How to Catch a Ball During Batting Practice

Bringing home a ball from a baseball game is a most rewarding experience for a fan. Of course, with so many folks in the stands, the odds are against you. Before a Major League Baseball game begins, both teams typically take batting practice. The sessions begin about 1 to 2 hours before first pitch. Being that merely a relative handful of fans arrive that early for a game, batting practice represents your best chance of leaving the park with a ball off the bat of a big-leaguer.

Things You'll Need

  • Baseball glove
  • Sunglasses
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Arrive at least 1 hour before the game. Observe where most of the batted balls are ending up, and position yourself in that area of the stands. Try finding an aisle or row(s) of seats where there are few if any other fans, says Scott Bolohan, who considers himself an expert on the subject, on a Chicago Now blog.

    • 2

      Place a baseball glove on your non-throwing hand and find a niche for yourself, away from other fans if possible. Keep a close eye on the batter. Wait for a ball to be hit in your direction.

    • 3

      Wear sunglasses for a day game. The glare of the sun, especially on high fly balls, can make it difficult to track and catch the batted ball.

    • 4

      Concentrate on the ball as it leaves the pitcher's hand and track its flight off of the bat. Keep your eye on the ball.

    • 5

      Hold your glove high, above your head if possible, and look the ball into your glove. Position your opposite hand just under the the wrist of your gloved hand, so your palms are facing each other. This will be insurance in case the ball bounces out of your glove. Squeeze tightly once the ball hits the pocket of your glove.