An unforgettable moment in the stands during the 2025 American League Championship Series has translated into a significant financial windfall for one dedicated Toronto Blue Jays fan.
The $30,000 Catch
Etobicoke resident Michael Angeletti became an instant part of Blue Jays lore when he snagged George Springer's decisive three-run homer in Game 7 against the Seattle Mariners. That piece of sports history, which propelled the Jays to the World Series, has now netted Angeletti a profit of approximately $30,000 Canadian.
The journey from catch to cash involved a strategic decision. Angeletti, owner of Niagara & Toronto Tours, initially received an offer of $60,000 for the ball but chose to hold out. He eventually consigned the historic souvenir with the Goldin auction house.
From the Stands to the Auction Block
The auction opened with a bid of $10,000 US and closed at $26,840 US. After accounting for fees and the exchange rate, Angeletti's final take was roughly $30,306.21 Canadian. While the value would have soared higher had the Blue Jays clinched the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Angeletti is more than satisfied with the outcome.
"Happy result," the affable fan stated. "30K moves the needle." He celebrated his good fortune with a cruise, which he jokingly referred to as a "little Springer Dinger celebration" with his girlfriend.
A Moment Frozen in Time
Recalling the iconic catch from October 21, 2025, Angeletti described a scene of split-second action. "I was texting my cousins and had to drop my phone, put on my glove and jump up and grab the ball," he recounted. "I didn't have my glove on right so it bounced up and I secured it with my other hand. The whole thing is like a dream."
His first instinct was to return the ball to Springer, but the elated player was immersed in team celebrations. Springer later expressed that he was fine with Angeletti deciding the ball's fate.
While the anonymous buyer now possesses the physical baseball, Angeletti's connection to the moment remains. He retains the memory and the financial bonus from a catch that helped define a thrilling playoff run. As the team looks ahead to the 2026 season, Angeletti echoes the sentiment of many fans: "To have lost in such heartbreaking fashion will only toughen our resolve as a fan base and a city."
