Hypothetical: You catch someone's first HR ball

[mattsey9]

"Hey Shelly, want your ball?"

That would be about the extent of the negotiations. They'll give you another one, and it'll still be a major league ball. Besides which, you'll have a better story to tell.

[PokerFink]

I'm with By-Tor. If the player took the time to meet me himself, he can have his ball for free. Otherwise I would take whatever the team offers, preferbly a pair of box tix.

[MikeyPatriot]

Agreed with the sentiment about a player coming to me personally. I'm a huge sucker for that kind of thing.

[shemp]

"Wonderdog" tells a great story (a couple times a year) about how when a guy gets his first big league hit his team-mates all sign a ball and write all sorts of crap on it and basically make a mess of it. They gather around and hand it to him and watch the air come out of him as he tries not to look too disappointed. Then they give him his real ball.

[SuperUberBob]

I would definitely not leave with the ball. Although I'd use it as leverage to get a nice deal.

If the player personally approached me and asked for it, I'd give it to him for free if he didn't make a compensatory offer. But the team itself would have to do some negotiating with me to get it. No other fan gets it unless they're willing to give me an assload of money for it.

[4 High]

I would bargain for a better offer, but i doubt i would leave with the ball.

[NhlNut]

I would ask for a bat. (practice/whatever)

[sylar]

i'd ask for season (or playoff) tickets and a team signed ball. if i don't get it, i'd apologize and let the player have it.

[MacGuyV]

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I simply do not believe that nobody else would be tickled to be offered anything, and would enthusiastically cooperate.

It is my opinion that almost none of you would've thought to haggle, until it was suggested in the question.

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[moayer]

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i should also add that any dodger would have absolutely no chance of getting the ball back (in one piece).

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great answer