2011 Home Run Derby Gold Balls to be Made with Actual Gold

Those of us who have watched the Home Run Derby in the past are familiar with the concept of the gold ball. When a batter is down to his last out, the gold balls are put into play and every homer that is hit with a gold ball means a certain amount is donated to charity. This year, State Farm will donate $18,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for each gold ball homer that is hit.  Along with benefiting charity, the gold balls will also be a great snag for the lucky fans who catch them considering they are made with actual gold.

The balls will be infused with 24-karat gold leather and are worth about $150 each.  I wonder if this will lead to more agressiveness in the stands.  People opt for sitting in the outfield at the Home Run Derby for the chance to catch a home run ball.  The mystique was already there to begin with, but what will the nut jobs do now that its actual gold they’re trying to get their hands on?  Maybe a couple swings will be thrown.  To Bud Selig’s credit, it’s one more reason to tune into an event that most find to be extremely boring and by no means a must-see.

H/T to Big League Stew for the picture.