I went to the 1st MLB game in SOUTH KOREA and saw Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers debut!

It was nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get tickets for this game. The Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea only holds 16,000 people, and EVERYONE wanted to see Shohei Ohtani's 1st game with his new team.
The Los Angeles Dodgers faced the San Diego Padres, and this game counted as part of the MLB regular season! In addition to Shohei, I got to see lots of other superstars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Xander Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado -- and yet it ended up being a low-scoring affair.
Which former MVP hooked me up with a commemorative "Seoul Series" baseball? How many other Americans made it to this game? Who won the in-game beer drinking contest? Why is the front row a TERRIBLE place to watch the game from? How many balls did I end up catching overall?
This was a crazy experience, and I'm thrilled to have captured it all on video for you.
The Gocheok Sky Dome is the 63rd MLB stadium that I've been to. Check out the complete list here:
www.zackhample.com/snagged-ba...
Want to see ALL the other commemorative baseballs that I've snagged? Here ya go:
www.zackhample.com/commemorative
In case you're interested (and you should be!), here are the two videos I made last year at MLB's Mexico City series:
• Home run INSANITY in M...
• Fans going CRAZY for r...
Shoutout to my friends Ben Weil (@benny_bang_bang) and Greg Barasch (@2_gregz) for appearing in this video. Huge thanks to my videographer, Rachel Messbauer, for making the 15-hour flight with me from New York City to Seoul and capturing all the action. (Seriously, how epic was that shot of me catching the ball in the upper deck after the 1st inning?) Thanks as well to my editor Zac Gutherman (@zg_films) for working hard on this video which, by the way, was filmed on March 20, 2024.
And thank YOU for watching (and hopefully subscribing). Game 2 from Seoul coming soon . . .

[@Mikey_Darko]

Glad to have baseball back…glad to have regular uploads from the goat back…all the best Zack.

[@LightningWolf127]

The legend is back , let's gooooo !!! 😊

[@brandynkilpatrick]

with the MLB season just about to start i am so excited to see the uploads!!

[@Zs0lt1]

Finally baseball is back and Zack videos are coming. Love it!

[@josiahdipietro2855]

Glad your back with more baseball fun!

[@peytonclark1353]

Gonna be a great 2024 season! So glad Zack's videos are back and Baseball is back. Really missed it!

[@b3ttr]

He was there guys!!! He was there! The dedication is wilddddd!!!!!❤❤⚾️

[@zackhample]

ZERO CHANCE that I would miss this!

[@CooperReviewsSports]

@@zackhample I thought the MLB regular season hasn’t started yet ?

[@dallasvsworld]

@@CooperReviewsSportsthose were the first 2 games but the rest start Thursday

[@CooperReviewsSports]

@@dallasvsworld Oh ok. I was confused why there were games being played. I thought the game he was at was like a special spring training game..

[@abreuer]

Been waiting for this one!

[@aidanfinkofficial]

I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life

[@mitchmollison1948]

Been waiting for this one 🔥

[@aidanfinkofficial]

Me too, Mitch.

[@trav_1981]

Well you know baseball is back when this guy returns!!! Been wondering when you were going to do your first video and of course it's in South Korea. Welcome back Zack!!

[@peterjabattack1]

This video was awesome. thank you for taking us to korea for this adventure.

[@JasonTrew2018]

Glad you're back Zack, I'll be rooting for the Lookouts as always for the final season at AT&T Field and next year to be at the new stadium

[@brian70Cuda]

Thank you Zack, so great to see another season starting, three days left as I write here in the states!!

[@itsjosegutierrez]

Glad these videos are back!! Let’s goooo

[@AntonioPerez18]

Thank you Zack for uploading this video. Baseball is officially back!!

[@Hopefulldreameronthego]

Glad you’re back.

[@ISniperI]

Man i cant wait for more videos! this is a sick kick off to the season even if its like 5k miles away lmao

[@joshallison5877]

Well first Zack Hample video of the season officially means baseball is back!!! Hopefully I’ll get to run into you at another game this year!!

[@RootinNRuttin]

I don’t have the ability to go to games anymore right now. So thank you Zack for bringing us along! It feels like being at the games again! Love it!!!

[@RyanHorseHelmet]

Ahh it's great to be back, hope I run into you this year at Kauffman Zack! Have an awesome season.

[@billmetzler8890]

Welcome back Baseball and especially to you Zack!

[@Jr.TravelGuide]

Crazy! Can’t wait for the regular season vids to come out! You should go to more Games in Colorado. Super fun with the balls flying much further!

[@zackhample]

This IS the regular season, and sorry but screw Coors Field. I'm not going there anytime soon because I'll be too tempted to confront a certain person who lied about me.

[@michaeldixon1899]

Let’s gooooooo. Welcome back

[@benthekidd6182]

Missed you and your positivity! I work on the groundscrew at Fenway now so this summer I would love to add to your baseball collection! Huge fan! Have a great season

[@timnasnewsdaily_]

Been waiting for this videooo

[@gabrielgregorutti]

Watching from Brazil at least for 5 years!!!! Great video GO CUBS

[@zackhample]

Brazil!! 👋

[@CINCYEDITS]

With the amount of baseballs you get you would be able to supply the MLB for years! Love you zack keep up the good work and GO REDS

[@D_Da_Tree]

great catch on the commemorative. Great logo on it as well.

[@keokeo7514]

First time seeing your videos. Bro, it’s wild how you are a magnet for these baseballs ⚾️. Keep catching them!

[@aidanfinkofficial]

Welcome to the greatest show on earth!

[@itsyacuzin1173]

Big ups to you bro.. Always enjoy watching your videos

[@RJ.Holman]

So cool!

[@tuskentrader5172]

Love the video

[@zackhample]

Thanks for watching.

[@cycythepuzzlesguy]

0:15 I’m the kid in all black on the right! I have watched Zack for so long, met him, (stole a HR ball from him) and been a huge supporter! Its truly admirable that he has taken “find your own thing” to the next level. Ever since this day I have anxiously awaiting this video posting. Coincedentally my birthday! Keep it up Zack!

[@OfficialMasonMisc]

W fan

[@OfficialMasonMisc]

And happy birthday

[@zackhample]

Hey! Thanks for watching, but no more stealing! :p

[@noahaltberger2560]

@@zackhampleoy be nice

[@bsteph6180]

Let’s have a hell of a year Zack !

[@xboltx275]

Let’s go regular season Zach vids are here

[@aidanfinkofficial]

Who’s “Zach”?

[@S4MVP22]

@@aidanfinkofficialAidan always with the clutch comments

[@aidanfinkofficial]

@@S4MVP22 Facts!

[@mmalbari52]

Let the videos begin 🎉

[@hi12397]

Awesome Zack!

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@peytonclark1353]

The King of KZbin is back for another season! ❤

[@mr.formerbrownsgm]

Been watching your videos dor years keep going my friend

[@zackhample]

:)

[@LandonWilliams-hz2xj]

Hey man I saw u liked my comment and i just wanted to say that you been amazing to watch and keep doing what your doing,thank u for making these videos,hope to see u at a phillies game

[@Swifti1334]

What's good is so good to finally have you back after a while

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@Swifti1334]

​@@zackhample I have always wished I could meet you and thought you might go to Padres fan fest but in Solana Beach the weather messed it up

[@henri8933]

I met you last year at Fenway thank you for the great memory and good luck this season

[@gregranger6241]

Zack is back! Welcome back. Zack no summer trip to Caribbean this winter? Always enjoy seeing a tropical paradise along with Mom and ur sister.

[@alphafann]

NIce Video. Hope you had a great time in Korea!

[@zackhample]

Thanks, sure did!

[@jacobbennenbroekakajacobisking]

Great video zack

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@aidanfinkofficial]

Great video! I truly loved this. New season and I’m still your #1 fan (and will always be). Glad you got to make it to another stadium and check out another part of the world. Looks like you’re having an amazing trip (still) and I’m happy for you.

[@jclad5929]

you think he is going to do a South Korea Taiwan vlog?

[@zackhample]

Thanks, Aidan! It's been crazy-fun.

[@zackhample]

@@jclad5929 Nope. There will be a South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong vlog! 👀

[@jclad5929]

@@zackhample Even better!

[@JHS7]

WERE BACK cant wait for this season

[@victorhanley623]

awesome video sir

[@robertboyd4018]

Zack is Back!! 🎉🎉

[@danielguenette9160]

So cool,just stared hawking this month at are local colleges in illinois and been thinking of you ,when I catch a ball. You taught me al lot.Hope to see you in Chicago

[@zackhample]

:)

[@billmetzler8890]

Congratulations on the ball! My heart rate increased when you got it! Awesome!

[@S4MVP22]

The goat is back and better than ever!!⚾️🐐👏

[@zackhample]

:D

[@A1terYT]

finally back🎉

[@jonathanlovo7391]

i like the video very much Zack Baseball is back

[@elijahorama]

Let’s goooo! Where you going to for opening week?

[@caradhina.]

We are back! 🎉

[@zackhample]

We sure as hell are!

[@KidGohan500]

​@@zackhampleShohie Oboni is one of the greatest players of all time.

[@StevenSeabolt-hf9wd]

His last baseball game

[@Wtekrz]

yesssirrr

[@skiso1941]

Back to ripping baseballs from kids….

[@OscarGarcia-io5eo]

Good video

[@brinagonzalez9104]

I find it fascinating that you can be in Korea and can prep a video and send it around the world to be edited only to send it back to you to post. Here’s to a great year!

[@jonnyt16]

That is so awesome you were there! Hey Zack, when are you going to update your book Watching Baseball Smarter? Love the book and gave it to my kids to read but it is getting a little dated. Thanks!

[@jordandill7138]

Can’t wait to see you out here in the Bronx! ⚾️

[@aidanfinkofficial]

Ewwwwww💩

[@oweyo12]

Cant wait for Thursday! What game are u going to on opening day?

[@bmcminn8838]

Dude was ready to risk it all for that Seoul series baseball

[@user-mb9nj7hy6p]

Getting a ball from mookie Betts in the upper deck is awsome love the video

[@chiefjoes.wiggumindonutswe5662]

Zack you look zzz-ZAPPED from lack of sleep and jet-lag. 😵You are OUTTA THERE!!

[@rosemarymagrino772]

The first Zack vid of the season! Spring has arrived!

[@SilverNightKyle]

Another season, another globetrotting start!⚾️ Can’t wait to see what this season brings, kiddo…👏🏻

[@zackhample]

Thanks so much, Kyle!

[@CharmCityFishing420]

I'd say you got off on the right foot to your season to say the least way to go man. When we gonna see you in baltimore

[@MrUtUtes]

Love the vibes from the fans. Was that Alan Roach on the PA?

[@toyotafan7881]

Love the people blowing the "home run whistles"! Kinda reminds me of the same thing they do at the Trop.

[@zackhample]

I hate it.

[@Owenthebaseballguy]

All the people there seem so nice

[@ScottG91]

Oh yeah baseball is back, hope you had a great offseason Zack. Unfortunately my cardinals season looks as hopeful as last year.😭😭😭

[@zackhample]

Damn. Sorry about that!

[@kushdawg]

I can smell opening day lol, welcome back Zack!

[@meganjordanlee8549]

hiii,, thanks so much for the Outman ball you gave my friend ( 20:25 mins ) I hope you had a great time in Seoul and you're always welcome back. The KBO league is so fun,,, a great excuse to visit ❤

[@broncoscards7492]

Hey zack hope to see you at the K this year

[@kid654]

Always love your vids! Met you in Reading, PA last year! Then, your baseball total was 11,661! Pure memories

[@Bangpaulxu]

Niceeeeeee! Baseball season is backkkkkkkk. Much love from China!!!!!!!!!

[@zackhample]

Thanks! Much love from Taipei -- I'm here right now. :)

[@Bangpaulxu]

@@zackhample that is awesome!!!!!!!!

[@itsnotme07]

Talk about "going the distance" for MLB!! Congrats on getting tickets AND a commemorative ball (from Mookie "I'll play anywhere" Betts)! 16000 seats? I thought they liked baseball in South Korea? Haha. On to the next game!!

[@zackhample]

There are bigger stadiums here, but yeah, kind of an odd choice to do this in such a small venue.

[@Monster23-fn4pq]

Zack’s back!

[@aidanfinkofficial]

*Zack

[@tmilly15]

Such a cool way to get that ball, Mookie is one of my favorite players! Congrats 🎉

[@aidanfinkofficial]

Same I’m a Red Sox fan and wish he was still in Boston.

[@zackhample]

I love him. Thanks!

[@TheWhmaxwell]

I recognize that voice, lol, Also, was having a crappy day until a Zack video showed up, thanks man!!!

[@telekinesisforcats]

dude that was AWESOME!

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@suika197]

MLB has privately informed the Dodgers and Cubs that they'll open the 2025 season in Tokyo, Japan. Zack！ Please come to Japan next year. Come and try Japanese ramen and sushi👍✨

[@zackhample]

If someone else pays for the trip, then maaaaaaybe. I've been there twice already.

[@ezmacerik]

Glad you are back I miss your vids. Hope you had a relaxing off season.

[@zackhample]

Thanks! It was relaxing because there was no baseball but hectic because I filled it with a zillion people.

[@Charlie16baseball]

Let’s go Zac is back baby!

[@aidanfinkofficial]

The editor is back yes

[@zackhample]

@@aidanfinkofficial BAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Comment on the year right here.

[@sw2633]

As a Korean subscriber, I really wanted to see you once during the series. But all the tickets were sold out so quickly that I couldn't. Although you and I are tens of thousands of miles apart, I fell into collecting baseballs by subscribing to your channel. I also enjoyed this video! I hope you had a good time in Korea.

[@dfsdh432v9]

there was a bombing threat. so i heard. everything OK there? i had no idea baseball was under terrorist threat,

[@sw2633]

​@@dfsdh432v9 it was a storm in a teacup.

[@127yankees]

Dude hope you had a great time over there.

[@zackhample]

It's been amazing. Still in Asia for almost another week.

[@zackhample]

It was phenomenal!

[@Max_Edelman]

Very cool Zack! Cant wait to hit the road this year! Year 3 bouta be the best year!

[@zackhample]

Let's gooooooo!!

[@asherschames3155]

Zack love your vids been watching you for 6 years

[@zackhample]

Cheers to six more.

[@asherschames3155]

Yep fore sure 6 more years

[@aidanfinkofficial]

This place gives me Tropicana Field vibes kinda with the fence in the outfield (although it’s much taller and obstructed) and also all the whistles during batting practice.

[@zackhample]

Yup, good call.

[@tuckercarlson5499]

Hi Zach love your codeos

[@aidanfinkofficial]

*Zack and *videos

[@debrataylor1812]

living a charmed life Zach....

[@jorgerodriguez85]

Fun fact for today Zack. In So Cal, there are still TWO Pioneer Chicken locations. I walked into one today, with your BallHawktopus shirt. Both cashier's loved the shirt ! They'd never seen one in person, & they thought it was the greatest thing ! Great video ! Great strategy on getting the commemorative ball. Can't wait for round 2 !!!

[@zackhample]

Amazing!! I'm glad to hear that you're rocking the merch. They shoulda given you a discount.

[@jorgerodriguez85]

@@zackhample I'll tell them Zack sent me !😃

[@pangaea6united]

Game 2 of Seoul series was pretty exciting

[@spinaldragon9835]

Zack is back baby 🎉

[@aidanfinkofficial]

Ooh yeah

[@gumjungbaji]

14:28 To my friends downstairs, SUCK IT!

[@smyleez]

ball boy back at it again

[@peytonclark1353]

That must have been a great experience to be there. Looked awesome! Zack also what stadium u going to on Opening Day March 28th?

[@zackhample]

I'm getting home from Asia on March 31st.

[@peytonclark1353]

@@zackhample then what stadium u going to after that

[@mattdajedi]

That "Seoul Opening Day" signature is pretty dope for your fans!

[@hennyjo325]

I can’t believe you were in the Gocheok sky-dome where I live in nearby. If i knew, I would ask you a selfie with you!! Ever since I subscribed your channel, I always hope you to be Seoul. I didn’t noticed since I was busy these day. Hope you visiting Korea again, I am looking forward to seeing you someday.

[@Michael_zip]

Hey zack!! I’m a big baseball fan my favorite team is the Phillies. And I’ve been to alof of Phillies games and I have snagged so many baseballs that it’s unreal.

[@zackhample]

Hey! Nice job. :)

[@Michael_zip]

@@zackhample thank you lol it took a lot of hard work to get that many baseballs