Cory Youmans’ life changed the minute he grabbed the historic ball at Globe Life Field in Dallas, much like Aaron Judge’s life did on October 4, 2022, when he broke Roger Maris’ home run record with hit No. 62.
Youmans recently recalled that special night to Sports Illustrated’s FanNation, saying, “I was there to witness Aaron Judge.”
“I wasn’t aware of the potential consequences if someone caught the ball. Of course, like everyone else, I had hoped to. But how do you know that you’ll be the one to really catch it?
When Youmans made the grab, security escorted him out of the area. What is now the $1.5 million question was posed to Youmans while he was walking: “What are you going to do with the ball?”
Youmans, a 35-year-old cancer survivor, was quickly drawn into a media frenzy after saying, “Good question, I haven’t thought about it,” in response to the query.
Youmans remarked, “Had I known then what I know today, I would’ve reacted differently. But ignorance was bliss back then.
The reaction to the catch and what would happen to Judge’s ball was immediate and, in some ways, unsettling. After their home address was posted online, Youmans and his wife, sports reporter and “Bachelor” alumna Bri Amaranthus, briefly moved. Furthermore, Youmans-related inaccuracies started to influence the story.
Despite a “very tumultuous” first week, Youmans was able to decide how to proceed with the ball most effectively. Despite a $3 million offer, he ultimately chose Goldin House to conduct the auction of the piece of MLB history.
Youmans told SI, “There is no playbook.” “I devoted a lot of time to reading about what individuals in the past had done. I’ve read through all of their accounts and examined the conclusions. Keeping an open mind and exploring all of my possibilities seemed logical to me as well. We reasoned that we should look for the best private offer and auction house.
This month, Judge’s world-record-breaking ball brought nearly $1.5 million at auction. Youmans is happy with the path he took while looking back on the process.
“I was simply uncomfortable selling the ball in a private setting. So, during the auction, we chose the secure, transparent, and fair path, the man remarked.
Despite the fact that Youmans understands there would always be opposing viewpoints — “No matter what I did, not everyone would agree that it was the proper plan” — he is content with the events that ultimately took place.
He remarked, “I feel fortunate to have been in the stadium that night and fortunate to have caught the ball.
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