How to Get a Ball at a Major League Baseball Game

The only thing more fun than going to a Major League baseball game and rooting your team on to victory is leaving the ballpark with a free baseball as a souvenir. Of course, if your team doesn't pull out a win, a free baseball is a nice consolation prize for you as a loyal fan. Follow these steps to make sure you never leave a game empty-handed or to make a kid's trip to the ballpark unforgettable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get to the ballpark early. Some teams open the gates as much as two hours before game time.

2. Get to the field level. In some parks, this cannot be done without a field level ticket. But if you're early enough, ushers will respect your devotion as a fan. If you have a kid with you, smile and tell the usher the kid wants to see the field and shake hands with his or her favorite player, then you're going back to your seats.

3. Get to the area just past the dugout on the first or third baseline. There will be a small crowd of autograph seekers and players' friends and families interacting with the guys on the field.

4. As the players warm up and stretch out, make a little "chatter" for every player within earshot that you recognize. Things like, "Here we go, Nomar," "Big game today, Pierre," and "You're the man, Kent," go a long way.

5. When they start tossing balls to loosen their arms, ask the player closest to you, "Can I get that ball when you're done?" Or if a ball gets away from a player, say, "That's a bad one. I'll take it," or, "A little help?" Ask for balls from as many players as possible. Don't be embarrassed and don't be shy. The quiet fan doesn't get a ball.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a glove. Players are more likely to toss a ball to someone with a glove than without one.
• Have caps from both teams. If the home team's dugout is too crowded, switch caps and try the road team.
• Know your team's roster. Be able to ask for a ball in English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, etc. Foreign players will appreciate the effort and reward you for it.
• If you can't get to the field level, make your way to left-center field and be ready to chase down batting practice home runs.
• Always be nice to stadium personnel. If they like you, they'll tell you exactly where to go and where not to.

[SpiderWriter]

on 11/15/2007 Good advice! Will try this next time I'm at the park!