MLB: A-Rod hits 24th Career Grand Slam, 12-Year-Old Boy Gives Ball Back
Yankee Stadium ticket: $63. Watching Alex Rodriguez hit his record-breaking 24th grand slam: Priceless.
Catching the ball that A-Rod hit: Apparently, the same price as a signed ball and bat. And also priceless.
Steven Gieseler Jr. of East Islip, Long Island, and his father Steven Sr. were seated at the right outfield of Yankee Stadium, watching the seventh inning of the Yankees' game against the San Francisco Giants. Alex Rodriguez then hit a decisive home run to start a 4-run final two innings to give his team a lift in their already-sagging playoff chances.
With the score tied, 1-1, Rodriguez sent a homer deep into into right-center field. Steven Sr. tried to catch the ball, but it fell through his hands. His son had the presence of mind, though, and managed to pick through the undersides of the seats to come up with the historic baseball.
Moments later, they found themselves talking to a member of the stadium security staff. Steven Jr. didn't find it hard to arrive at a decision.
"It's the player's accomplishment," the boy told USA Today. "He deserves to get it back. He worked hard for it."
"I found it kind of amazing that even with his condition, he still kept upbeat and tried to keep on playing," he added.
Rodriguez had been battling a sore calf and strained hamstring, which made his grand slam all the more career-defining.
The Gieselers were escorted out of their seats and were given seats closer to the field after the game, where they were greeted by Yankees manager Joe Giraldi.
Then after being presented to Rodriguez and the rest of the Yankees in a private area, the Gieselers went away with a bat and a ball, both signed by the prolific slugger. Rodriguez then gave Steven Jr. the ultimate compliment. "Hey buddy, nice catch," Rodriguez was quoted as telling the 12-year-old, who just stood where he was in awe.
Tina Gieseler, the young boy's mother, praised her son for doing the right thing in returning the ball.
"We've always taught our kids that people work their whole lives for something like this."
Here's hoping that the bat and ball inspire the kid to get a grand slam of his own.