Many, including the 82nd Airborne Division, which is headquartered on the base, were not too happy that he had gotten into the game.
Delete your account. https://t.co/DHYwUuRHbL
— 82nd Airborne Div (@82ndABNDiv) July 4, 2016
The contest between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves was the first regular-season major pro sports game played on a military base. Tickets were awarded only through a lottery system to active members of the military with U.S. Department of Defense identification.
Even Laurence Leavy, otherwise known as Marlins Man, chimed in.
@zack_hample Zack, that game CLOSED to NON department of Defense Employees and their family. Give any balls u have to kids and leave. NOW.
— Marlins_Man (@Marlins_Man) July 4, 2016
Social media at large did its part, as #ThingsBetterThanHample trended for some time Sunday night.
Sensing the heat, Hample closed the night by saying he had caught many balls and was going to make a donation.
I got 11 balls today and gave 10 away. As promised, I'll be writing an $1,100 check to https://t.co/B7S73jb999. Please everyone, calm down.
— Zack Hample (@zack_hample) July 4, 2016