Our buddy Zack Hample is at it again.
On the eve of the Midsummer Classic, the famed ballhawk accomplished a feat that no All-Star (much less anyone) ever has. Saturday, Hample got geared up, headed out to LeLacheur Park in Lowell, Mass. and caught a ball dropped from more than 1000 feet (some estimates had it at 1200 feet) and close to 100mph.
From a helicopter.
The previous record of 822 feet was set back in 1930 by Hall of Fame catcher Gabby Hartnett. Others tried to break the record, but, their attempts were, obviously, unsuccessful. Sometimes…even dangerous.
"My biggest fear going into this was probably breaking my hand or my wrist or finger," Hample said following the record catch. "I also had thought that if I were to just miss it, it would hit me in the face, you know, with my head tilted back at that angle. Would that snap my neck, would it kill me, would it paralyze me? Like, I actually thought about these things."
Now…here's the rub.
The record breaking attempt won't be recognized as a world record. Unfortunately. According to Hample, the folks from Guinness World Records declined the invitation to attend. Honestly, I'm not shocked. Based on my own experiences…they only show up if you pay.
Oh well. Their loss.
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