DETROIT, MI – David Becker achieved a lifelong dream during the Tigers-Rays game on Sept. 26. The Ann Arbor brewery owner caught a game ball right in his beer cup.
Becker, owner of Mothfire Brewing Company just outside Ann Arbor, was jawing with his former college roommate about always wanting to catch a ball in his cup. That came true just moments later.
The ball took flight, and he positioned his cup perfectly. The ball then landed and splashed his half-full beer everywhere. Becker said those around him didn’t mind, as they even cheered when he finished the rest of his beer with the ball still in the cup.
“I think it’s good to always have a cup in hand at a baseball game,” he said.
Although this ball wasn’t caught during the game that clinched the playoff spot for the Tigers, Becker said it’s cool knowing he managed to catch a ball during such a crazy season full of positive energy.
“It was one of the moments in life where you’re like ‘I can’t believe that just happened,’” he said. “There was so much adrenaline and energy rushing through me, and on the heels of a great comeback victory for the Tigers.”
Becker is from Ann Arbor and said he’s always been a fan of the Detroit Tigers. As the co-owner of Mothfire Brewing Company, he joked that catch may have been a sign that Mothfire’s beer should come to Comerica Park.
This wasn’t the first time Becker has managed to take a game ball home. He actually found a ball in the bleachers at Wrigley Field. Instead of chugging his beer that time around, he dumped it over his head.
While this time around may have been a little less sticky, Becker said catching the ball in his cup is definitely on the list of his great baseball experiences. The ball he caught is still sitting in that cup on a mantle at home.
“I don’t even want to touch the ball because I didn’t have to touch it to get it,” he said.
When it comes to the rest of the season, Becker is hoping he can secure some standing room only tickets as the Detroit Tigers compete against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Comerica Park.
“I’ll be in the back maybe with a beer cup and see what comes my way,” he said, with a laugh.
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