Dave
Well-Known Member
New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has ended all speculation about what will happen to the ball used to record the final out of the Boston Red Sox’ historical 2004 World Series victory by acquiring it from Red Sox first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz. Under the terms of the agreement, Mientkiewicz will receive $3 million and a baseball to be named later.
Mientkiewicz, who caught the final out of the World Series, has faced scrutiny recently for his desire to keep the game-winning ball for himself, rather than giving it back to the Red Sox for public display.
“We told him we’d do him a favor and pay his outrageously high salary despite the fact he does nothing for our team, if he’d just give the ball back,” said Henry of the failed negotiations. “After he refused our final offer, my secretary found him sneaking through the supply room trying to steal Post-It notes, printer paper, and pens. Cheap bastard.”
Mientkiewicz, who caught the final out of the World Series, has faced scrutiny recently for his desire to keep the game-winning ball for himself, rather than giving it back to the Red Sox for public display.
As recently as last Friday, Mientkiewicz was in negotiations with Boston’s principal owner, John Henry, to decide who has the right to the ball, but talks broke down after the Red Sox made what they termed to be their final offer.
“We told him we’d do him a favor and pay his outrageously high salary despite the fact he does nothing for our team, if he’d just give the ball back,” said Henry of the failed negotiations. “After he refused our final offer, my secretary found him sneaking through the supply room trying to steal Post-It notes, printer paper, and pens. Cheap bastard.”