Sometimes they even give them to people who are following them or helping them move from one pair to another.
I met Dana Miller-Mackie that way. I went up to her to ask a question, which not only did she graciously answer, but introduced me to Aleta Sill. From that, I followed and helped her throughout the week at the tournament we were at; even took her gear to a local pro shop (that shop sponsored the tour stop). At the end of the tournament, she gave me that ball, which I still have.
I'm sure that still goes on nowadays, but again depends on how gracious the bowler is, and if they are not busy fielding more than enough questions to have some free time.
BL.