Zack Hample

Zachary Ben Hample
Born	(1977-09-14) September 14, 1977 New York City, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Baseball memorabilia enthusiast, author, blogger, collector
Known for	Collecting over 12,000 baseballs from Major League Baseball venues; author of baseball books; YouTube personality

Zachary Ben Hample (born September 14, 1977) is a well-known American baseball memorabilia enthusiast. He asserts having amassed more than 12,000 baseballs from Major League Baseball venues, including significant items such as Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th hit ball and the first home run ball hit by Mike Trout.

His methods for acquiring baseballs have drawn criticism from journalists, players, and fans alike due to their assertive nature.

Early life

Hample grew up in New York City as the son of author and cartoonist Stoo Hample. His passion for baseball began at age five. While pursuing an English degree at Guilford College, he played Division III baseball for the Guilford Quakers. Originally, his goal was to play professionally in Major League Baseball, but he eventually shifted his focus toward collecting baseballs.

Baseball collection history

Hample caught his first game ball at Shea Stadium in 1990. He describes the pursuit of foul balls as a "passion," explaining that after securing his initial catch, he desired "another, and another and another."

By 2012, he had caught his 6,000th baseball and claimed to have reached 12,000 by 2022. To aid in catching balls, he invented a device combining a baseball glove, rubber band, and pen. Over time, Hample has built relationships with professional players including Richard Bleier, Heath Bell, and Jeremy Guthrie.

He shares videos related to baseball and ballhawking on YouTube, where he has nearly 600,000 subscribers. Hample employs videographers to capture his activities and runs a "concierge service" that guides fans at games and helps them catch balls. This service is priced at $1,500 plus travel costs.

Notable events

In 2008, Hample caught the final home run hit by the Mets at Shea Stadium. On April 18, 2013, he secured two home run balls at Yankee Stadium, one being shortstop Didi Gregorius' first career homer. He also caught milestone home runs such as the first career homers of Mike Trout and Mike Nickeas, along with Barry Bonds' 724th homer.

In June 2015, Hample caught the ball from Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th career hit—a home run. Initially reluctant to return it via Twitter, he later agreed to hand it over following negotiations with the Yankees that involved a $150,000 donation to Pitch In For Baseball. As part of this agreement, Hample received an autographed jersey, two bats, a VIP tour of the stadium, plus tickets to the 2015 MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby.

In 2017, Topps issued a controversial Zack Hample baseball card within their Topps Archives collection.

In August 2022, Hample attempted to access a restricted area at Coors Field aiming to catch a home run by Nolan Arenado. After refusing to follow seating regulations, security threatened him with removal. A Rockies usher accused him of taking a ball dropped by a young spectator without returning it. This incident drew public criticism from Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman. Subsequently, the collegiate summer team Portland Pickles banned Hample from attending games at Walker Stadium. Following these events, Hample removed a related video and issued an apology.

Writing

Hample has written multiple books about baseball and formerly contributed content to MiLB.com. His debut book, How to Snag Major League Baseballs (1999), centers on the art of ballhawking.

His follow-up publication, Watching Baseball Smarter (2007), provides an introduction to baseball rules and mechanics, earning favorable reviews. Craig Smith from The Seattle Times commended it as an exceptional guide to baseball’s complexities, while Publishers Weekly described it as "an essential tool for casual fans."

In 2011, Hample published his third work, The Baseball: Stunts, Scandals, and Secrets Beneath the Stitches, which delves into the history of baseballs. Mike Shannon, editor-in-chief of Spitball, praised it as the definitive resource on the topic. Kirkus Reviews highlighted that it reveals new insights even for avid followers, and Blogcritics characterized it as both enjoyable and accessible for longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Fort Bragg game

On July 3, 2016, Hample obtained a ticket to the Fort Bragg Game, an event reserved for active military members and their guests. He announced via Twitter a pledge to donate $100 per ball caught to a veterans' charity. Despite this gesture, he encountered significant backlash for acquiring the ticket and publicly offering $1,000 to purchase one. Hample stated he caught eleven balls and distributed ten of them. Subsequently, he issued an apology on Twitter that some perceived as hesitant.

Incidents with players and fans

Hample’s assertive methods have drawn criticism from athletes, journalists, and spectators alike. He has been accused of pushing past several fans—including children—to secure balls. The New York Post labeled him "baseball's most hated fan." In 2017, Clayton Kershaw declined to give Hample a ball, noting that Hample had already caught over 7,000. In 2022, a Colorado Rockies usher recounted an episode where Hample retained a ball dropped by a child, responding with "Because it's my ball. He dropped it, so it's mine."

Documentary

The 2022 documentary Zack Hample vs the World, produced, directed, written, and filmed by Jeff Siegel over eight years, chronicles Hample’s pursuits. It premiered at the Baseball Hall Of Fame Film Festival in 2019 with both Hample and Siegel in attendance. Reflecting on the experience, Hample remarked, "I always dreamt that I’d end up in the Hall of Fame and in a way I kinda am."

Three critics reviewed the film: Jeff Ames from Comingsoon.net gave it an eight out of ten score for its compelling subject matter; Stephen Silver of Tilt acknowledged growing interest in Hample but expressed mixed feelings about his personality.

Helicopter stunts

On July 2, 2012, Hample attempted to catch baseballs dropped from a helicopter hovering 1,000 feet above LeLacheur Park in Lowell, Massachusetts. Equipped with catcher's gear provided by Rawlings, he successfully caught a softball dropped from 312 feet followed by baseballs dropped from 562 and 822 feet before the Federal Aviation Administration intervened due to strong winds. The height of the 822-foot catch was later adjusted from an initial reading of 762 feet after correcting an altimeter error. On July 13, 2013, he managed to catch a baseball dropped from 1,050 feet at LeLacheur Park.

This feat is not officially recognized by Guinness World Records, as no authorized official was present to validate the attempt.

Video gaming

Hample, known for his competitive gaming skills and featured in the 2007 documentary The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, holds recognized world records in multiple classic arcade titles as verified by Twin Galaxies. His achievements include a score of 896 points in Breakout and 1,658,110 points in Arkanoid.

Charitable efforts

Beginning in 2009, Hample partnered with Pitch in for Baseball and Softball, a charitable organization dedicated to supplying sports gear to disadvantaged youth. By the year 2019, he had successfully raised more than $200,000 through fan donations pledged for each baseball he caught at Major League ballparks, along with sponsorship support from BIGS Sunflower Seeds during the 2013 season.

Personal background

Living in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Hample is of Jewish heritage. His family manages Argosy Book Store, a business highlighted in the 2019 documentary The Booksellers.

Filmography

Year	Title	Details
2022	Zack Hample vs. The World
2019	The Booksellers
2007	The King of Kong

External links

• Official blog
• Official website