some of the dumb stuff I've said. The Yankees have been so kind to me throughout this whole process, as have most of the fans I've met in person at the Stadium, and I truly appreciate that. I'm hoping to work out a way for A-Rod to get the ball back and for the charity to receive a huge donation and for myself to get some cool experiences and perks at the stadium, but it's taking time. That's why it's dragging on -- not because I'm holding the ball for ransom or trying to get more interview requests. If you see me at the Stadium at some point, please don't hesitate to come say hi.



Zack, thank you so much for probably the most interesting and most hyped interview I have ever done in my years as a blogger. I appreciate you doing this interview for us as the owner of the blog and as a Yankees fan because I was able to get answers to the questions that I and every Yankees fan wanted after the home run was hit. While the saga continues of whether Mr. Hample will or won't give the ball back to Alex we can at least make our judgments now knowing both sides of the story.

I have found a whole new respect for Zack after doing this interview and see him in an entirely new light, I hope that everyone reading this can as well. I told Zack when I asked for the interview privately and I will reiterate it here on the blog, I was hyper-emotional when the ball was hit and it was not immediately given back. Like Zack did, I said some things that I am not proud of and I didn't mean and I apologized to him and told him it was nothing personal, if he hadn't forgiven then I don't think you would be reading this now. I think when all is said and done Pitch In For Baseball will get their donation for a very worth cause, Zack will get more than ample perks at the Stadium, Yankees fans will forgive and forget and Alex will get the ball.