Over the last several years I’ve become an avid soundtrack collector. My collection is still relatively small, but I love to showcase them in my office on the off chance someone visits and take an interest in my hobby. I recall telling a coworker about my side project and was shocked to hear him say it was a waste of time because I could download the soundtracks for free online.
“It’s not just about the music,” I said defensively.
I imagine famed “ball hawk” Zack Hample engages in such conversations on a regular basis. To date, the man has collected 10,000 baseballs from nearly every Major League Baseball venue throughout his lifetime. Many of these balls are valuable pieces of sports history, while a majority have no distinct value at all outside of representing a particular time and place where Zack spent a Thursday afternoon.
The documentary Zack Hample vs. the World chronicles Zack’s ongoing mission to collect as many baseballs as possible. Over the course of 90 minutes, we get to know this eccentric individual better and learn what makes him tick. To many, he’s a bit of an oddity. A trip to his home reveals a massive, 280-pound ball made of rubber bands — a project he’s worked on since he was 4-years old — along with a wallpaper comprised of celebrity photos and a massive pillow collection. He also holds the world record for Arkanoid and spends a lot of time at Scrabble tournaments.
Zack doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke and has never tasted Coke or Pepsi. He had few childhood friends, as his personality put him in the crosshairs of bullies.
Yet somewhere along the way, Zack developed a love of baseball. He played the sport as a kid, but never made it professionally. The doc tries to connect Zack’s regrets at failing to achieve his sports dream with his obsession at collecting baseballs, but such connections are foolhardy.
Zack is merely a man living his best life. At some point, he stuck a middle finger up at the establishment and decided to spend his days doing what he loves. Naturally, this uncharted course incurs the wrath of onlookers who can’t understand why a grown man would spend so much time playing a boy’s game. Indeed, there are many scenes in Zack Hample vs. the World where Zack quite literally defends himself from the world.
At one point, he snags Alex Rodriguez’s 3,000th home run ball — it landed on his foot — and refuses to give it back. Media pundits, fans and other MLB players run Zack’s name through the mud. Eventually, Zack gives the ball back to Rodriguez, who generously offers money to charity in return. Later, he listens as fans chastise him for giving away a six-figure piece of history.
“I can’t win,” Zack says.
No matter. As explained throughout the documentary, catching baseballs is a science. Zack studies hitting trends so that he knows where to sit in big moments; and has a knack for willing balls to fly his way. Numerous broadcasts capture him celebrating a catch amidst legions of fans. His name is both celebrated and ridiculed by the media. He’s been featured on ESPN, Conan O’Brien, and numerous radio shows. MLB commentators point him out and other ball hawks worship him.
Through the years he’s caught home run balls from Barry Bonds and Derek Jeter. He caught Mike Trout’s first home run ball and the final home run hit at the fabled Shea Stadium.
“I don’t believe in fate, karma, or any of the garbage,” Zack says, “but there is something really weird going on … how I keep getting opportunities to catch these home run balls.”
Zack Hample vs. the World entertains thanks to its engaging subject matter, even if it stumbles whenever the filmmakers attempt to mythologize the man. Curiously, the pic strikes a dramatic chord that doesn’t mesh with Zack’s eccentric personality. It also spends far too much time painting a portrait of a victim rather than a larger-than-life sports fan.
Ultimately, I imagine many are jealous of Zack Hample’s carefree, spontaneous lifestyle. Who wouldn’t want to spend their days engaging in their favorite hobbies? Zack is a rare breed of man, the type of guy who does what he wants whenever he wants. While the criticisms lobbied his way undoubtedly sting, I suspect he enjoys the attention — and likely sits amongst his vast collection of baseballs with a wry smile etched across his face.
