History of Zack Hample in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 10, 2025

Zack Hample is an American baseball collector renowned for amassing over 12,000 baseballs from Major League stadiums. His collection includes notable baseballs such as Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th career hit and Mike Trout's first career home run. He is a well-known figure within the baseball collecting community.

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Full Timeline

September 14, 1977: Zachary Ben Hample Born

On September 14, 1977, Zachary Ben Hample, the American baseball collector known for collecting over 12,000 baseballs from Major League stadiums, was born.

1990: First Baseball Caught at Shea Stadium

In 1990, Zack Hample caught his first baseball at a game in Shea Stadium, sparking a passion and obsession for catching foul balls, which he describes as a multiplying desire.

1999: Published 'How to Snag Major League Baseballs'

In 1999, Zack Hample's first book, How to Snag Major League Baseballs, about ballhawking, was released.

2007: Appeared in 'The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters'

In 2007, Zack Hample made a brief appearance in the documentary "The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters".

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2007: Published 'Watching Baseball Smarter'

In 2007, Zack Hample published his second book, Watching Baseball Smarter, which is an introduction to the mechanics and rules of baseball.

Watching Baseball Smarter: A Professional Fan's Guide for Beginners, Semi-experts, and Deeply Serious Geeks

Check it on Amazon

2008: Caught Last Mets Homerun Hit at Shea Stadium

In 2008, Zack Hample caught the last Mets homerun hit at Shea Stadium.

2009: Began Working with Pitch in for Baseball and Softball

In 2009, Zack Hample began working with Pitch in for Baseball and Softball, a non-profit charity, to provide equipment to underprivileged children.

2011: Published 'The Baseball: Stunts, Scandals, and Secrets Beneath the Stitches'

In 2011, Zack Hample published his third book, The Baseball: Stunts, Scandals, and Secrets Beneath the Stitches, which chronicles the history of baseballs.

The Baseball: Stunts, Scandals, and Secrets Beneath the Stitches

Check it on Amazon

2012: 6,000th Baseball Caught

In 2012, Zack Hample caught his 6,000th baseball.

April 18, 2013: Caught Two Homerun Balls at Yankee Stadium

On April 18, 2013, Zack Hample caught two home run balls during a game at Yankee Stadium, including the first career homer of shortstop Didi Gregorius.

2013: Sponsored by BIGS Sunflower Seeds

During the 2013 season, Zack Hample was sponsored by BIGS Sunflower Seeds.

June 2015: Caught Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th Career Hit

In June 2015, Zack Hample caught Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th career hit, which was a home run. Hample initially refused to return the ball but eventually agreed as part of an agreement with the Yankees where the organization donated $150,000 to Pitch In For Baseball. Hample also personally received an autographed jersey, two autographed bats, a VIP backstage tour of the stadium and tickets to the 2015 MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby as part of his deal.

July 3, 2016: Fort Bragg Game Ticket Controversy

On July 3, 2016, Zack Hample attended the Fort Bragg Game with a ticket intended for active duty military personnel, sparking criticism for taking the ticket and publicly offering to buy one. He claimed to have caught eleven balls and donated ten away, later posting an apology.

2017: Clayton Kershaw Refusal to Give Ball

In 2017, Clayton Kershaw refused to give Zack Hample a ball before a Dodgers game, citing Hample's extensive collection of over 7,000 baseballs.

2017: Topps Created a Zack Hample Baseball Card

In 2017, Topps created a controversial Zack Hample baseball card, which was included in the 2017 Topps Archives set.

2019: Raised Over $200,000 for Pitch in for Baseball and Softball

By 2019, Zack Hample had raised over $200,000 for the Pitch in for Baseball and Softball charity through fan pledges and sponsorships.

2019: Argosy Book Store Featured in 'The Booksellers'

In 2019, Zack Hample's family's bookstore, Argosy Book Store, was the focus of the documentary "The Booksellers".

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2019: 'Zack Hample vs the World' Screened at Baseball Hall Of Fame Film Festival

In 2019, the documentary "Zack Hample vs the World" was first screened at the Baseball Hall Of Fame Film Festival, with Zack Hample and Jeff Siegel in attendance. Hample stated he always dreamt he'd end up in the Hall of Fame.

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August 2022: Coors Field Incident and Controversy

In August 2022, Zack Hample faced controversy at Coors Field after attempting to enter a prohibited section and allegedly grabbing a ball dropped by a young fan. This led to criticism, including being called "a loser" by Marcus Stroman, and a ban from Portland Pickles games. Hample later apologized and removed a video about the incident.

2022: 12,000 Baseballs Caught

By 2022, Zack Hample claimed to have caught 12,000 baseballs.

2022: Colorado Rockies Usher Incident

In 2022, a Colorado Rockies usher witnessed Zack Hample grabbing a dropped ball from a young fan and refusing to return it, leading to criticism of his aggressive tactics.