from October 26, 2005

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An ecstatic Cutters’ Chris Claeys (right) holding thee ball and pal Rob Akers. Photo by Jim Furrh

Cutters’ owner/editor Chris Claeys is Chicago’s man of the hour. Maybe even a tiny footnote to White Sox history. The possessor of one of the most valuable mementoes of major league baseball.

He caught the ball Paul Konerko grand slammed into left field Sunday night to give the Sox the lead over the Houston Astros.

And so he was serendipitously positioned to catch Konerko’s grand slam, the 18th grand slam in World Series history.

The ball sailed over to left field to where Claeys was in the right place at the right time. “I caught it with two hands, sort of standing in the aisle. It came into my hands. I didn’t have to dive for it,” said Claeys, who had shoulder surgery (ouch) a week ago.

“People around were so excited. Pandemonium broke out on a positive level. They were beating on me, bear-hugging me, congratulating me for catching it. Everyone wanted a picture of me and the ball,” said Claeys.

He caught the ball Paul Konerko grand slammed into left field Sunday night that nailed Game Two of the World Series.

“I’m having a blast,” said Claeys, cheerfully high with excitement over catching the magical ball and the burst of media attention that began at 3 a.m. Monday with non-stop phone calls from all over the country.

Claeys and his three buddies, Burnett executive producer David Moore, art director Jim Furrh and Akers making the transition to director, have season tickets. They rotate seats for each game and Sunday night Claeys had the lucky aisle seat. “In home run alley,” he chuckled.

White Sox slugger Paul Konerko: “You get a homer when you least expect it.”

Paul Konerko just wanted the ball.

Three security types materialized in front of Claeys and his friends. “Paul Konerko would like that ball,” they said with politely but firmly, as Sun-Times and Associated Press reporters pressed into his side.

“I’ll think about that,” Claeys said.

Security persisted. “If you leave the ball park that would be certifiable. And the top of the ninth inning will be your last chance to give Paul the ball.”

Claeys didn’t lose his cool, probably as a result of years of tactfully dealing with clients with questionable requests. And he didn’t yield to Security’s non-stop badgering.

Security requested that the friends accompany them to the White Sox office deep under the stands to sort this matter out. “We wanted to find out what was really going on,” Claeys said.

As they trudged up the aisle fans loudly expressed their opinon on what to do with the ball. "Keep it!" "Give it to Paul!"

Down in the office, "a different gentleman appeared. We didn’t know if he was security or a Sox official. He seemed kind of crabby when he asked us ‘what are you doing here?’"

Just then, Houston tied the game at the top of the ninth and everyone disappeared—along with interest as to who would possess the now-legendary ball.

Monday, the overwhelming media attention kept Claeys at home. Fox TV reporters were in his living room early in the morning. TV and radio interviews continued one after the other all day long. “I’m having fun,” he said.

Most frequently asked questions: What’s the ball worth and will Claeys return it to Konerko?

“Money is not a big deal to me, although if I hang onto the ball for 20 years it could be worth a half million dollars.” Not a bad college fund for his two daughters, ages 13 and nine.

As for giving the ball to Konerko, “I would consider it," he said.

Where’s the ball now? “In a safety deposit box.”

Did the Sox call about the ball? "No, they've got bigger things on their minds."

Did the media ask your occupation? “I told a couple of reporters that [Cutters] worked on White Sox advertising this year, the ‘Win or Die Trying campaign.’ Who knew last May that the Sox would win the World Series and that I'd wind up with one of the greatest souvenirs of all time."

Claeys and Cutters are located at 515 N. State; phone, 312/ 644-2500. See www.cutters.com.

—Ruth L Ratny

READERS, what's your advice to Chris Claeys as to the destiny of The Ball? Use the Backtalk feature for your words of wisdom.

Give Konerko the ball back. It's only a grand slam ball from game 2 of the world series. It's not going to pay for your kids college. You'll get far more value from an autographed Jersy, then you ever will from this ball.

I'm sure it has more value to Paul then it ever will on the open market. I'm sure he'd love to pull it out in 20 years and share the story of what happened the week his new born son was born with him. Besides—it just the right thing to do—what a true Sox fan would do. —Jamie Beedy, Karl Productions

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