Ballgirls take to the field

October 28, 2008 – Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know we’re in the midst of the World Series. The Phillies and Rays are tied 2-2 and Game 5 was suspended due to rain.

Most Phillies fans know that starting pitcher Jamie Moyer is a local guy who attended Souderton High School.

But many would be unaware of the other locals who take the field for each game at Citizens Bank Park.

The Bucks County Courier Times reports that three Phillies ballgirls have ties to the area and, though they may not be household names, they’re having the time of their lives.

Twenty-somethings Justine Pletnick, Laura Litzenberger and Lauren Economou have to pinch themselves whever they take to the field.

Pletnick is a physical therapy major at Temple University. This is her second season as a ballgirl. Litzenberger is a fourth-grade teacher at Durham-Nockamixon Elementary in the Palisades district. Economou, another teacher by day, ballgirl by night teaches art at Hatboro-Horsham High School.

“It feels like a dream come true,” said Pletnick. “I feel like a part of the team. I know it’s crazy, but I feel like I’m in the World Series.”

The group of 17 Phillies ballgirls were selected among 600 candidates. They work the foul lines during games and participate in various charity events, including softball games.

Aside from their duties on the field, the ballgirls travel to team charity functions and play in several softball games throughout the year.

On the other side of the field, the Ray Team rally the Tampa Bay fans. You won’t find these ladies – and two men – catching foul balls, though. Their duties include greeting fans, giving away prizes and sometimes dancing on the dugout.

Not everyone can play major league ball - and we certainly don’t want to discourage you from trying - but if you’re a fan who wants to be part of the action, or you want to tell your grandkids you were in the World Series, being a ballgirl might just be a way to fulfill your fantasy.