SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- A San Diego car dealer is the new owner of the ball that Barry Bonds hit for his 715th home run, the one that put him ahead of Babe Ruth on the career list.
Barry Chase said he was moved by one thing -- Bonds is Willie Mays' godson.
"I've been a lifelong Giants fan -- I grew up in L.A., but Willie Mays was my childhood idol," Chase told the San Francisco Chronicle. "My dad would bring me up to watch games in Candlestick Park."
Chase paid $220,100 to Andrew Morbitzer of San Francisco. Morbitzer acquired the ball when it bounced off the top of a concession stand as he waited in line.
Morbitzer said selling the ball was a tough decision, especially since his wife is a sports fan.
"We had to think about it, but in reality we're not rich -- and we live in San Francisco," he said.
After giving 10 percent to charity, the Morbitzers plan to save the balance for a downpayment on a house.
Chase says he will display the ball at his three car dealerships even though he is not sure how eager Southern Californians are to see Bonds memorabilia.
