Re: Congratulations, Rich!
Ever see people waiting around to get autographs?
Ballhawks are waiting around hoping to catch a home run ball.
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Re: Congratulations, Rich!
It's a chance to acquire a piece of the game, whether you choose to keep them or sell them. If you enjoy hanging out with the guys, the camaraderie is a plus, as well. That's a bit tougher in Chicago though as a lot of the street shaggers have a very inflated idea of ballhawking and themselves, which is the main reason I don't hang out on Waveland Avenue any more. There's some guys both on the street and in the stands that I'm glad to know and hang out with. Being on the receiving end of a game home run is a thrill for most people, and the street crowd (as well as some fans inside) only throw back decoy baseballs...nearly all true ballhawks wouldn't throw a real home run back.
How you go about ballhawking and where is basically your call and, if it makes you happy, that's all that matters. That's another reason why I no longer hang out on Waveland Avenue...too many guys making elitist-sounding rules about what constitutes a legitimate catch, or who can call themselves a ballhawk.
I do it when I can, enjoy it, and these days consider myself an Independent Ballhawk, unaffiliated with any group of ballchasers. As long as I have my fun and other shaggers have theirs, that's the important thing.
Dave MiedemaLeave a comment:
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Re: Congratulations, Rich!
Can you explain the appeal of ballhawking? I never quite understood it.Leave a comment:
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Congratulations, Rich!
My heartiest congrats to legendary Chicago ballhawk Rich Buhrke, who snagged his 3500th career baseball this past week during Arizona Fall League action. Rich is one helluva good guy, and for those who enjoy ballhawking, the milestone is worth noting.
Dave Miedema
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