In 2371, when Deep Space 9 was in the throes of a Cardassian counter-insurgency program, Gul Dukat briefly took over the office and tossed the baseball to the floor. (DS9: "Civil Defense") During the initial phase of the Dominion War, after the Dominion temporarily gained control of Deep Space 9, the baseball was left behind, serving as a reminder to Dukat, who had taken command of the station, that Sisko intended to return. (DS9: "Call to Arms") Sisko was given the ball back by Dukat following the latter's descent into madness, and the recapture of the station by Starfleet in Operation Return. (DS9: "Sacrifice of Angels")