How To Get A Ball At Fifth Third Field

Fifth Third Field is large enough that you won’t be able to stand outside the park and snag home runs or foul balls during batting practice, and given that BP is over by the time the park’s gates open, getting a ball can be a bit of a challenge.

As with all parks of this type, the key to hopefully getting a ball is being first in line when the park opens. As soon as your ticket is scanned, run toward the seating area and decide which area you’ll choose to look for balls. One common school of thought is to look in the seats down either base line, as it’s possible to find foul balls hiding here. Remember that ushers are also looking for balls, so if you see an usher in a section, don’t even bother heading there. As always, look not just below the seats, but also in the folds of each seat, where balls can routinely go undetected.

Another approach is to run beyond the outfield fence and see if you can find a ball that was hit for a home run in batting practice. Again, the ushers are responsible for picking up these balls, too, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find out. Move quickly, because other fans might be thinking the same thing as you.

During the game, your best shot at a foul ball is hoping for a relatively empty section down the base lines and occupying it with the hopes that a ball is hit your way. Another approach is to buy a ticket in the front row down either base line and see if you can grab a rolling foul or have a player or base coach toss you one. If it’s a home run you’re after, the standing room area in left or right field is a good place to stand. To give yourself the best odds, and have a leg up on fans with the same hopes, keep an eye on which batters are home run hitters and move back and forth depending on whether a left- or right-handed batter is at the plate. It’s a lot of work, but it’ll help you burn off the calories you’re consuming by eating ballpark food and if you’re able to get a home run ball, it’ll be worth it.