Kearns Could Hit the Bonds Ball Lottery

Still, it will be the ball, a memento unlike any other. But maybe not the back pocket. Kearns thought about the bullpen in San Francisco, which sits along the right field line. Maybe closer Chad Cordero would hold it.

"I could put my trust in 'Chief' and throw it over to him," Kearns said. "I mean, he's right there."

Then, of course, there is the gracious option.

"I could take it into the infield," Kearns said, "and give it to him."

Young said he liked that choice -- if the hitter were Ken Griffey Jr., his former teammate with the Cincinnati Reds. But Bonds is controversial, and as much as players don't like to publicly talk about his alleged performance-enhancing drug use, they have their suspicions privately. Handing the ball to him would hold some symbolism.

"I know what I'd do," catcher Brian Schneider said, sitting two lockers over from Kearns. "I'd put it in my back pocket -- and this would be so hard to do -- but I'd donate it to the Hall of Fame. But it would always have Kearns's name on it. 'Bonds's homer, donated by Austin Kearns.' "

But the logistics involved in that might be tough, too, and questions could arise about whether Kearns originally intended to donate the ball.

So there is, Kearns figures, one final option.

"Or," Kearns said, "I could just turn around and throw it as far as I can, out into the water. I've thought about that, too."