Use the tube and ball to get him out at first
That's a good point Velma makes as well - the type of cage can make a big difference. I'm a huge fan of a cage with a big front door as well. It really helps with interaction. Our last Syrian, Pickle, was like this for a long time - until I moved him into a Hamster Heaven sized cage with a big front door and he was much more amenable - I could leave that door open while I was there and he'd come up to the door and say hello - or walk into a snooze cube from there so I could lift him out. You're kind of on their level with the big front open door and less of a barrier between you.
What cage have you got at the moment? The Hamster Heaven is good for a skitty hamster.