[where's_the_Outrage?]

Have to wonder how anyone will know it's that specific ball. I would hope Albert Pujols would have signed that ball to ensure proper identification.

Nice for the fan to have something of possible value.

[Fido969]

I think that potentially historical balls are marked - I believe every ball pitched to Judge has a marking on it.

[Steve_Seattle]

Will the FBI raid the guy’s house? Will the IRS come after him?

[Fido969]

For the rest of the season, every ball pitched to Judge will include a covert marking that can only be seen with certain technology, although the league isn’t being much more specific than that to ensure the legitimacy of its authentication process.

https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/aaron-judge-home-run-prices

[ElkGroveDan]

Have to wonder how anyone will know it's that specific ball. I would hope Albert Pujols would have signed that ball to ensure proper identification.

MLB staff step in and verify the balls as they are caught these days (using replay video if necessary).

[V_TWIN]

“Souvenirs are for fans,” Pujols said

Absolutely...but like you said.

Need to have it verified and certified.

Without documentation and provenance your screwed.

[poinq]

He saves the ticket stub. He takes a picture. There will be only so many balls that bleachers get that night. One will be the 699th hit earlier in the game. Frankly, If I were the fan I would give the team my email. So when they send me a request I would have the proof. Or I can dicker for a better trade. Season tickets for the ball, maybe.

[Bruce Campbells Chin]

The fan who caught the ball is entitled to keep the ball and enjoy whatever personal satisfaction it gives him. But I also hope Pujols didn't sign it. So the fan can enjoy having it - he just won't be able to profit from it.

Seems like a just result to me.

[kenmcg]

The players get the biggest contracts some in the hundreds of millions like Pujols and soon to be Judge. Don’t blame the fan if he’s looking for a piece of the action.

[llevrok]

I'm the outlier here I guess

There have only been 3 players EVER to reach this mark (I don't count Bonds of the steroid era).

Be a fan. Give the damn ball to the HoF museum at least, if not Albert. Get your picture with Albert and enjoy your 15 minutes if fame.

[glorgau]

If it were me, I wouldn’t. Back when McGuire and Sosa were doing their duel, a buddy of mine got one of those.

[Jane Long]

It’s called negotiating. ;-)

[MeneMeneTekelUpharsin]

The only just outcome would be for the Cardinals to pay ALL of his income taxes for the rest of his life. Otherwise, no ball.

[TreasonObserver]

Ummmmmm, why should he?

[cranked]

Beers on him at the next bar visit? kekw

[neal1960]

Was the fans name Frank Barone? Must be a king of queens watcher to understand.

[twister881]

Instead of a Good Samaritan fan who could have received a lot of bennies (photos, jerseys, tickets, food, luxury box party, etc.), he’ll be known as the d*ckhead who wouldn’t return the ball.

[LeoTDB69]

I don’t know the fans situation but I can’t blame him. That ball may be his kids college fund or something.

[dsrtsage]

I didn’t know they still had baseball

[Kartographer]

Just the other day a guy caught Aaron Judge’s 70th home run of the season and when the guy gave it back to Judge in turn for a couple autographed bats, balls and a picture everyone was calling the guy a sap and now they are calling this guy a idiot? Proof you can’t please people!

[OrangeHoof]

Hey, in this economy, especially in Cali, this ball may someday be worth a month’s worth of meals.