PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Phillies won’t just be represented in the batter’s box at Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta. The team’s bat boy will be working the baseline, too, after he won a national fan vote.
Adam Crognale was voted into the game after recently making an excellent snag of a sharply hit Kyle Schwarber foul ball that was headed toward the dugout.
“I have extreme attention to detail. I have a mindset to support these guys and never take a minute off and build those relationships with the players, because it’s gonna help you and them succeed at what they’re there to do,” Crognale said of his skills.
Crognale has been with the Phillies since 2021, so he’s no stranger to the bright lights. He’s worked playoff games and, of course, the 2022 World Series. Before winning a slot at this year’s All-Star Game, he was already planning to work next year’s game at Citizens Bank Park.
“This is a very different experience,” he said, “where you’re working the game, but you’re also getting to take in all the surroundings and all the festivities. Whereas next year, it’s gonna be a grind. We’re gonna be working 24/7 around the clubhouse.”
However, after surviving childhood lymphoma, he’s learned that nothing in life is guaranteed.
“You never know what tomorrow’s gonna bring,” he said. “I love the All-Star Game, everything about it. So to get two different, unique opportunities, it’s exciting.
“One of our front office members, he’s calling me an All-Star. It’s such a crazy, surreal thing to hear.”