Giving up the Grand Slam ball

So there we were...New Bridge Bank Park in Greensboro, North Carolina for the ACC Baseball tournament. The Smack Pack and I were there to shoot a weekly video and to promote Rivalry Rage, and of course to watch a little baseball.

12th seed Boston College was taking on the 4th seeded Miami Hurricanes. Boston College took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning making the score 2 – 0, then scored 2 more runs in the bottom of the 5th to give themselves a 4 run lead. The Hurricanes bounced back in the top of the 6th with 4 runs to tie things up! Both teams went on to score a run a piece in the 8th inning, heading into the top of the 9th all square at 5 – 5.

In the top of the 9th the Hurricanes scored 1 run making it 6 – 5 before loading the bases for freshman, Zeke DeVoss.

There we were - - sitting on the left field lawn, not knowing who this young star at the plate was. I made the comment to Smack Pack lead man Jordan (aka "Schwoop") about 'how cool it would be to get a grand slam ball.' Jordan and Joshua had already collected a couple foul balls hit by both teams. But, a grand slam ball would be cooler than cool! I’m talking “Ice Cold.” And then it happened...#7 DeVoss smashes one to left center that starts curving and going and curving and going. GONE!!! A grand slam that did a one hop bounce right into Jordan’s glove! He turned to me excited and shocked about what just happened and gave me a high five that is still stinging as I type this article, but that’s not all. A woman, decked out in Miami gear, that had been sitting to the left of us ever since we sat down in the left field lawn, immediately approached us asking if she could have the ball. Jordan, now shocked again that someone would ask for such a prize, didn't really know what to say until she said, “That was my son...a freshman at Miami and we would love to have that ball.” Somewhat disappointed, Jordan didn't hesitate to give up the grand slam ball that he just caught. Then DeVoss’s mom came back with a pen and paper and asked for Jordan’s name and address so she could mail him an autographed team ball from the Miami Hurricanes! Now thrilled, we gave the lady his name and address and Schwoop awaits the coming of his team ball. Unfortunately, Boston College went on to tie things up in the bottom of the 9th and then went on to win the game in the bottom of the 12th off a 2 run homer hit by Andrew Lawrence.

It was a day never to be forgotten by The Smack Pack star and a reason for him to forever be a Miami Hurricanes baseball fan -- all because he gave up the Grand Slam ball!

Stephen Bethea aka "Dr. Smack" – Rivalry Rage, Inc.