Former Guilford Baseball Player Zack Hample (2000) Returns A-Rod’s 3000th Hit Baseball

Hat tip Jeff Thigpin and Guilford Athletics: Kudos to former Guilford baseball player Zack Hample ’00 for his generosity and keen negotiating (and public relations) skills! The New York Yankees announced Friday they would make a $150,000 donation to Pitch In For Baseball in exchange for the home run ball Hample snagged two weeks ago off the bat of star infielder Alex Rodriguez. Hample, who has collected over 8,000 baseballs from Major League Baseball stadiums, has partnered with Pitch In for Baseball since 2009. PiFB is a charitable organization that provides baseball equipment to children and communities in need. Way to go, Zack!

Story in Sports Illustrated.

Hample had been getting a lot of bad press in the sports media for holding on to A-Rod’s ball. He has been known for catching important baseballs having collected more than 8000 balls.