Just like he did in 2017, Houston Astros center fielder George Springer led the 2018 season off with a home run.
Following the game, Springer made a deal with the fan who caught the ball to get it back.
George Springer got his home run ball back — it was his 100th career homer — in exchange for a bat and a ball, he said.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 29, 2018
It was actually a historic home run for two different reasons.
One is the milestone. It was the 100th home run in the brief but decorated career of the reigning World Series MVP. Two, with the long ball, Springer became the first player in MLB history to open consecutive years with leadoff home runs.
That ball definitely carries some history with it.