I have the last out ball from the 1914 world series. The "Miracle Braves" gave the ball to the star of that series, catcher, Hank Gowdy. (I also have the last out of the 1945 and 1981 world series, as well as the pennant clinching balls from the Washington Senators '33 season, the Yankees '52 season and the Dodgers '55 season. They all came from the players who made the last outs families. -- you can see them by clicking on "The Collection" on this site).

For sure, Mientkiewicz should allow the ball to be displayed liberally. My "last out" baseballs have been in many museum exhibits. But, he should be able to keep the ball. It's part of the long tradition in baseball that says "where it lands, stands." Do you think the Red Sox would have asked their pitching ace Curt Schilling to give back the ball if he had made the last out? I think not.

Consider a man named Richard Arndt. He was a groundskeeper for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976 when Hank Aaron hit his final home run, #755. No one knew at the time it would be Aaron's last home run because it was hit in mid-season, on July 20th. But, Aaron wouldn't hit another. Arndt, caught the ball in the bullpen. The Brewers demanded it back. Arndt just asked if he could present it to the great Aaron personally. The Brewers refused. So, Arndt refused to return it. He was fired the next day and his final paycheck was docked 5 dollars (the price of the ball!). He ended up selling the ball privately for $650,000. in 1999. Arndt was an employee of the Brewers, like Mientkiewicz was of the Red Sox. You think it's a coincidence that Mientkiewicz was traded to the Mets? Like Arndt, he was "fired" for not giving the ball back.

And what a weird coincidence that Mientkiewicz was traded, to of all places the Mets, where he'll play first base-- on the same piece of real estate patrolled by Bill Buckner, whose error perpetuated the idea of a "curse." There's something very "full circle" about all of this. (You can see the "Buckner Ball" --or the "Mookie Ball", as some call it, on this site. Click on The Collection.)

For a hundred years, players in all sports, including baseball, have been allowed to keep relics from their important games. In football, they even retrieve recovered fumbles for players. Should the Pittsburgh Steelers have demanded to keep the "immaculate reception" football? Please.

Mientkiewicz was in the right place at the right time as hundreds of players (and fans) have been before him. If the Red Sox continue to persist in their petty pursuit, they may be testing the patience of the unpredictable and unforgiving baseball Gods.