Most likely place to catch/receive foul/game balls @ the Coliseum?

by Technotofu on Jun 26, 2009 9:33 PM PDT

I'm actually surprised there isn't another post on this topic already, but my cursory search of the site didn't turn up anything, nor did Google.

Actually, my Googling brought me to a pretty interesting (albeit highly nerdy) SABR article from 1981called "Where Spectators Sit to Catch Baseballs", so it wasn't a total washout.

That being said, my 8 year-old son is dying to catch or receive a real live, honest- to-goodness Oakland A's game ball, so I'm doing my fatherly duty and asking my friends here on AN to enlighten me. Where have you had the best luck getting game balls at the Coliseum?

Thanks in advance for your contributions. I hope to put your advice to the test Saturday night.

Let's go Oakland! Clap, clap; clap-clap-clap!

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Batting Practice...

Its easier to get a coach or player to toss you a bp ball, especially near the left field area bullpen.

Not the same as a game-caught ball, but a thrill nonetheless…

by plrraz on Jun 26, 2009 9:54 PM PDT reply actions

Become the guy who retrieves the foul balls.

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by hero66 on Jun 27, 2009 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions

It depends on who is hitting...

If you want a Crosby or Cust ball i recommend standing right next to the catcher so he might hand it to you.

by JamesCaprio on Jun 26, 2009 10:15 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Nice one. Depressing, but funny!

by Technotofu on Jun 27, 2009 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions

QOTM

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jun 27, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Depending on the crowd, anywhere is a good place

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by Flashfire on Jun 26, 2009 10:25 PM PDT reply actions

Here are some tips.

It depends on the pitcher/batter match up. For right handed pitcher/left handed batter I recommend sec. 218-220.

RF bleachers are good during batting practice when there are a lot of lefties batting. Vice versa for RF but there is more competition over there.

by roscoe on Jun 26, 2009 11:02 PM PDT reply actions

you're right... section 215-219 the best place

But BE READY… they come zipping up there. I doubt your eight year old can catch one of those, you’d better bring your glove. The other place is right behind the A’s dugout where he can beg for a ball at the end of an inning or from the ball boys.

by Brian in 317 on Jun 27, 2009 8:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Sit by the bullpen (126 or so) if you want one given to you.

But if you’re looking for a live bal, I’ve noticed that a lot of balls tend to end up in the 217-222 area.

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by Boonee on Jun 27, 2009 12:23 AM PDT reply actions

I was just at the game today...

in section 127. I saw a ton of foul balls fall into section 128. One guy had a foul ball in his glove and dropped it. Than it happened again. It was quite funny. (sadly that was the highlight of the game for me)

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on Jun 27, 2009 12:35 AM PDT reply actions

Thanks!!!! I actually caught a foul ball clean into the glove tonight!

So I went to the box office and asked for tickets in section 128. It was sold out, but I got two seats in section 129, row 13, seats 9 & 10. The A’s were sucking hard, but me and my son’s night was made when Edgar Gonzales dealt, and a Rockie of some sort fouled a can of corn right over my kid’s head. I put my glove over him and caught it clean. No matter the final score tonight, my 8 year-old is a winner. Thanks a ton for all of your suggestions!!!

PS. We left when it was 11-2 :-/

by Technotofu on Jun 27, 2009 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Nicely done, but I am disappointed you left early.

by roscoe on Jun 27, 2009 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I hear ya, man.

But when the 2009 Oakland A’s are down nine runs, there’s not a lot left to the imagination.

by Technotofu on Jun 28, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions

That's awesome!

Catching a foul ball is always cool.

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on Jun 27, 2009 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Is batting practice still open to the public?

I went to a game two hours early back when Justin Upton and the D-Backs were in town a month ago. Neither team took BP while we were there.

Batting 4th for the 2014 San Jose A's: 26-year-old RF Justin Upton, in the 1st season of a nine year, $250M deal.

by notsellingjeans on Jun 27, 2009 5:28 AM PDT reply actions

I usually arrive 1 hour early, and most times I see the visiting team finishing their BP

by Technotofu on Jun 27, 2009 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions

That's unusual.

Typically the A’s take batting practice early before the gates open. Then once they open, the visiting team is almost always hitting. Batting practice ends about 45 minutes before game time so ya gotta get there early. At least that’s the pattern I have noticed.

by roscoe on Jun 27, 2009 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions