Remember when we were young, how we would often idolize players on our favorite sports team or the actor on your favorite TV show?
Fast forward to March 28, 2014. I had just finished up touching up my lipstick in the locker room lined with bright red carpet when it was time to make our way through the basement hallway. My heart was racing so fast when we walked up the steps and onto the field. I can remember it vividly – it felt like a movie scene where the camera pans from the actor’s viewpoint, making the background seem so big and wonderful. Surrounded by the massive Phanavision screen, 40,000 seats and people shuffling to prepare the field, it hit me – I was a Ballgirl for the Philadelphia Phillies, something I dreamed about since I was a little girl.
That was day one of training, so I didn’t actually get any time in the game that day. But the next game, it happened. I took my seat on the small stool next to the foul line in the outfield. Soon enough, a hard line drive was hit foul my way. And guess what? I missed it.
Now, I played four years of NCAA softball, but I’m telling you – nothing can prepare you for a ball hit by a major league baseball player. I remember looking to the veteran Ballgirl training me and saying “Holy $h!t. What just happened?”
And so the adventure began.
I was fortunate to be a Ballgirl for the 2014 and 2015 Phillies seasons. It is an opportunity that few actually get to experience, so I’m here to tell you all about it.
There were only a few downsides – “haters” on social media, drunk fans and difficulty finding personal time amidst a hectic schedule – but, without a doubt, this was the BEST. EXPERIENCE. EVER. Here’s why:
Game Day. There’s no better experience than being part of the game. It was sometimes terrifying, but 100 percent thrilling at the same time. The way your heart races when a foul ball comes your way is incredibly exciting. Handing that foul ball to a kid and seeing their face light up is completely heart-warming. Running to the bullpen to grab the relief pitcher’s jacket and running it back to the dugout just feels so cool. And nothing beats standing on home plate, surrounded by the giant stadium, with your hand on your chest and listening to the national anthem. That gave me chills every single time.
The Fans. Yes, there was the occasional rowdy fan (I did get booed once or twice), but for the most part, the fans really made the experience. It made me so happy to see a child smile when they got a ball. And between each inning, they would come down and ask for autographs. It never got old hearing a young girl say “I want to be a Ballgirl like you when I grow up.” Even the adult fans were amazing. I met firefighters, cancer survivors, men and women in the military – and each had an incredible story to share.
Community Events. These were some of my favorite parts of the job. Of course, player events were a bunch of fun. Getting to meet and chat with my favorite player, Ben Revere, made me melt into an awkward pile of mush. But it was really the events with kids that stole the show. Particularly, the clubhouse sleepover with patients from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We spent all night watching movies, going on a scavenger hunt and playing games. And for a brief moment, any troubles were forgotten and everyone got to enjoy a night of unmatched fun.
Lifelong Friends. One day, if I get married, half of my bridal party will be former Ballgirls. After spending many of our nights together, sharing a common passion for baseball and experiencing one of the greatest jobs, I have met friends who I know will be part of my life for a very, very long time.
October 4, 2015 – top of the 9th and the Phillies were up. There were two outs and I felt my whole body start to quiver. I can’t even remember how the last out happened, but once it did, I broke down sobbing right there on the field. I cried uncontrollably and one of my closest friends, another veteran Ballgirl, came out, hugged me and tears streamed down both our faces. It was our last game as Phillies Ballgirls.
While the job is limited to two years, it has created memories that will last a lifetime. The Phillies start accepting applications in the fall, and I would encourage any female with softball experience to go for it. Trust me, you will not regret it.
