In the world of baseball, certain moments are etched into memory forever—a father catching a home run ball and handing it to his son, a young fan’s face lighting up with joy. But at LoanDepot Park in Miami, during a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins, one woman’s actions turned a magical moment into a viral controversy. TMZ
The Incident: A Moment of Joy Turned Sour
On September 5, 2025, Phillies centerfielder Harrison Bader launched a towering home run into the stands at LoanDepot Park. A father, Drew Feltwell, managed to catch the ball and, in a heartwarming gesture, handed it to his young son, Lincoln, who was celebrating his birthday. The crowd around them erupted in cheers, sharing in the boy’s excitement.
However, the joyous occasion took a dark turn when a woman, later identified as Cheryl Richardson-Wagner, approached the family. She insisted that the ball belonged to her and demanded it back. Despite the father’s refusal, she persisted, even going so far as to shout in his ear, “That’s my ball!” To avoid further confrontation and protect his son, Feltwell reluctantly handed over the ball. The crowd’s reaction was swift and unanimous—disdain. One fan was heard shouting, “Awesome, make her feel terrible,” as the woman took the ball. TMZ
The Fallout: Public Outrage and Media Reaction
The incident quickly went viral, with fans and media outlets expressing outrage over the woman’s behavior. ESPN’s SportsCenter hosts Nicole Briscoe and Michael Eaves discussed the situation during their segment, “So This Happened,” condemning the woman’s actions and praising the crowd for supporting the boy and his father. Briscoe referred to the woman as a “Karen,” a term used to describe entitled and demanding individuals. Eaves added, “Awesome, make her feel terrible,” highlighting the public’s disapproval. TMZ
In an unexpected twist, Cheryl Richardson-Wagner later took to Facebook to deny her involvement in the incident. She clarified that she was not present at the game, stating, “I’m NOT the crazy Philly Mom (but I sure would love to be as thin as she is and move as fast)… and I’m a Red Sox fan!” Despite her denial, the internet had already labeled her as the “Phillies Karen,” and the controversy continued to spread. TMZ
The Silver Lining: Harrison Bader’s Gesture
Amid the controversy, there was a heartwarming development. Harrison Bader, the Phillies player whose home run sparked the incident, learned about the situation and decided to make amends. After the game, Bader met with Lincoln Feltwell and presented him with a signed bat, turning a negative experience into a memorable one for the young fan. The gesture was widely praised and served as a reminder of the positive impact athletes can have off the field.
The Verdict: A Lesson in Sportsmanship and Decency
While the actions of Cheryl Richardson-Wagner were widely condemned, the incident also highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and decency in the stands. Baseball, like all sports, is about community, respect, and shared experiences. The crowd’s support for the Feltwell family and Bader’s thoughtful gesture underscored these values.
In the end, the “Karen” of LoanDepot Park serves as a cautionary tale—a reminder that entitlement and selfishness have no place in sports or society. But the outpouring of support for the young fan and the positive actions that followed reaffirm the belief that kindness and respect will always triumph over negativity.
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Citation
- TMZ Sports – “SportsCenter Hosts Discuss Phillies-Marlins Karen Who Took Home Run Ball” – tmz.com
- CBS Miami – “Viral Clash Over Home Run Ball at Marlins-Phillies Game Ends With Young Fan Getting Surprise Gifts” – cbsnews.com
- ESPN SportsCenter – Segment: “So This Happened” – Discussed Phillies-Marlins ball incident and fan reactions.
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