Earlier this month, a moment at a Phillies vs. Marlins game went viral when a woman grabbed a home run ball hit by Harrison Bader—right out of the hands of a young boy. The boy had just received the ball from his dad, who had retrieved it after it landed in the stands. The woman’s aggressive move quickly earned her the nickname “Phillies Karen” online.
Following the incident, both the Phillies and Marlins stepped in to make it up to the child, showering him with gifts. Even Bader contributed, signing a bat for the young fan.
Now, a few weeks later, another Phillies player is speaking out.
“I see a very frustrated lady…”
During an appearance on Mookie Betts’ *On Base* podcast, Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos shared his perspective. As someone who often interacts with fans, especially kids, Castellanos commented on the situation from the viewpoint of a player.
“Whenever I’m tossing balls into the stands, I aim for kids,” said the two-time All-Star. “But sometimes, an eager adult jumps in to grab it. In that woman’s case, I didn’t just see someone chasing a ball. I saw someone who’s probably been feeling overlooked or unlucky for a long time. And in that moment, she was determined not to miss out.”
While it’s common for fans to scramble for souvenirs, it’s generally understood that young children take priority in moments like these. Many felt the woman’s actions spoiled a special moment for the boy, regardless of her personal motivations.