Zack Hample

Nick Larosa, Sports Writer

Whenever you go to a baseball game what is the number one thing you hope happens? Of course your team to win, but to also catch a baseball. From batting practice to foul balls to home runs, Zack Hample has caught it all.

Zack Hample is a ballhawker, which is someone who is very skilled at catching baseballs, like an outfielder. Zack has caught over 7,000 baseballs from all 30 MLB stadiums, and even some around the globe in Australia! I had the chance to talk with Zack and ask him a few questions because when it’s the MLB offseason, it’s his offseason too. During the offseason Zack gets some “time to relax, get away from baseball and do other things.”

We also talked about what his favorite stadium to visit. The stadium that has the best chance to catch a baseball.

“Camden Yards because it’s gorgeous, the people are friendly, it’s only three hours by car from my home in New York City, and because it’s amazing for ballhawking. There’s a cross-aisle that goes all the way around the 100 Level, and the standing-room-only section down the right field line is the best place in the majors to catch home runs.”

Despite Zack not having a favorite baseball team, he does enjoy watching one in particular.

“I do, however, have a soft spot in my heart for the Angels because the absolute best summer of my life took place when I worked for one of their minor league teams. I also like the Angels because I caught Mike Trout’s 1st career home run. Trout has been cool to me ever since, so I’m rooting for him. I’d like to see what he can do in a full postseason, especially the World Series.”

Thats amazing! A baseball fans dream is to work in some form with any MLB team. This next question had to be asked, what is your favorite baseball that you have caught?

“My favorite ball, by far, is the last home run that the Mets ever hit at Shea Stadium. Unfortunately it wasn’t the last homer there ever because the stupid Marlins went yard twice in the late innings, but still, it was an exhilarating moment for me. The ball was hit by Carlos Beltran on September 28, 2008, and I still have it.”

After this interview I realized that ballhawking isn’t just a hobby, it’s a sport! It’s incredible the traveling, the time it consumes, and the effort it takes. Hundreds of people are there when those gates open to go see your favorite baseball team, and sometimes you might never even get a baseball. But Zack’s story shows everyone out there with some hard work, determination, and a glove, anyone who has a passion for baseball like Zack does could be the next ballhawker to catch over 7,000 baseballs.