July 19, 2022

Dear Mr. Hample,

My name is Shamim and I’m a huge fan of yours and I enjoyed your book how to snag major league baseballs in 2006 and I enjoyed your video of you signing your baseball cards my friend Ryan met you on last Saturday July 16th 2022 during pitchers practice at target filed in Minnesota I was wondering if you would be willing to sign his photo that he took of you and him for my autograph collection Thank you for your time and consideration Mr.Hample

My favorite book of yours is How to snag MLB baseballs Released March 1,1999

Your friend and fan and baseball fan

Shamim
Portland, Oregon

September 21, 2020

Hi Zack-

Thanks so much for getting back to us about Spring Training. Our family was so bummed as we actually ended up not flying to Phoenix as all of our Spring Training games were cancelled due to COVID. We are keeping our fingers crossed and hopeful that we will be going back to Mesa, AZ in March 2021 as they just released the tentative Spring Training Schedule late last week. Luckily my son Jack was still able to play on his 12U travel baseball team this summer and fall which has been our family's main activity during this unusual year.

I am reaching out to you again as my son Jack had to read two books over the summer before starting 7th grade and he choose to read one of your books "How To Snag Major League Baseballs". He LOVED, LOVED  the book so much that he even decided to read it a second time over the summer and was excited to tell his LA teacher about it at the beginning of this unusual school year.

As part of their current Language Arts assignment, our son Jack needs to write a letter to one of the authors of the books they read over the summer. I wanted to make sure we had the correct fan mailing address for you.

Jack is looking forward to writing you a letter about your amazing book and sending it in the mail as he continue to be a HUGE fan of yours. Please be on the look out for his letter. If you would have time to respond and write Jack and his LA class back I know it would make Jack's day and his entire 7th grade LA classes. As you can imagine attending classes from home and doing E-learning has been challenging for all students this year.

Thanks so much for your help with the request of verifying your fan mailing address.

Have a wonderful day and week ahead!

-Buddy

April 4, 2016

Read your How to Snag book when I was 10. Got 5 baseballs that season. I was the happiest 10 yr old on the planet.

-Tyler

October 16, 2015

Zack,

Haven't written for a while, but wanted to check in...

1. Tell me you have playoff tickets! Not too many Mets fans in Ohio, but I did think you and a few NY transplants who are now rooting for them.
2. Heading to the Arizona Fall League for the first time to photograph. I've always wanted to go (mostly to get out of Ohio in November) and now I have an excuse.
3. Thank you, again.

Your book "How to Snag..." brought me back to the game I loved and to where I now am. I saw a review/article in the back of Sports Illustrated, I believe, and I remembered that I always wanted to snag a baseball at a pro game. I bought your book and it inspired me to get back to the ballpark. It had been almost 20 years since my last live game. The trickle became a flood.

I'm including a photo of 2015 Topps Heritage card #166-Erik Gonzalez. Never in a million years would I have dreamed that I would see a photo of mine on a Topps card. The 2016 season will mark my 6th year as a photographer MiLB/MLB.

Should I ever meet you in person, the first round is on me. Thank you,

-David

August 19, 2015

I emailed you about 2 months ago about "How to Snag Major League Baseballs". It's an amazing book, as I've recently gone to two games since purchasing it, and I've snagged a ball each time (8/12/15 at Citi Field BP I stood in the Big Apple Reserve [to the right field side of the big apple] and got a ball thrown to me by Rockies RHP Tommy Kahnle and just last night, 8/18/15 at Camden Yards I snagged a Curtis Granderson BP home run [I grabbed it in the second row about 5 seats from the bullpen on the right field side.] Even better, he hit two home runs that game!) Now, thanks to your book, I have three baseballs, and I'm planning on snagging more! So I was wondering if you have a system of keeping track of which balls you got from who or at what stadium? Also, do you keep all your balls in one room?? Thanks.

June 16, 2015

I managed to snag 3 baseballs at Busch stadium last night after reading your book! Thanks for all the help I will make a book review video on YouTube soon! I now have 7 mlb baseballs now!

December 4, 2014

HI

I find your videos on youtube and your blogs very, very helpful. I am sorry to be bugging you about this book but, Do you have an extra copy laying around that I could buy or maybe trade somthing???

I really want to read that book so please get back in touch with me 

THANK YOU, PHILIP, 13, FAN  

March 11, 2013

The book you wrote on getting baseballs at baseball games was one of my favorites when I was younger. Your the reason I go to games like 2 hours early.  

September 21, 2012

Can I get an inscription - let me know. For "how to snag major league baseballs", it's for a friend.

Thanks so much.

-Patrick

July 6, 2012

Zack, I have a story that I think you'll enjoy.

In fourth grade, we had a Chinese auction in our class, and throughout the semester (we had 2 of them) we earned tickets for doing good things and whatnot. I, being the good boy I am/was, had loads of tickets. Anyway, one of the prizes was your book about catching baseballs (and I think a few other baseball things). I wanted that book SO badly! Seriously, I stuffed the bucket full of probably all my tickets. I did win the book, and I read it probably at least 4-5 times. I think I actually tried to build one of those gloves with the rubber band and sharpies. And I have to admit, I became obsessed with you - I read your blog on a near daily basis!

So what I'm trying to say is, thank you. You briefly made my childhood happy and full of hope and fun, and it is an honor to meet you.

-Alex

January 8, 2012

Ten years ago I bought your first book to give to my nephew. I had been "out" of baseball for almost 15 years and "How To Snag..." rekindled a fire I had forgotten about. I'll never forget my first game back at Riverfront Stadium wondering if I was too old or maybe fortunate enough to snag a ball. I left with 2 that day, on cloud nine and acting like I was 11 years old again. I wrote to you about my experience and was touched that you took the time to respond. We've written back and forth a few times (I'm the Cincy guy) but haven't contacted you in a while.

I tell you this because in many ways returning to accomplish a goal at a game I loved but had neglected has inspired me beyond belief. Three years ago I purchased a decent camera and took a few community courses because I loved photography but knew nothing about it. My enjoyment turned into a second career as I started a small business shooting local sports. Last season I interned as the team photographer for the Akron Aeros (Cleveland Indians AA team) where I shot there games, baseball card set, and promos for the year. I'm returning for a second season and just received word last week that they're sending me to Phoenix for a week of Spring Training! How these two worlds collided, I'll never know, but I am grateful for the gifts I've been given.

Zack, thank you. I suppose my love of baseball was always in my heart, but clearly I needed something to wake up those deeply rooted sentiments. If you're ever in Akron, Ohio this summer, look for me in the dugout at the photo well. I can guarantee snagging a ball at Canal Park is much easier than Yankee Stadium.

Just wanted to give my appreciation-

-David

September 11, 2011

Hey Zack just thought I’d tell you that I just got your first book, “How to Snag Major League Baseballs” and I absolutely love it! You are the awesomest person ever!

-Brendan  

June 16, 2010

Zack–

I will not fawn so much that I freak you out, but I must say that after reading "Watching Baseball Smarter" I wanted to know more about you and your earlier book "How to Snag Major League Baseballs" which I purchased recently. It is very simple (which is perfect) and helpful. Basically, it affirms much of my thinking – who doesn’t love to have their ways of thinking endorsed (and enhanced)?! I've been reading it as a bedtime story to our oldest kids (see below) the last 4 nights.

At any rate, Father's Day is coming up. I shared with my wife that the greatest gift she could get me would be to hire you to go to a game with myself, Maple and Maxine and help the kids snag balls. My wife (Michelle, who you will like very much – there is no one who doesn’t think she is great) will probably be contacting you. You can act like you haven't heard from me. But, I just wanted to introduce myself.

-David, age 43
Seattle, WA  

April 12, 2010

I went to Spring Training this year and used some of your methods in your book and caught 5 balls in 3 games not as good as you but i was proud of myself thanks!

-Oliver  

July 15, 2009

Aloha Zack from Hawaii - Because we have no major league team in Hawaii and don't have the same perspective of watching MLB games, in prep for my son's (7 years old) first major league game we read your blog, took notes and bought a copy of your first book. Great ideas and yes your hints/advice does work. First ball at Nationals Park - an Easter egg sitting in the flower bed. Would have never thought to look there. Still can't believe you got 28 in that park and still in amazement of the 32 balls at Kauffman. Now we understand the excitement of obtaining the baseball.

Can't wait to read your new book and see a deeper insight into baseball...We love the pictures, comments and stories on your blog. Keep up the good work and we are always looking forward to your updates.

-Todd  

February 4, 2009

hey zack

i read your book about 4-5 years ago and it changed my life. ive been going to batting practice and spring training ever since...I'm born and raised an Angels fan and go to 20-40 games a season. Since reading your book I have snagged 342 baseballs and have traveled to Spring training, Yankee Stadium, Fenway (For an Angels game in 2007...third base side during BP...I love it), the 2006 world baseball classic semi-finals and finals, and a Reds vs. Padres game this past summer.

-Warren, age 15
Orange County, CA

P.S. All Star Game 2010 Angel Stadium Come chill man!  

October 4, 2008

Dear Zack,

I don't know if you get tons and tons of emails like this, but I just had to tell you how much your first book influenced me to collect baseballs at a rapid pace. I am a MINOR league baseball collector from Tennessee that collects baseballs around East Tennessee, Western Virginia, and the Western Carolinas. Before I read How to Snag Major League Baseballs, I had a lifetime number of 17 baseballs. After reading your book, something clicked in my mind that made me have a mission, snag a ball in every Appalachian League park in Tennessee. I ended up doing more than that. I extended my season by going to 2 Tennessee Smokies games and 1 Asheville Tourists game, each time getting a ball. Finally, the Appy League Season got underway. The dream was fulfilled as I successfully snagged baseballs in all four of the Appy League parks in Tennessee, with the help of one extra park in Bristol, Virginia. Overall I amassed 27 baseballs. My lifetime number is now 44 and I plan to celebrate that magic number of 50. I probably couldn't have done it without your first book.

Sincerely,
Ben

P.S. Congrats on the Shea Stadium catch on the final game.  

September 30, 2008

Zack, I've always been a huge fan and I just wanted to thank you. Over the last 9 years I've read your book before every game I go to, and its helped me get dozens of balls. During the summer I got 3 balls at a game in San Francisco and I remember thinking how I wouldn't have got any if it wasn't for your book. So thanks! Hopefully I'll see you at the new Yankee Stadium.

-John  

August 6, 2008

Zack, Jeff from the Phillies game here. Thanks again for signing the book and answering my questions. By the way, I believe my glove trick failed during our "old fashioned battle" because that was my first ever attempt in a stadium to use the glove trick and I was competing with the creator of the glove trick! That's an intimidating first try. But I did successfully get one off the warning track when Ethan's pen fell out of his glove and I swooped in. So it was a productive first day of snagging. I snagged 3 (but ended up with 2 after giving one to the kid it was apparently intended for), which is equal to the amount of balls I've gone him with over the last 15 years. All thanks to your blog and book.

-Jeff, age 24
Jamison, PA  

June 3, 2008

Zack,

Thanks for answering!!!!!

This is Alejandro's mom:

My son is going crazy with you and your books, You –tube, he knows you better than anybody. He is a very smart little boy, and this weekend we are going to another baseball game to see if he can catch some more balls. (He carries your book with him, so he knows how many balls he needs to catch to break the record!) He actually caught 2 balls last time he went to a Marlins game

As a mother thanks for the inspiration you have given him. He is into sports since a very young age, but baseball is his passion!!! More than catching a ball, it is about believing that you can achieve what you set up your mind into. That is the lesson he is learning with you and the balls.

You are going to make him the happiest kid on earth with this e-mail

God bless you

-Rosa
Miami, FL  

May 14, 2008

Hey Zack,

My Dad and I go on a baseball trip every year with Jay Buckely Baseball Tours. It rocks, in the summer we go on a bus with about 30 other people and drive around each day to baseball games all over the place. You get to go to about 10 games in a week and a half. It's always awesome.

Anyway, ever since we started going on Jay Buckley's Tours we have gotten a lot of baseballs (for us anyway). We have about 75 or more in about 40 games. We've also gone on our own to a few games, but we didn't factor those in yet. I have to say that you've been the guiding force for basically all of it. Every year I read your book at least 3 times before the trip.

We always think it is funny when people say that 75 is a ton because of your amazing total of 3300+. One guy literally said we should write a book, "How to Snag Major League Baseballs". We just went along with it and agreed.

Thank you so much for all of your help. With your info, our baseball trips are so much more fun. We're learning as we go along and we've seen plenty of crazy and funny things.

Thanks Again,
Brendan  

August 25, 2007

I just wanted to let you know I was bored last night since the Rockies played a day game, so I tried to figure out the glove trick. I got it set up perfectly, and my 3-year old daughter can do it standing on top of a chair. I took it to the game tonight, and a buddy came over and wanted to try it on a ball in left-center, one try and he got the ball. A little later, a ball rolled to the fence where I stand in straight-away left field, and there were a couple of players that didn't go retrieve it, and Willy Mo started to go get it just as I was lowering my glove. Willy Mo walked over and stood there and watched me pick it up, he just smiled. I just thought I'd let you know, I had about 50 people asking me where I got the idea, and I told them about your book.

-Dan, age 34
Denver, CO

July 30, 2007

MY son has had your book for 4 years. We read it every year before we go on our annual two week baseball trip to major league parks. With your great book we usually get like 10 or 15 balls.

-Michael
Maywood, NJ

June 24, 2007

Hey Zack, 
I accidentally stumbled on your blog and I LOVE IT. I have learned so much about baseball and am totally amazed by your glove trick. I attend ball games alot and love to collect autographes. I tried the trick yesterday at Angel Stadium and I snagged 2 balls!

Also, I love your book "How to Snag ML baseballs." At first I couldn't find it on amazon, ebay or just about any places on web. Good thing is that I used Google book search it is avaliable in my local library~I actually applied for library card just to rent your book!!! THANK YOU ZACK, YOU ARE MY ROLE MODEL and the video is very cool, too!!!!!

-Sammy  

June 18, 2007

Hey,

My name is Toby, i'm a big baseball fan living in England. This year i persuaded my parents to take me to Chicago and i'm going to be watching three baseball games there, two major league and one minor league. I was browsing on youtube when i ran into your videos and i think that what you do is great. When i go to Chicago i'll be watching my first ever baseball game and i'd love to be able to come back home with a major league ball. I was wondering if your book would still be in stores, i know it came out a couple of years ago but if i could get a copy that would be really great. I've learnt loads of tips already from your videos and i'll do my best to use them. I'll appriciate any reply.

Keep the streak going!

Your Fan, Toby

November 27, 2006

Hey, I saw you on t.v. and thought you were rad, so I wanted to get a copy of your book. I've only seen it on amazon.com, and it was $25. I was wondering if I would be able to purchase the book from you directly for less than that.

-Tiffany, age 19
Santa Clarita, CA

August 23, 2006

I just started reading your blog about a month and a 1/2 ago and I am now a huge fan of yours. I also bought your book last week and since then I went to Camden Yards and got 2 balls and got 14 minor league AA Eastern League balls in 6 games.

btw...Nice snag on the Bonds ball. I saw it on MLB live and thought that it might be you but I was not sure. I must be so awesome to own a huge piece of baseball history.

-Michael, age 14

July 26, 2006

Hi Zack, i have been a fan ever since i read your book a couple years ago and just recently started reading your blog. I was just curious if you had any tips for snagging balls at safeco field and the metrodome? I also was wondering if you know what time the Metrodome opens? Thanks for taking the time.

-Tyler

June 22, 2006

You have a great blog and I love reading your entries. I recently got a copy of your book from a friend and now I have already gotten 13 balls in just 3 games. I just wanted to thank you for giving me and I'm sure many others a new and fun hobby. I don't get to Shea as much as I'd like to, but I hope to bump into you the next time I go.

-Jeff  

June 13, 2006

I bought your book when I was 9 or 10 at a book fair at my school. I loved it. I'm psyched to see you are writing a new one! I'm 16 now and attend as many dodger games as I can. I LOVE GETTING BALLS!!!! You are a legend! I have 7 balls. My numbers are going up. I caught one in 2002, 2 in 2003, 2 in '05, and I'm already at two for this season. My last baseball is questionable, I didn't get a player or coach to throw me the Ball, rather than an Umpire, Would you count this?

-Ethan
Van Nuys, CA

October 6, 2005

Zack im your biggest fan,ive been a huge fan for about 1 year i look at your blog every day, i live near san fransisco are you planning on going to sf ever its so fun sbc park is great have you ever officially met jt snow? he's my favorite player.Do you know how i could get a copy of your book? sorry im asking you so many questions but i idelize you.please email me back withe the answers.  

September 22, 2005

Hey Zack got your book and it really works!!! Been to 3 Yankee games and 3 BP balls: 2 from Yankee bats and one from Orioles 3rd base coach Treblehorn. Thanks Zack.

-Nelson

May 3, 2005

I owe you thanks about how to get an autographed baseball from that section of your book. I wrote to George Steinbrenner, stroked his ego in a letter and viola! - instant result.

Thanks again for writing the book and of course your excellent advice.

-Gabriel
Salinas, CA  

May 22, 2004

Hi. I'm Evan and I'm from California . I am twelve years old.I have read your great book many times. I got in second grade and then every year I kept reading it, I have learned all your techniques. I enjoy going to dodger stadium( it is the closest stadium to me). My dad and I go about once every two weeks since I have a lot of homework and stuff like that. When I go My dad and I buy lodge tickets. We get their 90 minutes before the game and watch BP. At 90 minutes before the game their is no one guarding the door leading to the lower level. Every time my dad and I sneak down to watch BP. My record is three balls in one game but I'm trying to break that record. I have twelve total but I'm adding a lot each time I go to games. Last season my dad and I were at a dodger vs. mets game sitting in the lodge seats. Edguardo Alfonso hit a foul ball a few aisles over from me and their was another person racing me to the ball but I dove and beat him to the ball. this was my first and only game ball. Once I tried to bring a fishnet in but they wouldn't let me. To make it worse they didn't even return it to me after the game. Since then I have never tried to bring one in. Even though you are probably busy please try to get back to me.  July 24, 2003

Zack,
I would like to say that I bought your book right about when it came out, because I couldn't figure out why I could never catch a ball. Since then, although it took me three years, I have snagged 4 balls at the age of thirteen. Today, I had my first multi-ball game, then rubbed it in my sister's face (she almost made me late for BP).

-Charlie
New York, NY  

June 22, 2003

Hi there! I met you outside the Yankee game on Jun 17 and saw you get ball 2020 or 2023(?). I was able to order your book from a bookstore at Roosevelt Field Mall(they found me the last paperback copy from Reno). Thank you again for your web address and I've since finished your book and hope to met up again, hopefully to get it signed by the author. Thank you again for renewing my hopes to one day get a major league baseball.

-Jim
Queens, NY

May 29, 2003

Dear Zack,
I am a baseball fan whose dream was to catch a foul ball also. I have always wanted to.I think you may be like me and get a kind of weird feeling when you see a fan catch a ball. To me, it's like seeing a Grand slam hit out of Yankee Stadium. My dream came true at Yankee Stadium. They were playing the Indians. It was in BP. A coach from Cleveland walked over to the outfield fence with a ball. I was 12. There wereprobably 20 kids reaching out. I stuck out my hat. And all of the sudden he looked up at me. I guess he saw the look on my eyes because he just reached up and stuck it in my hat. It was so awesome. I hope to get some more. I would love so much to be able to find a copy of your book.

-David, age 13
Greenville, SC  

October 30, 2002

hi zack how are you? i just finished reading your book, it was really cool. my main hobby is collecting memorabilia from sporting events, mainly hockey and baseball. probably 85% of the reason why i go to MLB or minor league games is to get a ball. i feel so good when i get one. i only have about 5 balls from the 20 or so mlb games ive been to. your book was right up my alley. i bought it yesterday afternoon at a school bookfair and finished it this morning.

-Jordan, age 13
Miami, FL  

March 22, 2002

I bought your book about a year or two ago. It was really informing. I go to a lot of Tacoma Rainers baseball games and my brother and I get several baseballs. We even sometimes get baseball bat. I used a lot of your tips to get baseballs at Seattle Mariners games. I've gotten 5 baseballs from the Mariners and 1 of them is a game ball from Kazahiro Sazaki.

-Jeff
Tacoma, WA  

September 10, 2001

In school we need to do a book report,and guess what book i'm doing...hmmm...yep i'm doing How to Snag Major League Baseballs by Zack Hample.

-Adam
New York, NY

September 2, 2001

Your book is great. It must be great having all those Major League balls. Thanks to you, I caught my first four balls in one game. Unfortunately, I don't go to games very often, but when I do, I follow your book. I have even made the Zacktrap with my glove. You are the best ball snagger in the world.

-Matthew, age 11  

July 9, 2001

Dear, Zack I bought your book about two years ago. I had never gotten a ball in my life, but I so dearly wanted one. Your book has gotten me 15+ balls. Your book has good facts, and it's funny.

-Garrett
Bloomington, MN

May 17, 2001

Since I can remember, I have longed to snag a major league baseball at the park. It didn't seem fair for lucky fans who happened to be seated where the foul balls landed to leave the stadium with a souvenir that I so desperately craved. I gave up on my dream many years ago.

When I saw your book, my determination returned. Although I'm now 36, I knew I still had a chance to realize my dream. I ordered your book (FedEx), read and reread it and developed my plan.

I chose today's game, which started at 12:35-most kids would still be in school. I typed up lineups for both teams so I could memorize names and numbers (even birthdates-there were 2 May birthdates close to today's date!). Checked the pitching rotation and ordered my tickets accordingly. I stood at will call an hour early and was the 5th person in at the gate-only to discover there was no batting practice. Plan B....

A few Reds pitchers were warming up. Being fluent in Spanish, I eyed Osvaldo Hernandez and was determined to ask him to throw me his ball when he was finished. At 11:24, 19 minutes into the stadium, I snagged my first! I swear it was in slow motion and destined to be a highlight on Sportscenter! When the Diamondbacks took the field, I headed toward the 3rd base side. After welcoming Reggie Sanders back to Cincinnati, I asked him for his ball. At 12:15, number 2!

THANK YOU! You gave me not only tips, but, perhaps more importantly, the courage and determination to fulfill a dream.

What a rush...maybe I'll get some sleep tonight.

-David
Cincinnati, OH

April 22, 2001

I loved your book. It really inspired me to attend more games.

-Jeremy H.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

April 11, 2001

Hi, Thanks For making the wonderful book. I went to The vet for the Phillies on April 9, 2001. I went to bating practice brought both a Marlins and a Phillies hat and at the end of BP Pat Burrel saw me with my glove and hat on and throgh me the ball. I was so excited. Then I had very good seats right behind the Marlins dougout and Derek Lee Saw me with my Marlins Hat on Dring the game and he tossed me the ball and one kid jumped in front of me to get it and he did. So later the next ining he saw me again and throught it to me. So now I have 2 balls for that game, and I ow it all To you.

-Carmen