Ballhawking

The WSJ had an article today that I read via Deadspin that gave me pause. The topic is ballhawking, a practice that, at its most basic, consists of catching landmark home runs and then hardballing the players who want the ball back for their own collection.

After Florida Marlins rookie Chris Coghlan hit his first major league home run, he tried to get it back from professional ballhawker Nick Yohenik:

Mr. Coghlan had no idea there was such a thing as a ballhawk and was surprised by the intensity of the negotiations. Mr. Yohanek "wasn't the most polite or respectful guy about the whole process," Mr. Coghlan told the Palm Beach Post. "He told me he goes around a lot and catches these balls and holds them for ransom."

For his part, Mr. Yohanek says, "I knew I'd be able to ask for something in return....I wasn't going to give the ball away for nothing."

I understand wanting to get a signed ball back in return from the player, but the idea of demanding memorabilia signed by other players, or money, is astounding.

When I read this, I immediately thought back to the Winter Classic, when Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brett Lebda scored in the 3rd, and was unable to get the puck before it was auctioned off online. A fan payed over $1400 for the puck, and ended up giving it back to Lebda at the Toast of Hockeytown fundraiser. Lebda sent him a few signed items, I believe including a Zetterberg jersey.

The article also mentions there are still baseball fans who give back milestone balls without asking for the sun and stars in return:

...when the fan who caught [Adam] Dunn's 300th home run last week offered it back to the slugger for free, Mr. Dunn gave him a signed jersey, three signed balls and tickets for later games.

There is still something to be said for altruistic giving. What you get back will be worth much more than what you gave up.