When the gates open, run to the grass area beyond the outfield fence. Running here is important because batting practice will wrap up in the next 10 to 15 minutes, in all likelihood. On your journey, cut through the Appleseed Picnic Pavilion, which is located in the right field corner behind Fort Wayne’s bullpen. There’s always a chance you’ll notice a ball in one of the area’s many levels of seating.
Even if you don’t however, you still have a chance to get a ball during batting practice. Find an open spot along the railing and watch every ball that’s hit. Even if one doesn’t land near you, you may be able to run to it quickly, especially if there are only a handful of other fans in the area at the time.
Minor Leaguers aren’t technically supposed to give balls to fans, but if you want to try your luck following BP, head down to field level and see if you can score one by the dugouts or bullpens – or, if you’re lucky, from an overthrow during infield practice.