As a Phillies Ballgirl, Media woman is ambassador for the team
MEDIA >> It was by chance that Courtney Williams became a Phillies Ballgirl. The Media resident was interning with the Phillies and her boss suggested she try out.
“I couldn’t let my boss down so I tried out. It was a bit hard considering she played volleyball in college and hasn’t played softball since middle school,” said Williams.
Williams made the tryouts and this will be her second season fielding baseballs. She admits that at first the hardest thing was getting used to being in front of the crowds during the games and speaking at community events.
“The Phillies Ballgirls are ambassadors in the community and on the field. We are looking for educated, athletic and energetic women who hope to serve as role models in professional sports for young girls, according to Michele DeVicaris, director of community and charity events for the Phillies.
Williams fits the bill. The 22-year old graduated from Chestnut Hill College majoring in International Business, Language, and Culture and minoring in Spanish and Sports Management in December.
To try out as a Phillies Ballgirl qualities needed include strong interpersonal and public relations skills with a positive, outgoing personality, softball experience and knowledge of the game of baseball; a flexible schedule and availability to work early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays; and being at least 18 years old. The deadline for applying was March 1.
For Williams, being an ambassador for the Phillies has shown her how baseball and the Phillies have shaped the Philadelphia community, the changes made through baseball here and beyond. At her first event during Jackie Robinson Day at Memorial Park she realized the impact that Robinson and the Philadelphia Stars, a Negro League impacted not only baseball but the African-American community.
One of the most significant moments in Major League Baseball was on April 15, 1947, when Jackie Robinson made his Major League debut breaking the baseball color barrier.
“I liked getting to interact with kids less fortunate. The Phillies have children from the hospitals have a sleepover in Clubhouse. For kids in the hospital with physical ailments and those from less fortunate neighborhoods this gives then the opportunity to do things they necessarily wouldn’t be able to do. I am honored to be a part of that,” said Williams.