Phillies Fan Receives Gifts After Home Run Ball Dispute
A young Phillies fan received a birthday gift bag from a Marlins staffer and an autographed bat from Phillies outfielder Harrison bader after a dispute over a home run ball during a recent game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins. Video of the incident quickly went viral, sparking discussion about fan etiquette at baseball games.
The incident occurred when a home run ball landed near a young boy at Citizens Bank Park. A man, identified by NBC10 Philadelphia as the boy’s father, Drew Feltwell, initially retrieved the ball and handed it to his son, Lincoln, whose birthday was a few days away. A woman then appeared to request the ball, and the man handed it over to her. The video’s clarity regarding whether the woman grabbed the ball directly after it landed remains unclear. recognizing the disappointment of a young fan, a Marlins employee intervened, offering Lincoln a gift bag filled with team merchandise and expressing concern for his well-being.
The Phillies and Marlins organizations were aware of the significance of home run balls for young fans. Following the game, Bader sought out the boy and presented him with a signed baseball bat as an additional gesture of goodwill.
The Phillies won the game against the Marlins 9-3. The incident highlights the often-emotional connection between fans and the game, and the importance of sportsmanship, even in moments of excitement over a coveted souvenir.
