It's Just a Ball

I need to start by saying that am in no way making fun of the tragic event that occurred over the weekend and I do feel really bad for that firefighters family. Accidents happen and the death of a husband, friend and father is not something I take lightly.

Every person that goes to a baseball game is excited at the possibility of catching a foul ball or home run. For some it could be the highlight of their summer. That is why when you see a foul ball on TV there is a huge crowd of people willing to jump all over each other in order to catch it. Home runs are a little more exciting because it actually has an impact on the game. People go crazy for these balls and sometimes it is at the detriment of themselves or others. People, it's just a ball.

After the tragedy in Texas the talk was all about the fact that 4 people had fallen over a railing and how the design of the park may need to be changed. I don't think that changing the rails will keep people from falling. The rails aren't the problem. People have fallen over the rails at Coors Field here in Denver attempting to catch a ball they have no business going after. The guy who almost fell 20 feet last night at the Home Run Derby is proof of that. the railing was plenty high to keep him from falling over but he had a better chance of catching home runs if he stood on a table. Going after his 4th home run ball this jerk goes over the rail and thankfully was caught by friends and family. Was it worth it? The ball wasn't anywhere near him and he almost died for his 4th ball. At least the man in Texas was trying to get just 1 ball for his kid.

I might understand if someone were going after Jeter's 3,000th hit and did something kind of dumb to get it, but most of these balls are absolutely worthless. I don't think anyone has ever paid good money for a foul ball. I'd estimate that 99% of all the home runs ever hit had no real significance so they won't sell for much either. What are people risking their lives for? A memory, a souvenire, a story to tell your friends. What good are any of these things if you hurt or kill yourself in the process. How great would it be to catch a ball if you hurt someone else in the attempt? Is it worth it? I don't think the kid that watched his dad die in Texas thinks that it was worth it. Why? Because it's just a stupid ball.