If you have enough context about getting Centel’d in NBA terms, that’s exactly what Zack Hample is getting everybody.
A screenshot recently went viral on X(formerly Twitter), claiming the much-hated and slightly loved baseball collector is banned from all Major and Minor League Ball Parks. Something the Tampa Bay fans have wished for.
However, despite viral social media rumors to the contrary, the MLB has not banned Hample. Many sports media outlets, including Deadspin, mistakenly reported a supposed MLB press release announcing a season-long ban.
This followed an incident during a game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Tampa Bay Rays, where Hample was involved in a fan interference review concerning a second-inning home run.
MLB has officially banned notorious ballhawk Zack Hample from attending games for the rest of the season.
— Talkin’ Basabell (@TalkinBasabell_) April 10, 2025
(Per @MLB) pic.twitter.com/4LIx2LKCNW
However, the alleged press release was fake. If looked carefully, it contained multiple typos and irrelevant information about the MLB-ESPN contract.
Additionally, it also had a misleading release date of April 24, 2024. Deadspin later removed the post, but a parody account mimicking the legitimate Talkin’ Baseball podcast uploaded it. Adding to the drama, the post got over 2.5 million views.
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Zack Hample Has A Love And Hate Relationship With MLB Fans
While the rumor regarding Zack Hample’s ban from the league came at a near-believable time, he’s been an irritant for some MLB fans.
Born and raised in New York City, Hample has turned his passion for baseball into a quest to collect an astonishing 12,000 balls over the years. While many admire his dedication and collection, others can’t help but feel irked when he disrupts the game.
If you don’t know, he has Alex Rodriguez’s 3,000th hit and Mike Trout’s first homer balls in his collection.
Recently, Hample reached into the stands and interfered with a home run hit by Kyren Paris. It almost immediately angered the Rays fans, who felt robbed of a moment that should have belonged to them.
This guy Zack Hample just potentially stole a ball from Christopher Morel… unbelievable pic.twitter.com/rLOoTai22Z
— Jake (@TBRaysCentral) April 8, 2025
Even after the Rays challenged the call, the umpires upheld the home run.
But it’s not all bad blood. Hample also enjoys his fair share of fans who appreciate his antics. Just last season, he caught Aaron Judge’s 56th home run.
However, after the fake tweet went viral, Hample responded to these rumors on his Instagram. The infamous collector urged followers not to believe the fake news. Despite the confusion caused by the spoof account, the reputable Talkin’ Baseball account did not post anything related to Hample.
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