As a Phillies fan, I don’t get to experience much behind the scenes besides the annual ‘What’s New at the Bank’ event, where food and gear for the upcoming season are showcased. This year, the Phillies put together an incredible event for women of all ages.
The event, ‘Behind the Diamond,’ gave diehard Phillies fans the experience of a lifetime. Dan Baker, the Phillies’ public announcer over the past 53 seasons, was on-site, engaging with a group of fans, discussing his passion for the Phillies.
Dan opened up and shared some health battles he went through in recent years, which saw the only time he missed games in his career of over half a century. He also shared how he met his wife because of the Phillies and how much the organization means to him. Fans were even able to see the press box before heading to the field. This was the part that saw so many faces light up as they entered the field for the clinics.
I was following the “Realmuto” group, as I wanted to get to know some of the group members as we continued on to all the activities. The first of which the group did was fielding, followed by getting to look at the bullpen, and then it was through the dugout to the batting cages. In an unsurprising manner, this seemed to be the activity that most of the women were excited about.
Patricia, 84, stated that she’s always wanted to do this as she’s a diehard fan. She also said she had a pretty good swing, which I agreed with. She was the most enthusiastic about the activities. After making our way back on the field, Paco Figueroa, the team’s first base coach, decided to give a lesson on base running, giving this group of ladies the opportunity to run the bases.
Paco also talked about the importance of having a good mentality when it comes to being a baserunner and how that applies to everyday life. He also mentioned that taking the time to help teach this clinic was the least he could do for all the great women who are fans of the Phillies.
The groups excited the field and went off to lunch. Later in the day different front office personnel, media personnel, and some surprise guests spoke to those in attendance. Finally, the women had a party before watching an incredible Phillies game.
I think of Patricia, who was such an inspiration to watch throughout the day. It’s funny how something so minor can impact you to where you still are thinking about it, but what the Phillies do having events such as this allows lifelong fans the chance to live out a dream.
