I flew ALL THE WAY to Houston to catch these RARE BASEBALLS at Minute Maid Park

Yes, I'm crazy but this is what I DO. The Astros are using these baseballs on specific days this season, so if you want to get one, watch this whole video and pay close attention, but I'll say this here: it has to do with their "Space City" / City Connect uniforms.
This was my first time seeing the Cleveland Guardians since they changed their name from the Indians, and it was my first time back at Minute Maid Park in three years. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but (nearly) everyone was super friendly. Even the security guards were nice, which, given my history at this ballpark, was a pleasant surprise.
Shoutout to "Fenway Chris" (@yonnernyc) for filming and Zac Gutherman (@zg_films) for editing. This game took place on May 23, 2022 -- thanks for watching! (And please do read the pinned comment.)

[@zackhample]

How did it feel to be back in Houston for the first time since the cheating scandal broke? I should’ve talked about this in the video, and I actually did film something about it at the stadium, but I didn’t like how it turned out, so now you're getting my written thoughts instead. Anyway, if you’ve seen my videos from 2016 and 2017, you might remember that I used to LOVE the Astros. Several players and coaches were really cool with me (special shoutout to Evan Gattis and Carlos Munoz), and I was rooting for them all the way. Then the bad stuff happened and I became critical of the team. I still stand behind what I said, but you may recall that in my Yankees-vs-Astros video last year, I also expressed my respect for Astros fans for continuing to support their team. I still stand behind that as well. Personally I’m ready to move on from all of this drama. It’s not healthy to stay mad forever, and of course other teams cheated too (cough-cough, Red Sox and Yankees), so placing ALL of my anger on the Astros isn’t even fair. Of course that doesn’t excuse cheating. I think it sucks, but in this case I’m kinda/sorta over it. That’s why I had no problem wearing an Astros cap. I mean, after all, it’s just a piece of fabric, right? 🤣 One insane Astros fan got in my face about being a hypocrite for bashing the team and now wearing an Astros cap and begging the players for baseballs. Whatever. I understand that argument, but FYI I’ve owned every team’s cap since I was 15 years old, and I haven’t had a favorite team for most of my adult life. Astros fans overall were VERY nice to me during my three-day trip (two more vids coming after this one!) and I truly appreciate that. Ultimately we’re all baseball fans, and I have nothing but love for the city of Houston. I hope this all makes sense. Thank you for reading/watching and I’d be delighted to hear your thoughts.

[@CD_15.]

W

[@maxhuspen4232]

I still hate them

[@hampter8456]

You going to New York to watch the Yankees vs Astros series in the Bronx?

[@bon_tyler9256]

Agreed

[@BlakeBredow]

Agreed

[@blpanthers00]

4:00 WOWWWW!!!! Can we give some PROPS to Fenway Chris for that amazing shot!?!?!? Absolutely beautiful camera work 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 tracked the ball in the air and then perfectly timed the pan over to Zack to see his full effort going for the ball plus the catch. Bravo bravo 👍🏼

[@zackhample]

He's the man.

[@petepyeatt6909]

Hi Zack! Just wanted to remind you that the Boston Red Sox also used electronic sign stealing in 2017 and 2018, and were penalized by MLB for doing so. Also, the New York Yankees were penalized by MLB for using electronic sign stealing as well. The 2017 and 2018 Los Angeles Dodgers were also documented for using electronic sign stealing by highly credible baseball writers Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal, and several players went on record to back that up. Thanks!

[@winstonkostrzewa1585]

You are a big part of why baseball continues to survive. I thank you for that, because I love this game more than life itself. I appreciate and admire you Mr. Hample

[@jeffreymacintyre2711]

I want to thank you Zack for bringing back my love of baseball. I played as a kid in the 70's and loved the Pirates and now love the Rays since I live in Tampa! I hope to meet you when you make it to a future Rays game!

[@zackhample]

You are VERY welcome. So glad to hear that and maybe see you someday at the Trop.

[@MisterMonsieur]

Too bad the Rays are being pandering cry-bullies this week, eh?

[@edwardyawn3839]

I was glad to finally see you in person Zack! Love my Astros and love your work!

[@sportslife5129]

I miss Minute Maid. Got a ball there during Biggio's last homestand against the Braves many years ago. Love the outfield seats, especially in right because it feels like you're in the outfielder's back pocket.

[@obitocalloway5776]

I’m looking back at this videos and it’s super inspirational to see myself in at 5:04 man what a game I ended up getting a toss up from Myles straw and a toss up from the astros catcher which made all of my friends jealous keep up the good work zack and hope to see u again soon

[@coffeeplays313]

4:00 I love how the guy acts like Zack stole the ball right out of his hands when he actually just saved his life 😂. Great catch man.

[@zackhample]

Ha, yeah, and that guy whacked me on the head -- look closely and you'll see it. I'm not mad because it was an accident but it was still startling for a moment.

[@alainvincent1309]

Nice Cleveland Guardians New Era Fitted And Jersey Mr. Hample Shout Out Fenway Chris The Dynamic Duo Does It Again Dope Edits By Zac Gutherman Good Job Fellas!

[@ryandude2448]

Dude, at 2:22 that ball hit me. I texted my dad about it. I literally just walked into the stadium and got drilled because i was trying to catch the projection, and lost the ball due to height line of sight. Can't believe I didn't recognize you right there. Welcome back to my second home. I was in the gray Bregman jersey

[@evanfenstermaker7380]

I don’t care what anyone says but Cleveland will always be the Indians to true baseball fans

[@David-rt3yd]

Facts, let’s all unite against cancel culture

[@KDG702]

I found your channel a little while ago and I’ve really enjoyed watching your videos. You’re reminding me of childhood memories I forgot that were some of my happiest, so thanks for all you do

[@ThatBoyMichael1]

FINALLY MINUTE MAID PARK! THUMPS UP

[@kyorising]

About that visitor bullpen - random trivia for you.. the visitor bullpen is stuffed into that walkway because when they designed the stadium, they straight up forgot to include a visitor bullpen. By the time they realized it, the major layout had been done, so they converted a maintenance access space into the bullpen. It's the only spot where there is still astroturf because it doesn't get sun. For years it didn't even have seats, then they added one that didn't face the field.

[@catfish4445]

Yoooo Zack is back in Houston!!!! As an Astros fan I’ve been waiting for this video since the scandal broke! And no, I don’t support what the Astros did, but I am glad that it appears that they learned their lesson and we can start to move on 😊

[@dianefernandez9355]

I’m also an Astros fan

[@zackhample]

Thanks! And I appreciate your attitude.

[@Fan01Prod]

Same Astros gang

[@IAMMRON]

ASStro fans 🖕👎

[@RPS_YT]

Yeah go astros

[@mlballhawks]

OUTSTANDING! 🥳 Beautifully photographed by Fenway Chris! 🎥 The rack-zoom out BP shots are especially fabulous. 💥 Amazing catches from Z on the BP 💣and the toss-up behind the NBA player.😯 Those logo balls are siq. 🤤🤩 I'll trade you a Salt River Fields ball...? 🥸 Appreciate your comments as well - as a Dodger fan I can agree with moving on and hope we get a shot at them again in the future.🏆 🗑🥁❌ Thanks for the great content guys! ⚾👏

[@zackhample]

Yeah, what?? That guy jumped SO HIGH for that ball. I didn't realize at the time, but after seeing the video I was like daaaaamn he kinda deserved it. Thanks for the trade offer, but I'm only interested in owning baseballs that I've caught.

[@rynebabbs4658]

zack > cleaning my room

[@zack2378]

So, you have said in previous videos how you dislike the Astros because they cheated and wouldn’t ever attend another Astros game in the future, but no mention of it when attending benefits you? Funny

[@thebasedpodcast22]

Zack Hample is a sports fan ICON

[@jose_luisca98]

Great video as always Zack!!! Love your videos since 2016😎🤙🏻

[@adampierce4157]

Love the sights and sounds of a ball game and the food

[@deathcard2003]

Zack was so close he could hear the trashcan bangs.

[@nickmello9415]

Did you hear that 2022 championship? 🤫🤫🤫

[@rtsportsshorts6665]

Zack’s videos fire me up much love.

[@Cam-gq6dr]

I don't even watch baseball or follow it but watch all your videos so entertaining lol

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

ANGEL!! The coolest dude in Houston, easily.

[@8billiondoomed]

glad to see ya back in houston!

[@gageboles4806]

Amazing video! Also, super pumped I finally got to meet you! It was cool as well to be in a few shots in this vid!

[@zackhample]

Thanks! Glad it worked out.

[@VitalityMassage]

9:32 That woman by your left arm is like, "Hey, sit down! Get the hell out of the way!"

[@zackhample]

It was between innings. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@ultaimatelife8473]

Sad I wish you were back in California the blue jays and the angels played last night 6-5 blue jays ohtain and mike trout were playing anyway love the content keep it up

[@bettykrejci6849]

Astros take the field 3-4 hours before the gates open. Season Ticket holders are allowed early entrance on certain days, so they can watch Astros practice. If you purchase a tour of Minute Maid Park before the game starts, you can watch Astros batting practice from the field. Batting practice for the Astros is over before the gates open to the public. Astros games are always crowded. It wasn't the ring. Thousands of people line up at all the gates 3 hours before the game starts.

[@babyj7852]

I’m glad that Zach doesn’t hate the Astros anymore cuz I’m a huge Astros fan thank u zack hample

[@Michelle-ye8kg]

Thank you so much for coming back zack u signed my glove after catching that BP homer! :)

[@Gb-dg9pp]

Saw you on the guardians broadcast!

[@xyzmerica8798]

Happy memorial day weekend Zack, thank you for awesome KZbin video.

[@zackhample]

Same to you! Enjoy the holiday.

[@a20gtx]

Zack! Glad to see you in Houston!! Welcome back!!

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@ohBubble]

Astros deserve to be a non-hated team right now

[@csgogod5005]

W

[@danielostrom566]

W

[@jbeni7893]

W

[@idkwhattoname2112]

When I was in Toronto at the end of April I remember the crowd was chanting cheater to altuve

[@danielostrom566]

@@idkwhattoname2112 hypocrites

[@RUFFRYDAZz]

Kid waving at 0:37

[@doubleueyett]

It was interesting to see what it’s like at a game where Altuve isn’t boo’d. 😄

[@zackhample]

Right??

[@TheDray001]

You need to come to Globe life! The Rangers have commemorative logos on there baseballs for the 50th anniversary! I have a few I would love to send you if could!

[@jay_7139]

Level Up!!! Let’s Go Stros’!!!!!!!

[@carsonkay880]

How about some more food in the videos!? Something about ballpark food that is so American and awesome! We would all love to see more

[@zackhample]

Sometimes there's not even time, but I will try.

[@011iesSECRETchannel]

I live in Houston. Thank you. 0:13

[@CoolLOL1923]

Thanks for not hating on the Astros anymore🎉

[@andrewspaid9127]

I think the astros have proved enough and don’t deserve the hate anymore

[@Skier10]

What have they proved exactlyAnd yes they still deserve the hate

[@ryandelmonico1126]

Hey zack I love your videos. I had a question for you what do you think is your favorite mlb stadium you have been to

[@johnshoemaker234]

You literally have every baseball fans dream job Zack! Congrats bro I’m very happy to see someone as cool as you happy

[@zackhample]

Thank you so much!

[@jcthesunshineband1068]

Hey Zack! A new subscriber here from the UK! You just appeared in my recommended sometime last week! Loving the content and have been trying to catch up on all the backlog of videos, I was just wondering do you have an upload schedule or is it just as and when? Let’s hope you catch more baseballs! Definitely deserve more subscribers, great channel!

[@zackhample]

Thank you! I'm glad you found me, but no, I stopped announcing my plans when things started getting too crazy for me. But thanks -- I appreciate the support and hope you keep watching.

[@poopy_fingers3324]

You live in the UK and like MLB?

[@jonathanhildebrand2161]

@@poopy_fingers3324 The MLB has had a few games in London, and baseball isn’t only enjoyed in the USA

[@Htown_sports_dude]

LETS GOOO WELCOME BACK TO HOUSTON WE LOVE YOU ZACK

[@kaitlynrhodes19]

Omg my husband and I would of LOVED to have met you! We’re big fans and from Houston!

[@aidanfinkofficial]

Great video and congrats on the rare baseballs. You are sure getting your hands on those this year like how Dustin Hughes hooked you up with the 2020 Opening Day ball recently.

[@zackhample]

Yup! Thanks. Now I just need to get my hands on a home run ball.

[@aidanfinkofficial]

@@zackhample you need me for the home runs!

[@Mathtron5000]

Feels good seeing you back in Houston after a couple years, you're always welcome to visit us more here!

[@KiwiFruitSnackz]

No he’s not

[@theeshadow8388]

Nah he’s a hater

[@vintagepokeopenings178]

@@theeshadow8388 is he really?

[@KiwiFruitSnackz]

@@vintagepokeopenings178 absolutely

[@nd3591]

Zack you’re like a magnet , baseballs fly towards you haha

[@zackhample]

*except for home runs in 2022

[@aidanfinkofficial]

@@zackhample true

[@foxplumbinggross5285]

Hey zack, I have a challenge for you you should try to get to 32 mlb stadiums 32 times. I bet you can good luck👍🔥🔥🔥

[@MKYeahBuddy]

Yeah buddy!!! Thanks.

[@zachariahzedd8124]

That one with the dirt is dope

[@charliep123]

7:46 me in drama club watching the play through a hole in the curtain

[@Logan-gi8hj]

Was hoping that you would catch another Cleveland game soon! Awesome video Zack!

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@johncole273]

I love Zack Hample

[@goodnessentertainment3707]

Great video zack! Come to Atlanta soon, to be at stadium for the team who won the world series! :)

[@griff_taylor30]

Zack I have an idea for you. Since you got Joc to sign your 9,000th in a previous video, you should do a video on every thousandth baseball that you got signed.

[@cambo__]

Great video you are a legend Zack! Do you have a favorite stadium out of all the ones you have visited??

[@zackhample]

Thanks! Nothing beats Fenway.

[@aidanfinkofficial]

@@zackhample Fenway is the best (especially when we’re both in the house at the same time.)

[@jshane91]

Ring giveaway to this lucky Astros fan right here Zack?! :)

[@moisavyy]

it was good seeing you zach, been watching you for a while now and i finally got to meet you and take a picture!

[@aidanfinkofficial]

Zack*

[@nixthebravesfan2324]

I met this dude at Busch stadium yesterday. Such a cool dude

[@jakeg3332]

i love busch stadium 😎

[@gabrielpaster]

Hey Zack thank you for reading peoples comments unlike some other guys it just lets us know that you wanna know what we say and do some our ideas to make your video’s better. Thanks for being awesome

[@zackhample]

You’re welcome. :)

[@hunterhart3096]

This city loves our team. 🚀

[@PeepGamePopoff]

That giveaway ring is actually so sick

[@ethanrubio6041]

Never would I thought I’d be seeing Zack wear a jersey of any team

[@zackhample]

It happens on rare occasions.

[@andrewspaid9127]

Dang these are insane

[@Plug129]

Zack it was amazing to finally be in a video love your content

[@franktillotson1730]

Hey Zack and Fenway Chris, I can see where you are walking in front of Fenway BudLight Chris. I wonder if the security is fans of your videos.

[@davidsalinas4867]

Let’s go Astros⭐️

[@AdaThefairy123]

The guy does it again in Houston.

[@RobertK713]

Bro you where in the city. I need to get an itinerary... lol 🤘🏼OUSTON

[@Washwork]

Ring giveaway for losing in the World Series😂

[@visualvirtue9640]

I'd wear my Cleveland Indians hat if I was there!

[@mrciombor550]

Can we have a Fenway Chris beer chug each video 🐐

[@jonathanvance3341]

YOOOOOOOOO, LETS GOOOOOO ASTROS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zman1285_]

That guy jumped so high for that toss up haha Nice catch Zack! Hope you have a great weekend!

[@zackhample]

Seriously. That was damn impressive.

[@Youknowwasup]

I Love your videos they always make my day. Because it gives a great can point of view . So thanks

[@aaronquiroa398]

NO WAY WE WERE AT THE SAME GAME!! Got 2 Game balls one that Bregman threw right at me!! that’s crazy

[@zackhample]

NICE!!

[@stpaulimdog]

There it is fellas. First drink of the day. Gaaaah! Nic Nic Nic F-F-F....Guardians....

[@derekaldrich4887]

You are awesome buddy I support you zack you are awesome buddy

[@benplayzgames4368]

Congrats zack also you should go to Arlington if you come back to Texas they have special baseballs

[@ryansack5198]

Nice to meet you man!

[@Gangsaboys69]

Yay I am a astros fan so glad to see you in houston

[@omegateamsports5291]

Glad you snagged some of those commemorative balls! Those astros uniforms look like sweatpants.

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@omegateamsports5291]

@@zackhample you’re welcome Zach! Hope to run into you at a game someday!

[@TGMGabe]

I wanna see you in a pirates game one day! I just wanna know if your coming to a pirates do I can help catch ball with ya!

[@theabhominal8131]

Luis Garcia's wind up looks like he is dancing or something.. got be crazy to bat against..

[@threerivers4126]

that give away is awesome

[@hitdawg64]

That City Connect H should be the permanent hat.

[@marylinihan7846]

I started ballhawking last year but only went 40 min early so I averaged about 2 balls a game. I have been going 2 hours early and I’ve been to 3 games with 8 baseballs in total. Going to the guardians game on Memorial Day. Hope to get some baseballs!

[@zackhample]

Good luck!

[@marylinihan7846]

@@zackhample update: I got 7 baseballs! That’s the most I have ever gotten! My record was 6 but now it’s 7. If you ever go to progressive field there is a staff member I forgot his name, but he is soo nice, he gives people baseball card packs!

[@houstontxdave6876]

We were at that game in right field. I think we saw you roaming around trying to catch baseballs. Good to see you caught one.

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@erwerwewerwer4575]

Love watching your vids from a Diehard Cricket fan in NZ

[@life_deathalone1002]

Let's goooo space city....

[@Thevidgame]

Hi Zack. I work for the Astros at the team store and I can confirm, they do batting practice before the gates open. If you visited the team store, I would’ve seen you. Please come back soon dude! I’m a huge fan of your content! :)

[@zackhample]

Aww man, okay. Thanks for letting me know.

[@Thevidgame]

@@zackhample No problem man! Will you come back again soon?

[@aidentodd7497]

love the vids man!!!

[@andrewsmith3037]

4:03 guys acting like he got robbed of a ball, would’ve gotten drilled 🤣

[@masonmann7556]

I like how 90% of pitchers have cheated for AT LEAST the last 5+ years and no one says they hate all the pitchers