Boston Red Sox fans react to spectators who caught Masataka Yoshida’s first MLB home run ball refusing to give it to him: "Ban them from Fenway"

Pittsburgh Pirates v Boston Red Sox
Masataka Yoshida of the Boston Red Sox at bat

Masataka Yoshida hit his first home run as a member of the Boston Red Sox on Monday night. Then things got awkward.

While such a milestone usually ends up with the player receiving the ball, in this case, the family that received it wasn't giving it up. While the Red Sox reportedly "tried hard" by offering tickets, autographs and collectibles, the family did not part with Yoshida's prize ball.

Red Sox Nation is not a good group of people to cross, and many lashed out at the spectators who took the ball home rather than trading it so Yoshida could have a cherished memento. It's probably best for the people possessing the ball to not brag about it to any Boston Red Sox or Masataka Yoshida fans anytime soon – or ever.

Yoshida's homer traveled 390 feet into the Green Monster seats that overlook left field at Fenway Park. The fact that the ball was not caught cleanly and instead was picked up off the ground as a matter of pure chance only incensed Red Sox fans further as to why the spectators wouldn't give it up.

Other fans pointed out that the spectators will have a difficult time selling the ball as it was not authenticated. Not many would-be purchasers will be convinced by a promise that a ball was in fact Masataka Yoshida's first home run ball without authentication.

Many Boston Red Sox fans questioned the fandom of the spectators holding on to what they deem to be Yoshida's rightful property. Others would have been more than happy to return the ball in exchange for a variety of team swag.

Masataka Yoshida off to a good start with Boston Red Sox

Masataka Yoshida of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after hitting a home run.
Masataka Yoshida of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after hitting a home run.

Masataka Yoshida, making his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox after playing seven seasons in Japan, is off to a good start. He is hitting .294 with five runs, five RBIs, two walks and a stolen base.

Yoshida signed a five-year, $90 million contract with Boston in December. He then immediately endeared himself to the fanbase by reading a memorized statement in English – a language he had not yet begun to learn – to say hello to Boston.

Speaking through an interpreter, Yoshida told Red Sox beat reporter Carlos Yamazaki that he hopes to one day have the memento:

"I hope that ball is coming back one day. But today we lost. That's more disappointing."

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