Where’s The Ball? The Captain’s Got It

October 29th, 2007 · No Comments

By KEVIN McNAMARA

So who’s got the baseball that sealed the Red Sox World Series victory last night?
It’s impossible to know for sure but Sox catcher (and El Cap-i-tan) Jason Varitek quickly tucked the ball into his back pocket before jumping into the arms of pitcher Jonathan Papelbon. Catcher and pitcher were quickly engulfed by a swarm of players, coaches and staff.
The whereabouts of the ball is an issue only because of what happened in 2004. When the Red Sox beat St. Louis, Keith Foulke tossed the third out into the glove of reserve first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz. As mayhem played out, Mientkiewicz held onto the ball and brought it back to Boston.
But when Mientkiewicz claimed ownership of the ball, the Red Sox had a problem on their hands. The Sox ended up suing the player over the ball, which the team claimed was its property and belonged to the long-suffering fans of the club. The two sides eventually agreed to end their legal fight over ownership of the ball, which was ultimately sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
“An amicable agreement was reached many weeks ago, and it provides a permanent home at the (Hall of Fame), with opportunities for some public display as well at Fenway Park,” Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said at the time.
When Mientkiewicz held onto the ball, he gave it to his wife and then secured it in a safe deposit box. He also publicly claimed that it was his “retirement fund.” His stance eventually softened and he gave up the ball.
What will Varitek do? Has he handed the ball over to Red Sox ownership already? Does anyone really care about the ball?
The Red Sox (and the ball) are currently jetting home to Boston. Plans for a parade could be announced later today.

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