The Fan Who Caught Albert Pujols' 700 HR Ball Isn't Giving It Back

Inside The Dodgers on FanNation ^ | Sept 24, 2022 | Ricardo Sandoval

[where's_the_Outrage?]

The fan is not budging and refuses to give baseball to Albert and Cardinals

Last night was an historical one at Dodger Stadium as future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols hit his 700th career home run. Fans applauded and cheered the former Dodger on this historical feat as Pujols became the 4th player in history to achieve this milestone.

However, a source revealed to a Fox Sports contributor that the fan – who remains unidentified – has opted to keep the historical baseball. The fan turned down multiple offers from the Cardinals......

“Souvenirs are for fans,” Pujols said.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

Have to wonder how anyone will know it's that specific ball. I would hope Albert Pujols would have signed that ball to ensure proper identification.

Nice for the fan to have something of possible value.

[Fido969]

I think that potentially historical balls are marked - I believe every ball pitched to Judge has a marking on it.

[Steve_Seattle]

Will the FBI raid the guy’s house? Will the IRS come after him?

[Fido969]

For the rest of the season, every ball pitched to Judge will include a covert marking that can only be seen with certain technology, although the league isn’t being much more specific than that to ensure the legitimacy of its authentication process.

https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/aaron-judge-home-run-prices

[ElkGroveDan]

Have to wonder how anyone will know it's that specific ball. I would hope Albert Pujols would have signed that ball to ensure proper identification.

MLB staff step in and verify the balls as they are caught these days (using replay video if necessary).

[V_TWIN]

“Souvenirs are for fans,” Pujols said

Absolutely...but like you said.

Need to have it verified and certified.

Without documentation and provenance your screwed.

[ifinnegan]

Good questions.

[poinq]

He saves the ticket stub. He takes a picture. There will be only so many balls that bleachers get that night. One will be the 699th hit earlier in the game. Frankly, If I were the fan I would give the team my email. So when they send me a request I would have the proof. Or I can dicker for a better trade. Season tickets for the ball, maybe.

[Bruce Campbells Chin]

The fan who caught the ball is entitled to keep the ball and enjoy whatever personal satisfaction it gives him. But I also hope Pujols didn't sign it. So the fan can enjoy having it - he just won't be able to profit from it.

Seems like a just result to me.

[kenmcg]

The players get the biggest contracts some in the hundreds of millions like Pujols and soon to be Judge. Don’t blame the fan if he’s looking for a piece of the action.

[llevrok]

I'm the outlier here I guess

There have only been 3 players EVER to reach this mark (I don't count Bonds of the steroid era).

Be a fan. Give the damn ball to the HoF museum at least, if not Albert. Get your picture with Albert and enjoy your 15 minutes if fame.

[dfwgator]

Why not get what he can for it?

[JerseyDvl]

The ball will be worth plenty though it would certainly fetch more if signed.
I would imagine it’s now worth several hundred thousand. They estimate Judges 61st will fetch 500k while 62 will be worth a million. I’d put it towards a nice retirement.

[Puppage]

Yes, they’re both special balls well marked.

[llevrok]

Why not get what he can for it?

Out of respect for the game, this is bigger than self aggrandizement or money.

[dfwgator]

They’ll get their ball.

[glorgau]

If it were me, I wouldn’t. Back when McGuire and Sosa were doing their duel, a buddy of mine got one of those.

[Jane Long]

It’s called negotiating. ;-)

[Jane Long]

Yep.

[MeneMeneTekelUpharsin]

The only just outcome would be for the Cardinals to pay ALL of his income taxes for the rest of his life. Otherwise, no ball.