Classy

[sox83cubs84]

Re: Classy

But just a little off topic, I don't completely agree with the whole "give the foul ball you catch to a random little kid." I was at a Nationals-Phillies game once and I caught a foul ball. The people in my section were urging me to give it to a kid, which I intended to do at first, but then I found a WWII veteran nearby (I could tell from his hat), and I gave the ball to him.
"This is for you, sir. You deserve it more than some kid. Please don't give it to your grandson." I said.
"My grandsons are 32 and 35." He said.[/quote]

I agree fully...if I catch a game ball I wouldn't give it to President Obama NOR Sarah Palin if they were sitting next to me. If I catch multiple baseballs in BP, I may give one to a kid, although my preferred gift recipients are veterans and disabled people.

Most kids at the ballpark are quite adept at mooching baseballs from players on their own, sometimes to the tune of 3 or 4 or even more...those kids sure don't need my help.

Dave Miedema

[commando]

Re: Classy

If I felt that strongly about not wanting to keep a home run ball, I'd give it to somebody wearing the other team's jersey, who would probably treasure it. I fielded a Barry Bonds home run ball in ST, ten years ago, and gave it to a small African-American boy wearing a Bonds jersey sitting nearby. Probably the biggest ovation I ever got in my life, but that's not why I did it. I didn't want the ball, but for the kid it was a treasure. It's not every day you get the chance to give somebody a treasure.

You're a god (wulf). That's an awesome story.

[frikativ54]

Re: Classy

If I felt that strongly about not wanting to keep a home run ball, I'd give it to somebody wearing the other team's jersey, who would probably treasure it. I fielded a Barry Bonds home run ball in ST, ten years ago, and gave it to a small African-American boy wearing a Bonds jersey sitting nearby. Probably the biggest ovation I ever got in my life, but that's not why I did it. I didn't want the ball, but for the kid it was a treasure. It's not every day you get the chance to give somebody a treasure.

Nice move. It's great to read about something like this.

[godwulf]

Re: Classy

If I felt that strongly about not wanting to keep a home run ball, I'd give it to somebody wearing the other team's jersey, who would probably treasure it. I fielded a Barry Bonds home run ball in ST, ten years ago, and gave it to a small African-American boy wearing a Bonds jersey sitting nearby. Probably the biggest ovation I ever got in my life, but that's not why I did it. I didn't want the ball, but for the kid it was a treasure. It's not every day you get the chance to give somebody a treasure.

[OaklandAsFan]

Re: Classy

Speaking of giving baseballs away, I know this is a bit off-topic, but several times over the weekend, when home run balls were hit by opposing team players (far too many times, last night, I must say), and the "Throw it back!" chants started up, I wanted to hit somebody. I've come to the conclusion that it's mostly coming from people who really don't know shite about Baseball, but want to make the people they're with, or the people around them, think they do. They've heard somewhere that this is a "Baseball tradition" and they believe it. God, what morons!

I agree, if I catch a HR I don't care if it's the home team or the visitors i'm keeping it. I couldn't believe some idiot would throw Konerko's HR back this weekend. Potential HOFer HR baseball and they just throw it back.

Reminds me of the Angels fan who threw Arods 300 HR baseball back after he caught it. Arod said he had tons of stuff ready to trade for the ball and he got it back for free. idiots!!

[godwulf]

Re: Classy

Speaking of giving baseballs away, I know this is a bit off-topic, but several times over the weekend, when home run balls were hit by opposing team players (far too many times, last night, I must say), and the "Throw it back!" chants started up, I wanted to hit somebody. I've come to the conclusion that it's mostly coming from people who really don't know shite about Baseball, but want to make the people they're with, or the people around them, think they do. They've heard somewhere that this is a "Baseball tradition" and they believe it. God, what morons!

[Skizzick]

Re: Classy

You completely misunderstood my post. I'm not saying that you should fight children to get foul balls, but if you do catch one on your own, you shouldn't be obliged to give it away.

[lakeerie92]

Re: Classy

I completely disagree, there's another thread in the General Discussion where a grown woman goes after the ball with similar vigor, ripping it away from a little girl. That video and the fact that I've seen dozens and dozens of incidents at baseball games where ballhawks go after balls viciously to get said ball at all costs.

I highly doubt the woman in the other thread or this guy are "ballhawks" They are just rude people.

[BU54CB]

Re: Classy

I agree that the guy does look like he's a little slow. Nobody at normal mental functionality would viciously go after a ball like that.

But just a little off topic, I don't completely agree with the whole "give the foul ball you catch to a random little kid." I was at a Nationals-Phillies game once and I caught a foul ball. The people in my section were urging me to give it to a kid, which I intended to do at first, but then I found a WWII veteran nearby (I could tell from his hat), and I gave the ball to him.
"This is for you, sir. You deserve it more than some kid. Please don't give it to your grandson." I said.
"My grandsons are 32 and 35." He said.

I completely disagree, there's another thread in the General Discussion where a grown woman goes after the ball with similar vigor, ripping it away from a little girl. That video and the fact that I've seen dozens and dozens of incidents at baseball games where ballhawks go after balls viciously to get said ball at all costs.

[Skizzick]

Re: Classy

I agree that the guy does look like he's a little slow. Nobody at normal mental functionality would viciously go after a ball like that.

But just a little off topic, I don't completely agree with the whole "give the foul ball you catch to a random little kid." I was at a Nationals-Phillies game once and I caught a foul ball. The people in my section were urging me to give it to a kid, which I intended to do at first, but then I found a WWII veteran nearby (I could tell from his hat), and I gave the ball to him.
"This is for you, sir. You deserve it more than some kid. Please don't give it to your grandson." I said.
"My grandsons are 32 and 35." He said.

[BU54CB]

Re: Classy

That's a pretty vivid imagination you've got there, commando. You forgot to mention the guy's political affiliation and sexual orientation, though; just an oversight, I'm sure.

The fan is clearly...slow, developmentally challenged, mentally retarded, whatever you want to call it; you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that. From her nonchalant reaction, and that of the other fans in the area, I think it's pretty clear that they recognized that fact, too. The announcers are idiots.

I'm not sure how its so clear that the individual is slow or developmentally challenged? You're making that judgement in the 10 or 15 seconds of video on the guy. What's the girl going to do, freak out?

[LastingsMilledge85]

Re: Classy

Finally, Jon Miller's take on this is reasonable because I have seen this happen too often myself. People should grow up. If I were the player's name on this jersey (Young), I would be embarassed that any thug would wear it.
Dave Silverbrand

You really think this guy (in the video taking the ball) is a thug? You're kidding right?

[EurekaDave]

Re: Classy

This video is awful!!! First (not to be overly political correct), to call this guy "retarded" is to insult people who are genuinely mentally challenged. That said, if his buddies were true "caregivers," why didn't they stop him? Anybody of any age should know when things belong to him and when they do not.

Finally, Jon Miller's take on this is reasonable because I have seen this happen too often myself. People should grow up. If I were the player's name on this jersey (Young), I would be embarassed that any thug would wear it.

I'd feel the same way Andre Ethier should about a thug wearing his jersey as a Giants fan was beaten into a coma.

Dave Silverbrand

[1970REDS]

Re: Classy

It looks like the man who took the ball has problems , what he did was wrong . On the chance that he has issues everybody should lay off of him . And why could he not have a authentic jersey to wear ?

[godwulf]

Re: Classy

Here's my opinion, for what it's worth. Mr. Ballstealer and a couple of his douchebag high-powered businessman buddies are sitting in their $150 seats. Mr. Ballstealer isn't a kid anymore... In fact, he's been in the business of running the show for several years (hiring, firing, "you're gonna be working this weekend instead of going to your kid's graduation...") You know, that kind of guy. He's not going to show tons of emotion as he goes for that baseball.

Mr. Ballstealer does what he wants. That's the way he lives. Not many people are in the position to tell this guy what to do.

I kinda think the announcer has the same take on this as me.... Hence, the strong response. The only question left in my mind is how do I become one of this guy's buddies?

That's a pretty vivid imagination you've got there, commando. You forgot to mention the guy's political affiliation and sexual orientation, though; just an oversight, I'm sure.

The fan is clearly...slow, developmentally challenged, mentally retarded, whatever you want to call it; you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that. From her nonchalant reaction, and that of the other fans in the area, I think it's pretty clear that they recognized that fact, too. The announcers are idiots.