NY kid gives record grand slam ball back to Rodriguez, saying slugger worked hard for it

NEW YORK, N.Y. – The 12-year-old fan who retrieved Alex Rodriguez’s record 24th career grand slam ball from the stands at Yankee Stadium says he gave it back because he felt the slugger had “worked hard” for the feat and deserved it.

Steven Gieseler Jr., of East Islip, scooped the ball from beneath a seat as Rodriguez rounded the bases in a game against the Giants on Sept. 20.

The slam allowed Rodriguez to break a record held by Steven’s all-time favourite Yankee, Lou Gehrig.

But the middle schooler tells Newsday (http://bit.ly/1bgfp48) that when a security official approached him and said Rodriguez wanted the ball, he had no problem turning it over.

He said, “It’s the player’s accomplishment.”

Rodriguez met with the boy after the game and gave him an autographed bat and ball.

___

Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.