A 12-year-old Florida girl who grabbed a historic home run ball hit by Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard over the summer has her prize back after suing the team for its return.

According to the AP, the July home run against the Florida Marlins was Howard’s 200th and that hit homer made Howard the fastest player in Major League history to reach that milestone.

The ball sailed into the outfield seats, where it was scooped up by Jennifer Valdivia. The young baseball fan was escorted to the Phillies clubhouse by team employees where the ball was exchanged for an autographed one.

But the family cried foul over a deal the Phillies made with their daughter and they requested the home run ball’s return. Jennifer wanted to take the ball home and show her friends. Howard wanted the ball because it represented a record.

“In a classic bait-and-switch operation, the defendant Phillies tendered to young Jennifer a signed Ryan Howard baseball, which has a value on the memorabilia market of $150,” the suit said, “as compared to the historic baseball, which is worth thousands.”

She also got some cotton candy.

Through their lawyer, the family told the Phillies they wanted the HR ball returned. The initial counter offer was for tickets to a Phillies-Marlins game.

The regular season ended this weekend and the family filed a lawsuit which got the prompt response and the return of the ball.

Despite the ball’s value, the family attorney said, “The ball is not on eBay. It’s under her pillow.”

The lesson in this? Don’t ever let a bunch of Major League hooligans take advantage of you. And if you do manage to get a ball, don’t drop it or throw it back.

View Original Post at prettytough.com

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