Zack Hample facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zack Hample
Hample in 2008
Born	Zachary Ben Hample (1977-09-14) September 14, 1977 (age 47) New York City, U.S.
Alma mater	Guilford College
Occupation	Collector
Years active	1990–present
Known for	Collecting baseballs
Parent(s)	Stoo Hample (father)

Zack Hample, born on September 14, 1977, is famous for collecting baseballs. He says he has collected over 12,000 baseballs from big baseball stadiums. Some of these include famous balls, like Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th hit and Mike Trout's first home run.

However, some sports writers, players, and fans have criticized him for how he tries to get these baseballs.

Early Life

Zack grew up in New York City. His dad, Stoo Hample, was a writer and artist. Zack loved baseball from when he was five years old. He even played college baseball at Guilford College. When he was young, he dreamed of playing in Major League Baseball.

How Zack Collects Baseballs

Zack caught his first baseball at a game in 1990 at Shea Stadium. He calls catching baseballs his "passion." He explained that once he caught one ball, he just wanted more and more.

By 2012, Zack had caught 6,000 baseballs. By 2022, he said he had caught 12,000 balls. He even made a special tool to help him catch balls at stadiums. It was made from a baseball glove, a rubber band, and a pen. Zack also says he has become friends with some professional baseball players. These include Richard Bleier, Heath Bell, and Jeremy Guthrie.

Zack shares videos about baseball and catching balls on YouTube. He has many followers there. He sometimes hires people to film him catching balls. Zack also offers a special service where fans can pay him to go to games with them. He helps them try to catch balls too.

Famous Catches

In 2008, Zack caught the last home run hit by the Mets at Shea Stadium. On April 18, 2013, he caught two home run balls in one game at Yankee Stadium. One of these was the first home run for shortstop Didi Gregorius. He also caught the first home runs for Mike Trout and Mike Nickeas. He even caught Barry Bonds' 724th home run.

Zack Hample holding a ball he caught during the 2021 Home Run Derby.

In June 2015, Zack caught Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th career hit, which was a home run. At first, Zack said he would not give the ball back. But he later agreed to return it to Rodriguez. As part of the deal, the Yankees team gave $150,000 to a charity called Pitch in for Baseball and Softball. Zack also received a signed jersey, two signed bats, a special tour of the stadium, and tickets to the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.

In 2017, a company called Topps made a special Zack Hample baseball card. This card was part of their 2017 collection.

In August 2022, Zack tried to go into a special area at Coors Field that needed a different ticket. He wanted to catch a Nolan Arenado home run ball. When security guards told him to stay in his seat, he agreed. But he complained about the "fan experience." Some people on social media said Zack had taken a ball from a young fan and would not give it back. Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman criticized Zack for this event. After this, a summer baseball team called the Portland Pickles said Zack was not allowed at their stadium. Zack later took down a video about the event and said he was sorry.

Books by Zack Hample

Zack Hample has written several books about baseball. He also used to write for MiLB.com. His first book, How to Snag Major League Baseballs, came out in 1999. It is all about how to catch baseballs at games.

His second book, Watching Baseball Smarter, was published in 2007. This book helps people understand the rules and how baseball works. Many critics liked it. One reviewer said it was the best book he had seen for explaining baseball. Another called it a very helpful guide for fans.

In 2011, Zack released his third book, The Baseball: Stunts, Scandals, and Secrets Beneath the Stitches. This book tells the story of baseballs throughout history. An editor from Spitball magazine said it was the "new authority on the subject." Kirkus Reviews also gave it a good review. They said it had many interesting facts for even the biggest baseball fans.

Documentary About Zack

In 2022, a movie called Zack Hample vs the World was released. This movie was filmed over eight years by Jeff Siegel. It was first shown at the Baseball Hall Of Fame Film Festival in 2019. Zack said he always dreamed of being in the Hall of Fame, and in a way, he was.

The movie received reviews from critics. One reviewer said the film was entertaining because of its interesting subject. Another said that after watching the movie, they found Zack more interesting.

Other Activities

Catching Balls from Helicopters

On July 2, 2012, Zack tried to catch a baseball dropped from a helicopter. The helicopter was 1,000 feet above LeLacheur Park in Massachusetts. He wore special catcher's gear. First, he caught a softball dropped from 312 feet. Then, he caught baseballs dropped from 562 feet and 822 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration stopped the stunt because of strong winds. The 822-foot catch was later found to be 60 feet higher than first thought. On July 13, 2013, Zack tried again at the same park. This time, he successfully caught a baseball dropped from 1,050 feet.

This catch is not officially recognized by Guinness World Records. This is because no one from their organization was there to check it.

Video Games

Zack Hample is also a skilled video game player. He appeared briefly in a 2007 movie called The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. He holds official world records on several old video games. These include Breakout and Arkanoid.

Helping Others

Since 2009, Zack has worked with Pitch in for Baseball and Softball. This is a charity that gives baseball and softball equipment to kids who need it. By 2019, he had helped raise over $200,000 for the group. He raises money with help from his fans. They promise to donate money for each baseball he catches at Major League stadiums. A company called BIGS Sunflower Seeds also sponsored him in 2013.

Personal Life

Zack Hample lives in Manhattan, New York City. He is Jewish.

Zack's family owns and runs a bookstore called Argosy Book Store. This bookstore was featured in a 2019 movie called The Booksellers.

Filmography