A viral video of a woman, now dubbed “Phillies Karen”, snatching a home run ball sparked outrage. Following social media backlash, rumours erupted that she was fired from her job. Find out the truth below.
What’s Actually Going On?
Incident Recap
During a September 5, 2025 game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins, Phillies player Harrison Bader hit a home run that landed in the stands. Drew Feltwell caught it and gave it to his son, Lincoln, as an early birthday gift. A woman then approached, demanded the ball—claiming it was hers—and the father, hoping to avoid escalation, handed it to her. The moment was captured on camera and quickly went viral, with the woman dubbed “Phillies Karen.”
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Rumors & Misidentifications
- Cheryl Richardson-Wagner was wrongly identified online as the woman in question. She strongly denied it via a public Facebook post, clarifying she’s a Red Sox fan, not a Phillies fan.
Fox NewsNew York PostThe SunIndiatimesLatestLY - Leslie‑Ann Kravitz, alleged to be connected to the Hammonton (NJ) Public Schools, was also falsely named. The school district issued a statement dismissing any link, stating she has never worked there.
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Was “Phillies Karen” Identified—and Fired?
Despite widespread speculation online, her identity remains unconfirmed. Claims that she was identified or fired are false. No credible source has confirmed her identity or job status.
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What Actually Happened to Lincoln?
In a heartwarming twist:
- The Miami Marlins staff gifted Lincoln a swag bag.
- Harrison Bader personally met with him afterward and gave him a signed bat, turning the incident into a positive memory.
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Summary Table
| Claim | Verdict |
|---|---|
| “Phillies Karen” has been identified | Not confirmed; her identity remains unknown. |
| She was fired from her job | No credible evidence; rumors are debunked by officials. |
| Misidentified individuals (Cheryl / Leslie‑Ann) | Both denied; school district confirmed no link. |
| Young boy was compensated | Yes — received swag and a signed bat from Bader. |
Context & Commentary
- The term “Karen” has become a cultural shorthand for entitled, confrontational behavior—fueling the viral spread.
The Economic TimesThe Sun - ESPN hosts publicly criticized the woman’s actions during a “SportsCenter” segment, calling the behavior indefensible—especially toward a child.
