I got an ULTRA RARE Félix Hernández baseball at Camden Yards!!
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STORY TIME! On August 12, 2023, the Seattle Mariners inducted Félix Hernández to their Hall of Fame. They had a huge pre-game ceremony at T-Mobile Park, and they used commemorative baseballs during that game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Now, it just so happens that Orioles bullpen catcher Ben Carhart is THE MAN, and we've become friends over the past few seasons, so I texted him that day and asked if there was ANY chance that he might be able to track down one of those special Félix balls for me. He said he'd try but then I didn't hear back from him about it, so I figured he wasn't able to it, and I didn't want to bug him, so I let it go.
Well, on September 8, 2023, I saw the Orioles at Fenway Park, and Ben told me that he HAD gotten one of those baseballs for me -- but he didn't know that I was gonna be in Boston, so he didn't have it with him. Here's my video from that day (including our conversation about it):
• HUGE surprise for me a...
So basically, at that point, I needed to figure out a time to get my arse to Baltimore ASAP. Ben offered to mail the ball to me, which was incredibly generous of him, but c'mon, in order to count it in my collection I needed to actually SNAG it at a Major League Baseball stadium. That's how it works. Otherwise what's the point? I could've just bought that ball, ya know? I explained this to Ben, and he told me to give him a heads-up when I was planning to be at Camden Yards, and so THIS game, which took place on September 26, 2023, was the culmination of my six-week odyssey to acquire a Félix Hernández commemorative baseball.
I really REALLY love commemorative balls. I've gotten more than 140 different ones since the late 1990s, and on numerous occasions I've booked flights and hotels just to try to catch them. Last year I flew from NYC to Seattle (12 hours roundtrip) to catch an Ichiro Suzuki commemorative ball, and I would've done that again for Félix Hernández except the game didn't fit into my schedule. I'm telling you all of this so you understand (a) how excited I was to get this ball and (b) what a huge favor Ben did for me.
Want to see my entire collection of commemorative baseballs? Yes, of course you do! Here's a page on my website with a ton of photos:
www.zackhample.com/commemorative
So let me say it one more time: HUGE thanks to Ben Carhart for making this happen for me. I gotta thank my videographer as well -- Rachel Messbauer, who enthusiastically spent six hours in the car with me and did a great job of capturing all the action. (Filming on the Flag Court is challenging. It's hard to see, and it requires standing for nearly 100% of the game, but she did it.) Thanks to my editor Zac Gutherman (@zg_films) who cranked this one out and has been working hard lately on a ton of stuff for me. And thanks to YOU for watching!
Oh, and one last thing -- take a look at my blog entry from the 2011 All-Star Game. It's truly a masterpiece:
mlblogssnaggingbaseballs.word...
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The look on the children’s face was priceless, but, the look on their mother’s face was worth the price of admission.
@Whatsviral247sports
9 ай бұрын
My favorite part of the videos don’t understand all the hate he gets
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Sure was.
0:47 "YewTewb" gotta love the Bmore accent
The vibes at Camden Yards are immaculate. Love seeing you go here Zack
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Thanks and I agree!
Zack I'm so happy for you on getting the Felix baseball. I've been watching you for years and you are everything that's great about baseball. I see you bring joy to so many kids when you hand over a baseball to them and that's a special memory that kid and their parents will have for life. For my sons 10th birthday we took him to Comerica Park to see the Angels, and Scott Sizemore handed my son a baseball and 13 years later that birthday is still so special to him and myself. So when something like this happens when you get a rare baseball and to see the happiness and excitement you have warms my heart because you have given so many kids that same feeling over the years and it's well deserved good karma for you. Keep up the great work my friend!
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Many thanks! And that's awesome about your son's 10th b-day. I got cats when I turned that age, haha.
Always love how Zack is taking pics with people he is an inspiration to baseball!!
So excited to watch this! I've been waiting for your video to come out all week. Nothing helps get me through the day quite like watching the goat do his thing! You Rock Zack!
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Thanks! Hope you enjoyed it.
That is awesome Zack! One more for the collection Bud! 👍
Nicely done Z....giving the baseballs to those two little kids....sweet.
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
:)
Awesome job giving the balls away to the young kids after catching the BP home run. And congrats on getting the commemorative Felix ball. The O's bullpen coach is a great guy for getting you one of those.
you always have the best time at Camden Yards. It's like you and Camden Yards are meant to be. Great video Zack.
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Thanks and I hope that holds up in October.
Wow ...nice ...they played "Pearl Jam" when you put that Baseball in your jacket....love that Band
While I have always felt you are good for the game of baseball, today it really stood out to see the looks on kid's faces when they saw you and the excitement they get from just saying hi or even better, getting a picture with you. Being at an MLB game already creates excitement for these kids (and some of us grown up kids), and then they spot you and it's just like they have been taken to another level. The look on the kids face at 10:11 of this video says it all. Don't ever stop what you are doing as long as you are physically able to do it. I mean shoot I'm 66 years old and still look forward to you videos. Between your athletic ability to catch some of the balls you get by jumping over seats or into the air, or to the joy you bring to so many kids at these games, you are a gem. I hope I run into you one day but the odds are pretty slim seeing as how I live in Portland, Oregon and we have no baseball to speak of here. But I am a sports fanatic and almost all my trips consist of catching a professional sports game of whatever is in season, so you never know. This year I caught a game at Dodger Stadium, Angels Stadium, TMobile in Seattle, and Target in Minny. I have family in Minnesota so I usually go there in the summer and catch a few games in between fishing and spending time with family. And if you haven't been to a Saints game, you definitely should go the next time you're in the Twin Cities. It's a great time and also has many options for getting balls - whether foul, fair, toss up, or Home Run. Congrats on getting that Felix ball. Living just a few hours away, I have been able to see plenty of Mariners games dating back to the old Kingdome. I saw many games that he pitched and the park was electric every time he took the mound.
Lol! You being at Camden Yards I misread the title of the video. I thought it said Felix Bautista. I was wondering why they put out a commemorative baseball for The Mountain. 😂 That Felix Hernandez ball is super sweet though. Ben Carhart is awesome. Let's go O's in the ALDS!
That baseball you got Zack is awesome! What a person Ben is!
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Ben is the GOAT.
Holy crap!!! I was actually at this game!! It was just after a long road trip for the Orioles and it was the first game back in like a week when they played the Nationals
Great video! I knew that was the reason why you went to Baltimore for just one game. So happy for you that you got that ball. When you’re happy, I’m happy.
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
:)
Love when you go to fenway park! The vibes are amazing! Can't beat this stadium
I love Watching Zack and will you PLEASE DO SOME Q AND As THIS OFF-SEASON PLEASE AND HSOW YOUR RUBBER BANDBALL TOO!
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
I'll do my best!
Zack does So Much for baseball, that manfred guy...
@aidanfinkofficial
9 ай бұрын
Zack for commish!
that was a good game and i know the orioles were playing with heavy hearts after hearing about brooks robertson
Felix being a one teamer is something special that must be appreciated across the league. So many players could chase the money (not that the team doesn't pay them well) but that is still hard to find in sports today. Will miss him in MLB but hopefully gets the nod for the MLB Hall of Fame in addition to the Mariners Hall of Fame.
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
You're right but I doubt he'll end up in Cooperstown. He just doesn't have the career stats, unfortunately.
I am so excited to see your videos from Detroit for Miggy weekend at Comerica Park! It was so special and I'm excited to see your videos about it!
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Thanks! Might post the first one tomorrow.
@darrellhall6622
9 ай бұрын
Two Legends retired that weekend. Miggy and Tito!!! (Cleveland's manager)
@lionsfan7500
9 ай бұрын
@darrellhall6622 yes its sad to see Tito gone too. I think he was a phenomenal manager and in my opinion underrated. Hopefully he will be doing tv coverage next season because in 2012 when he did that for espn I think he did really good.
Ben is the MAN! Birds will be playing Sat. at Camden, what USED to be my fave ballpark.
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
He sure is!
i like the video very much Zack as an Orioles fan i am glad you like camden yards
I was there this was the night Brooks died! He held the record for scoring the only run in 1 run games and We won 1-0 on that wall scraper from Young Gunnar! Nice Felix commemorative Ben Carharrt is the man! Cool as a fan! Cant forget Yogi!Go Os !
Ben, is legend! ⚾️
Fantastic!
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Thanks!
Congrats on the ball! Great video!
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Thanks!
Great vid as always Z! The commemoratives this year were in my opinion some of the best/coolest we’ve had in awhile. Despite less teams using them, the quality of the logos that did get put into play made up for it. Especially that huge mistake the Phillies made 😂
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Thanks! And I agree with one exception. The Miguel Cabrera ball could've been better if it featured an image of him rather than just text.
@Ayden_Tempesta
9 ай бұрын
Totally agreed there 💯
Congrats on the rare ball
I see that Os hat haha, already a good vid
I was actually at the Félix Hernández hall of fame weekend, and I got one of those commemorative baseballs, but in GOLD. LONG LIVE KING FÉLIX!!!
Zack living the dream
awesome video
잭햄플씨?안녕하세요.반갑습니다.오늘도,변함없이.야구공사냥하러가셨군요.항상.늘~대리만족하고갑니다.야구공.득템축하드립니다.오늘도,활기찬.10월첫째주.붘금잘보내세요.수고하셨습니다.~^^"😅😊😂❤🎉
i know Rain is a bummer but it looks so cool with all the light on.
Good afternoon from Chicago Zack, your last regular season game is in Baltimore Orioles and we were in CWS game. We brought kids to watch CWS last home game. We got total 3 baseballs one is from a good uncle like you, another one is from the player Michael Kopech from bull pen before the game and the last one i caught from PD player bull pen after game but not sure which player throw a long distance to me. And the coincide is Michael Kopech is the first player throw baseball to him directly in the game and their date of birth are same...It's INSANE for me too like your record too). Happy to make my kids smile like what you did. You inspired the different way to watch the baseball game. We tried to catch the ball, watching the game, playing in kid's zone and of course ice cream. However the most important thing from yesterday we did that kids could run the base inside the field(I really want to go cuz this is one of my dream but they dont allow it haha...). Anyway just want to share this one in your foul ball record video because the made their record right away after last game 3 balls in the game even 1 is not really counting. By the way I just checked from one of the video about the player Luis Arraez, he is only 0.354 end of the season not what I guessed 0.372. He should work more harder haha. Have a good day!
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Ha! For real, Arraez, step it up! :p Glad you finished out the season strong.
@jorvan6910
9 ай бұрын
@@zackhample Thank you. I am very sure that if didn't meet you in that game then we might only watch that game when Sho-Time coming. We did 4 games + 1 football, tired but worthy especially when I saw they were running from first base to home, they also running one of my dream
The year 2037😂😂😂 good one Zack
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
:D
Sup Zack!! Thats awesome!! You should go to time tigers games next year!! (home games) awesome video!!
@DetroitSportsCast
8 ай бұрын
thats what i said@@aidanfinkofficial
Wow Zack you must love Camden Yards but I'm not going to lie I would be there a lot to
I love Zack Hample
It is the postseason and the O’s are looking like prohibitive favorites for the Series this year… 🐦 & hey, how’s about my call on Luis Arráez batting championship season! Think I only missed it by .001 from my early/mid season call with you on here (.353, if memory serves)…🥴 Amazing new commemorative baseball too…⚾️
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Nicely done on the prediction! I'm hoping the O's go all the way.
I still can't get over the fact that your 46 years old, it's mind blowing 😂
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
😬
Keeping baseball alive now the Yankees have gone for the season, thanks our Zack
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
I'm here for you.
W Ben Carhart
Ben Carhart is the goat!!
Nice vid Zack, also THANK GOD pitchers don't hit anymore!
@aidanfinkofficial
9 ай бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/eIeKl6uwj8muhpM.htmlsi=8cEbT8REyySx_kMe
That’s cool Zack! How often do you check to make sure you still have a “special” ball? Obviously you’ve never lost one, but I would be nervous. 😊
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
I mean, I was feeling it inside my jacket pocket all night.
Hey Zack I was just wondering when you were going to post the tigers game you went to, my friend Brody took a picture with you and he told me the game was awesome
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Three Tigers vids coming next.
Who's ready for the playoffs baby!!!
I love you Zack
Ben is my favorite player and im a Rockies fan lol Lets goo
@aidanfinkofficial
9 ай бұрын
He’s not a player he’s a bullpen catcher (coach).
@zman1285_
9 ай бұрын
@@aidanfinkofficial he actually was a player but ok
Zack when are you coming to Minute Maid Park?
Yeah buddy
Did you get a new mic recently because you can really _hear_ the pop of a ball hitting a mitt.
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Nope, nothing's changed on my end ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Hi Zack! Thanks for signing my cards I sent! I’ll be sending some more soon if that’s okay with you?
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Yah, no problem.
have you ever gotten a signature or ball from giancarlo stanton? its my dream Zack!!
@aidanfinkofficial
9 ай бұрын
Zack has gotten three game home runs hit by Giancarlo Stanton.
Zack would we pleeeeeaaaaaase get a commemorative baseball video?
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Maaaaaaaybe 👀
Zack whenever I go to an Orioles game I always look for you but I can never find you, can we meet at an orioles game one time?🎉🎉🎉🎉
@Eligaming934
8 ай бұрын
No pressure if we do meet can you hook me up with a commemorative baseball⚾️?I can’t wait to finally meet you (if that ever happens)
I totally support it if you decide not to post that Mets video (and I feel like it’s very likely that’s going to be the case). I know nothing happened that day and it was a tough one for you, but again I’d like to have the HR footage regardless.
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
I'm not posting it, but I'll try to send that footage soon. Need to get it from Rachel.
@aidanfinkofficial
9 ай бұрын
@@zackhampleThanks!
Who do you like better Dustin Hughes or Ben Carhart
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Do I have to pick one? I know Dustin better, but Ben is also incredible.
@noahcolonel1014
9 ай бұрын
@@zackhample you don't I was just wondering or you can choose both
Zack it's 2038....
I was at the next FOUR GAMES after this. I had to miss Zack Hample. 😡😡
Yeah Zack it's 2037 already.
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Time goes by quickly, huh?
@StarsFanRL
8 ай бұрын
@@zackhamplesure does. 😂Every time i go to Astros game or any MLB game i hope to see you.
Hey Zack do you think I’ll make it to the MLB?
yeah, another video from baltimore
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
And hopefully not the last this season!
@JoshuaR.Collins
9 ай бұрын
@@zackhample yeeah. #GoO’s
Zack get a new nats hat
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
Meh.
@martinythegreat808
8 ай бұрын
@@zackhample You going to make any postseason vids
Hello
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
👋
First
first comment second like
Who's here watching in the year 2037?
@zackhample
9 ай бұрын
I need someone to reply to this in 14 years.
CARDINALS ARE THE REAL BIRDS IN THE MLB. I KNOW THEY WERE HORRIBLE THIS YEAR BUT WATCH OUT FOR NEXT YEAR.
Hey zach when ever your in Baltimore and need some good breakfast look into blue moon too in federal hills by the inner habor
@aidanfinkofficial
9 ай бұрын
*Zack