For some fans, trying to catch a foul ball or home run is a disaster. For others, it’s a moment in the sun. Not only did a Kansas City Royals fan find himself in the latter category on Saturday, but it happened more than once in the same inning.
In the bottom of the eighth inning in Kansas City’s 6-0 win over the Houston Astros, a fan caught not one, but two foul balls. Both times, he used his hat to secure the ball.
Often, a foul ball going into the stands is a reminder for fans as to why their baseball careers didn’t pan out. Even fans with gloves often fail to secure balls that go into the seats. Catching a ball with a hat adds a brand new challenge to the equation.
Hats are flimsy. It’s hard enough to even keep them stationary before the ball arrives. When the ball does get there, it’s more challenging. Even a ball that’s slowed down will still usually be moving fast enough to move through a hat once contact is made. It takes a lot of focus to make that play so seamlessly.
Fans often soak in the applause a little too much when catching a foul ball. This fan, though, deserved every second of it. He made the most of his moments in the sun.