It could have been worth a big payday, maybe as much as $100,000, but Angels fan Scott Steffel opted to turn Albert Pujols’ 600th home run ball back to the man who hit it.
Pujols reached the milestone late Saturday night, becoming the ninth player to reach 600 and the first to do it with a grand slam.
Here’s some video shot from the bleachers, just steps away from where the scramble for the ball took place.
After ascending the steps to the stadium concourse, he was surrounded by security.
#MLBtalk Scott Steffel fue el fanatico que capturo la bola del HR #600 de Albert Pujols… #baseball #history #MGLD pic.twitter.com/vdCFLL79KK
— MeGustanLosDeportes (@MGustanDeportes) June 4, 2017
Steffel, a 23-year-old graphic design student at Cal State-Fullerton, was at the game with his father and brother.
History in Anaheim with the Twins. This is Scott Steffel who caught Pujols #600. His life might a bit different for the next few day$. pic.twitter.com/w0kReSI40n
— Chris Withers (@ChrisWithersTV) June 4, 2017
Steffel says he’s been to over 200 games in his life and saw Pujols hit #599. He told Fox Sports West it was a clean catch despite the crowd around him.
After the game, during a live interview, Steffel presented the ball to Pujols.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Albert Pujols! Cool move by fan who caught #Pujols600 to return ⚾ to @PujolsFive! @Angels @Alex_Curry @MLBonFOX pic.twitter.com/KqfHwCDubb
— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) June 4, 2017
The Angels presented Steffel with a signed jersey, additional team autographs, tickets and the promise of an opportunity to meet Pujols again later in the season while he and his friends take on-field batting practice.
What do you think of his decision to give the ball back? Discuss on our Facebook page.
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