That A-Rod Ball Was Worth Far More Than Initially Thought

Think you know what you would do if you ended up with Alex Rodriguez’s 3000^th hit? You don’t.

And you’re kidding yourself if think you do.

Know how I know?  Because Zack Hample, the ballhawk who, on June 19, did end up with the milestone baseball, took two weeks to make his decision…and dude has more than 8000 balls (fair, foul and otherwise) in his collection.

Hours after finally figuring out what he wanted in return from the New York Yankees, the 37-year-old had in his possession a couple of signed bats, an A-Rod jersey and, for his favorite charity Pitch In For Baseball, a check for a cool $150,000.

But, regardless what you think, Hample’s decision was wise and he (and his charity) made out like bandits.

“The Yankees have given me all the things they initially offered, such as meeting A-Rod, doing a press conference at Yankee Stadium, being interviewed live during the game on TV and the radio, and receiving signed memorabilia and free tickets, including tickets to this year’s Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in Cincinnati.” Hample told The Hall exclusively. “I will also have opportunities to write for Yankees Magazine, get a special behind-the-scenes tour to the most restricted areas of the stadium that no one in the public gets to see, get to meet the players, and more. There are certain things I’ve been asked not to talk about, so I need to respect that.”

Naturally, there are still folks out there that think (a) Hample caved and should have held out for more or (B) the guy should have given up the baseball minutes after snagging the historic home run.

“Lots of people are concerned that I’m not getting enough from the Yankees for the ball, but they have no idea what’s actually going on, or what my new relationship with the organization is like,” Hample continued. “I’m extremely happy with how the whole thing has played out. It’s not a me-versus-them situation. On the contrary, they’re treating me great, and I’m looking forward to being a season ticket holder and working with them for years to come.”