Jeter ball brings good karma

Christian Lopez made the catch of a lifetime when he snagged the ball from Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit Saturday. But unbeknownst to him, there was another catch coming.

He immediately returned the precious souvenir, estimated to be worth $100,000 to $250,000, to the Yankees shortstop. Lopez, who didn't want, or more tellingly, didn't expect anything in return, was given about $70,000 worth of Yankees memorabilia, including autographed jerseys, as well as coveted luxury-suite tickets.

Despite his owing more than $100,000 in student loans, Lopez's decision to return the ball restored a bit of faith in humanity, coming when many are worn down by constant bad news about the dismal economy and wars abroad. And though most others would have auctioned off the ball to reap the financial gains, his decision to do what he believed was right rather than earning what could have been a lucrative profit is a breath of fresh air.

But here's the second catch: The gifts from the Yankees could cost Lopez as much as $15,000 in taxes. That's money that Lopez, buried in student debt, can't afford.

Luckily, though, Miller High Life beer and Modell's Sporting Goods have offered to pay for any costs that might come his way. For the public, that's a warm reminder that bighearted gestures, though not always handsomely rewarded with cash, are always appreciated. hN