Column: Virgen’s View: Steffel, who caught Pujols’ 600th home run ball, is in the spotlight again

When Scott Steffel caught Albert Pujols’ 600^th home run ball on June 3 and gave it back to the Angels slugger at no charge, Steffel didn’t really expect anything in return.

But Steffel, 23, a former Newport Harbor High baseball player who lives in Costa Mesa, has received plenty of praise and attention. He got some more love on Saturday night when he threw out the first pitch with Pujols catching.

Pujols was honored during a Pujols bobblehead night commemorating his 600^th home run. Pujols’ ball, the same ball that Steffel caught, was encased with the bat in a special frame that he received during a ceremony before the game.

Steffel brought his family, his father, Ted, brothers, Teddy and Tommy and mom Klavdia, to witness his special pitch. Each family member wore a Pujols jersey.

Steffel also received an autographed limited edition bat that commemorates the 600^th home run, along with a ball that Pujols also signed.

Along with Pujols’ autograph on the bat, he wrote: “To Scott, God Bless You.” With bible verses: Phil. 4:13 and Rom. 5:19.

“Oh man, it was unreal,” Steffel said of throwing out the first pitch with Pujols catching. “I get to meet him again and I get to throw the first pitch to him. I’m speechless. It’s so cool.”

Steffel also had some time in the spotlight on Friday night during the Lowsman Trophy All-Star Banquet for Mr. Irrelevant XLII Chad Kelly, the Denver Broncos quarterback, at Balboa Bay Resort.

Steffel sat with Kelly and his brother, Casey, during the dinner. Also, during the program, Steffel was recognized for catching Pujols’ 600^th home run ball, following a suggestion from yours truly.

Steffel felt a little awkward going to a banquet mostly about Kelly and having a moment be about him, but that ended up being irrelevant.

Melanie Salata Fitch, the Irrelevant Week CEO, set up that former Angels pitcher Tom Murphy attended and signed a home run ball for Steffel. Murphy hit only one home run in his career.

“It’s like it’s been non-stop since I caught the ball,” Steffel said. “It’s been a really fun ride.”

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Twitter: @SteveVirgen