Now for the topic at hand...the last home stand of the 2014 season. What a wonderful and crazy year it has been, and as I reflect on what this year has brought me, I can't help but feel so fortunate to be where I am today. This season was such an incredible experience to be a part of, and everyone at the Phillies is a pleasure to work with.
I was given opportunities that I would never have had anywhere else. This one might be my favorite story of the season:
I was the 3rd base ballgirl on the field when Tom McCarthy caught Freddie Freeman's home run, and I was the one who had to retrieve it when he threw it back! I ran across the outfield, picked it up and handed it to girl, who took the ball and ran back up her section back to her family. Never did I stop and think, 'Oh wait, a commentator has never caught a home run before. I should hold onto this.' Nope. I did my job, and that's exactly what I needed to do.
A few days later, I get a few texts from friends saying they heard my name on the radio station 94.1 WIP! I was so curious as to how they found out my name, so I check their website and turns out, they interviewed Tom McCarthy about the home run catch experience. The radio host offered $500 to the person who returns the ball to Tom, as this ball has historic value now. So after listening to the interview myself, I had not heard my name. I was confused, but I was thrilled that Tom had said, "Well I saw the ballgirl get the ball and give it to a little girl, so at least they got a piece of history," and of course I sent the interview link to my whole family. What happened the next month floored me.
I was walking down the concourse after selling raffle tickets one night, and I hear someone call my name. I turn around and the girl goes, "Lesley? It IS you!" As it turns out, this 11 year old named Jordan was the girl I gave the ball to. Her father was with her and told me that he was listening to WIP that morning and contemplated calling in about the ball, and ended up doing so. He told them that "ballgirl Lesley" had given his daughter the ball and he now had it (so there's where my name came from!). He was unsure whether to give it back, after all his family had a piece of history and he didn't want to take anything away from his daughter. But Jordan wanted to give it to Tom herself, and the radio station ended up giving her the $500, and the Phillies gave her and her family an amazing day at the ballpark. She was able to go up into the commentator's box, and received a signed ball from Matt Stairs, Jamie Moyer, and Tom McCarthy himself, and much more!
I was in shock standing on the concourse as they were telling me this. My one act of giving a piece of history away to a fan made their family's day that much better. And their generous act of kindness in returning the ball gave them the opportunity of a lifetime. I don't think I've felt more rewarded in my life. Just the look on her face when I handed her the ball, and the same look as when she found me on the concourse that night. Sure, there's a lot of exciting moments throughout the year from working player charity events, sitting on the field for Howard's RBI to win the game, to watching the Phillies pull through for the W in extra innings from the stool. But I think this one takes the cake. Making a fan's day is definitely the greatest feeling.
It may be the last home stand of this season, but I am fortunate enough for this to be my first of two season with the Phillies. I am so happy with how this season went and I am looking forward to next season, too! And don't worry, I will be posting throughout the off season too, as we do appearances throughout the community! Thank you all for your continued support!