Fan who caught Salvador Perez’s historic home run ball won’t give it up

Royals DH Salvador Perez. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Royals DH Salvador Perez. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Indians fan who caught Salvador Perez’s historic home run ball won’t give it to him, not even for a fair trade. That’s no fun!

Perez hit his 46th home run of the season on Monday afternoon, the most in a single campaign from a catcher. The 31-year-old passed Hall of Famer Johnny Bench.

As astonishing as it is for Perez to be doing this at such an advanced age, it’s even more surprising that the fan who caught said home run is holding it hostage.

Yes, you heard me right — Perez can’t have his historic home run ball, at least for now. He’s going to have to pay for it fair and square.

Royals: Salvador Perez deserves a memento to celebrate his moment

Perez trailed Shohei Ohtani for the home run lead by 12 at the All-Star Break, but has caught up at a rapid pace since then. He’s now tied for the major league lead with Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero, Jr.

Jimmie Foxx is the only player to win a home run title when trailing by that many dingers at the All-Star Break, and that was in 1935.

Nonetheless, the Royals need to do everything in their power to get Perez his home run ball. I don’t care if they have to forfeit the series, a player of Salvy’s caliber should not be denied such a keepsake. Baseball is all about souvenirs. Get this fan a signed bat or something in exchange, surely that ought to do the trick.

Look no further than Mookie Betts, whose exchange made a dream come true for a Reds’ rookie.

Next. Patrick Mahomes congratulates Salvador Perez for setting MLB record. dark

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