As a sport, baseball is a game that is second to none.

As a spectator sport, it is a game that is second to just about anything.

But unlike football or basketball, or any other major sport for that matter, it remains the only sport with the constant possibility of crowd participation.  As a crowd member with good seats at a ball game, one is required to be at attention at all times.  In a split second, the manner in which that insignificant foul ball is handled can garner the cheers – or jeers – of those in the stadium.  One mistimed swing of a player’s bat can determine the difference between a fan comfortably enjoying the rest of the game – or pulling the brim of his hat a little closer to his chin.

All hail the power of the foul ball.

One of these defining moments occurred a few nights ago:

This has to be one of the funniest videos in major league baseball history…or something like that.

What happened dad?

He obviously looked like he was obliging to help the child catch a foul ball.  Then, suddenly, he decided that he wanted to be an overprotective parent and realized she could get hurt if she doesn’t catch it properly. 

Well, time is running short now.  The ball is on its way.  In a hunch, he thought, “I can catch this ball…if my daughter would just get out of my way.  Let me sit her down.”

That’s probably what he was thinking.  But the execution was poor.  The girl clearly missed the seat.  In fact, dad didn’t even look down.  That oncoming foul ball became priority number one.

And now that he had improperly discarded his baggage, dad had ample time to square himself in front of the ball.  He did just that.  And missed the catch.  So, he dropped his daughter to catch a ball which he also dropped.

Out of curiosity, I’d like to know who that was that was sitting on his opposite side? Another daughter? It seemingly couldn’t have been his wife, given the lack of reaction to what had just happened. It was almost as if she wasn’t shocked at all, as if to say, “Yep, that’s what he did to me a few years back…”

At any rate, I guess we should just be grateful that he didn’t have a baby in his hands.

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author