PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — One hundred forty female fans of the Phillies had some major league fun at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday for a sold-out, behind-the-scenes, all-day event designed exclusively for women.
This is the 20th year for Behind the Diamond, a rare chance for women who love the Phillies to experience the ballpark the way a player does.
"This is such a great event. It's a beautiful day, weather wise, and we just have so much fun!" said Suzanne from South Philly, who attended for her second year.
Mary Ann Moyer, director of community initiatives with the Phillies, says the ladies create unforgettable memories.
"I think they love it for the access, you know. There's not a lot of opportunity where they spend the whole day with us behind the scenes, the ins and outs," Moyer said.
Moyer says this is really a chance for women to experience things that the players do.
"They will be in the clubhouse, learning about uniform choices, locker choices. They will be meeting with a nutritionist today to talk about the players' nutrition," Moyer said.
Racquel Williams/KYW Newsradio
Racquel Williams/KYW Newsradio
The ladies took over the dugout, the clubhouse, the field and batting cages, and even hung out with some Major League Baseball umpires. And of course, they all met the Phillie Phanatic.
Cindy Brendle lives in Maryland but is originally from Lancaster county. She's a lifelong Phillies fan, and this is her first time at the event.
"I'm glad that it's offered to women, because I'm almost 60, and I never got to do anything like this. So I think it's really a step forward for women."
Racquel Williams/KYW Newsradio
Racquel Williams/KYW Newsradio
Racquel Williams/KYW Newsradio
Janice from Ambler is Behind the Diamond veteran. She has been coming to the event for 16 years and says she likes the batting cages.
"The coaches are great. They really work with us and try to help us, which doesn't always work," she said.
Liz came up from Virginia for the event and to stay for the Phillies game.
"Every team should offer this," she said. "It's just amazing. We get to do things that people dream of. It's like a fairy tale."
It's enough to make some of the guys jealous.
"My husband wanted to dress up like a woman today to come with me."
