Yankees Fan Makes Million Dollar Catch

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

A lifelong Yankees fan who caught Alex Rodriguez's 500th home run isn't making a lot of noise about his lucky catch. Walter "Sonny'' Kowalczyk, 29, is lying low with his family as he mulls over his options of what to do with the potentially valuable piece of cowhide.

Kowalczyk's brother, Brian says the lucky fan is hiding right now because he fears being robbed. He says the Yankees offered his brother a signed jersey and that he said no. A Yankees' spokesman says Rodriguez would like to have the ball but that he's not going to give his left arm for it.

The spokesman says the team would give Kowalczyk a lot of things in exchange for the ball. But the lucky fan may want to sell it. After all, his brother says he emptied his bank account to buy the ticket to see A-Rod's historic game.

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress

A primer on the races for governor, attorney general and the congressional districts that could help determine control of the U.S. House.

Gothamist |

Gina Hinojosa Aims to Make Texas Blue Again. Plus, Reading Is Alive and Well

A Texas Democrat is running neck and neck with the Republican incumbent in the governor’s race. And a staff writer says that news of the demise of books is greatly exaggerated.

The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Claire Valdez on populism and the DSA agenda in Congress

Who’s Running This Place |

The Classroom/Technology Pipeline

Natasha Singer's new book explores how big tech became ensconced in our childrens' classrooms