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Easter Sunday was a memorable day for Colorado Rockies rookie Braxton Fulford. The first-year catcher picked up the first hit of his career in the sixth inning of a game against the Washington Nationals.
That hit left the ballpark as a solo home run in a 3-2 loss. The Rockies met up with the fan that caught the souvenir afterwards in order to work out a deal.
Fulford was a sixth-round MLB Draft pick in 2021 after spending four seasons at Texas Tech. The backstop burst onto the scene as a sophomore, hitting .298 with 34 RBIs. His production dipped in the shortened 2020 COVID year, but he returned to form the following season.
As a fourth-year junior, Fulford hit .264 while tallying career highs in home runs (14) and RBIs (45). His success has continued as a pro.
Braxton Fulford made his Major League debut less than four seasons after being drafted. He went 0-4 in his first start against the Dodgers but recorded his first hit at home vs. Washington on Sunday.
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Fulford hit a solo homer off of Jake Irvin to cut a two-run deficit in half. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be enough to help his team get the win. Still, it was an awesome moment for the rookie catcher.
The Rockies negotiated with the fan that caught Braxton Fulford’s home run ball.
An interview crew caught up with the couple that reeled in that solo bomb. They took the audience through their behind-the-scenes discussions with the franchise.
Initially, the couple aimed high, asking for $1,000 in return for the home run ball. The Rockies said, “No.” Eventually, the two sides settled on a meet-and-greet and a signed baseball bat.
The Rockies secured Braxton Fulford’s first home run ball, though they refused to meet unreasonable demands. In the end, the deal worked out for everyone involved.