Mike Shuster, fan who caught A-Rod's 660th homer, says he won't give it back

Of all the places for Alex Rodriguez to hit his historic 660th home run, Fenway Park in Boston would seem to be the least ideal based on the history between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. To say there's no love lost between the two franchises or fan bases would be an understatement, and to assume A-Rod would not be greeted warmly under any circumstances was a safe bet to make.

Of course, it's that type of reaction that also seems to fuel A-Rod, so it should come as no surprise that when he stepped up to the plate as a pinch-hitter on Friday night, he took that significant step forward in history by homering off Red Sox reliever Junichi Tazawa.

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The home run, which proved to be the difference in New York's 3-2 victory, sailed to the third row of Fenway's Monster Seats, where Red Sox fan Mike Shuster ended up with the baseball. His initial reaction was like that of many in the ballpark, or at least those supporting the Red Sox. Two thumbs down, he motioned to the world as its collective eyes looked upon him.

That baseball would remain in Shuster's possession for the rest of the game, and it's now reported by Dan Martin of the New York Post that Shuster has no intention of ever presenting it to A-Rod.

Again, what would you expect? It's Boston.

Whether it's a negotiating ploy or a firm stance is unknown, but that's the story Shuster was sticking to after the game.

Here's more of what Shuster had to say, including noting that he arrived at the ballpark 10 minutes late, bought the last single ticket remaining in the Monsters and dashed back from a bathroom in time to make the play.

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At one point, Shuster was spotted near the Yankees dugout, so perhaps some form of negotiations were underway. Then again, perhaps he was taunting the Yankees and A-Rod.

Either way, there's no doubt Shuster is holding a winning lottery ticket should he choose to cash it in. The Yankees might not be willing to chip in much, but A-Rod himself might be willing to go all out to own perhaps the last big piece of history in his 20-year career.

Of course, memorabilia collectors might be willing to offer a handsome ransom as well to own the baseball, and others still might covet it just to erase it from existence all together. Remember the Bartman ball in Chicago?

The fate that awaits A-Rod's 660th home run ball is unclear, and could be as simple as finding a place on Shuster's mantle. Could it really be that simple?

What is certain is that we'll be following its path as best we can in the days and weeks ahead just in case it changes possession.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813