HARRISBURG -- Nick and Colton Brouse of Snyder County are both all-stars when it comes to collecting minor league baseballs.
They almost never leave Metro Bank Park empty-handed.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm the tenth fielder, you know what I mean?" said Nick, 19.
Ah, most of us don't.
The brothers believe being polite is helpful. But having patience and a plan is a must.
"Pretty much use common sense," said Colton, 16, when asked his secret for finding foul balls or having a ball tossed to him by one of the players. "Just go where people aren't and try and look for a baseball there."
Metro Bank Park is a perfect spot to go hunting; with its smaller crowds (compared to major league games) and lots of open space.
Colton escorted a reporter around the stadium. We waited for foul balls on the first base side of the park when a right-handed hitter was at-bat. Moments later, we made our way as close to the field as we could when the inning was over.
And it worked.
First baseman Justin Bloxom tossed Colton the baseball.
It's a routine the brothers repeat all summer long.
"The umps typically use five to six dozen balls; (balls) rubbed with river mud prior to a game," said Senators general manager Randy Whitaker.
After that, these two clean up.
Nick's personal best is five balls in one game. Colton once hauled in nine balls during a doubleheader. He's also the big winner at this game against Akron, with three.
But their favorite ball?
Bryce Harper's game-winning, walk-off home run from last August. It was outside the stadium, just sitting on the ground.
"You have to have eyes like me to find them," said Nick. "I kinda think of it like finding Easter eggs, to be honest with you."
The brothers treat 'em like eggs, too; carefully bagging, sealing and labeling each one.
They also give away a lot of balls to other fans, who are less-fortunate.
But Colton found a keeper in the game against Akron. For the first time ever, he caught a foul ball out of the air. It was hit by Harrisburg's Destin Hood.
The brothers look at this as their connection to the game. "You never know what you're going to get," added Colton. "It's always a surprise. You always get that rush. It never gets old."
And best of all, it's free.
