Dodgers rookie Scott Schebler cherishes first career homer in majors

There was nothing to negotiate, no ransom to be paid.

In the aftermath of the Dodgers’ 8-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday night, rookie outfielder Scott Schebler had in his possession the baseball he launched for his first home run in the major leagues.

“I guess they threw it back on the field,” Schebler said.

If the fans at Petco Park hadn’t returned the baseball and demanded payment for it, how much would Schebler have paid?

Schebler laughed and replied: “I have no idea. I don’t know if you can put a price on that.”

What made the home run even more memorable was that it was hit off James Shields.

“To do it off James Shields is pretty special,” Schebler said. “Just to get it out of the way is nice too.”

While fellow September call-up Corey Seager and double-A left-hander Julio Urias made headlines in the farm system, the 24-year-old Schebler quietly had a solid season at triple-A Oklahoma City.

Schebler batted .241 with 13 home runs, 50 runs batted in and 15 stolen bases for Oklahoma City.

Schebler, who started in right field in place of a sidelined Andre Ethier, showed his speed Friday night. In addition to hitting his first home run, he stole two bases.

He was promoted to the major leagues for the first time in June, only to be sent down after one day. His parents weren’t able to get to Los Angeles from their home in Iowa in time to watch him play. He saw them only at the airport. As he was returning to Oklahoma City, they were arriving.

“Looking back, it’s funny now,” Schebler said.

Schebler’s parents will now have the task of cleaning the Oklahoma City house Schebler shared this season with Seager and right-hander Joe Wieland, who was called up Sept. 1.

Schebler said they lease called for them to move out on Sept. 8.

“Joe left and it was like dang it, it’s me and Corey to clean the dang house up,” Schebler said. “And then I left and Corey was like, ‘You guys are really going to leave me here to clean this whole house up by myself?’ Then Corey came up. Now, my parents are cleaning it up. They get the fun job of doing that.”