Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Rangers Fan Throws HR Ball Back On Field, Makes National News

Rangers fan Nola Pearman threw an Angels' HR ball back on the field yesterday. Apparently, Pearlman is a "longtime Rangers fan", but still had to be informed of the Ballpark at Arlington "tradition" and was initially surprised she had to throw the ball back. On top of that, the ball didn't even make it back to the playing field.

The ball landed deep in the stands behind the left-field wall, scooted past a few young fans and bounced right into the hands of longtime Rangers fan Nola Pearman. Pearman raised the ball in triumph, having just accomplished what every fan in every ballpark strives for: to go home with a home run ball.

She was overjoyed.

Until her daughter Patty told her to throw the ball back on the field because it was hit by an Angels player, and not by one of the Rangers they'd come to root for. Pearman's face said it all. She was shocked. Return a home run ball?

Really?

Nooo?

But that's exactly what Pearman did.

Almost.

Pearman's heave landed in the front row, just short of the field, but a fellow Rangers fan picked up the ball and tossed it on the field to complete the fan-to-fan relay.

Luckily for longtime Rangers fan Pearman, the Texas crowd decided not to invoke their other Ballpark at Arlington tradition for fans who can't make the throw back to the field of play, which is to pull out their six shooters and chase Pearman back to her gas-guzzling American-made car.

10 comments:

Jason said...

Throwing the ball back is one of the dumbest "traditions" that seems to have spread to every ballpark. Not only does it deprive a fan of the relatively rare chance to take home a ball but it is just plain dangerous for the players on the field.

It still isn't as dumb as GBA every damn game, though.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I have gone my entire life without getting a ball at a game. Dodgers, college, minors, nothing.

If I ever get a ball, I am holding onto it for dear life.

Josh S. said...

@Jason: Like the idjit that threw back an Albert Pujols home run ball last week. IT'S ALBERT PUJOLS!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Or like the Cubs fan who threw that Manny home run back.

I get it. Cubs fans always throw the ball back. IT'S MANNY FUCKING RAMIREZ. THE GUY HAS MORE POSTSEASON HOME RUNS THAN ANYONE ELSE WHO EVER LIVED.

Steve Sax said...

Since this is turning into a referendum...

I don't sit in the bleachers but if I did, I would probably bring with me another ball (concealed), so if I was so lucky enough to catch a HR ball and it was demanded that the ball be thrown back, I would throw the other one back and keep the real ball for posterity. Especially if the sleight of hand saves me from being lynched by a mob of angry fans.

MR.F said...

Wow nice thinking, Sax!

Paul said...

Better be cool under pressure Sax. When you make the switcheroo you don't want to fumble both balls and thus losing the authentic one and alerting the masses of your scheme.

Paul said...

Better be cool under pressure Sax. When you make the switcheroo you don't want to fumble both balls and thus losing the authentic one and alerting the masses of your scheme.

NicJ said...

We should she if she will accept minor league contract. We could use a fresh arm for the bullpen.

ChowNoir said...

Long time lurker but had to chime in as this is one of my hot button issues. This along with the wave and the beach balls. Can we watch the freaking game?

Anyway, one of my friends, an Angel fan, has been bringing a decoy ball with him for years. He tries to go to as many games as possible and often ends up in the cheaper bleacher seats.