Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the clip. It’s the kind of video that makes your blood pressure spike instantly. A dad catches a home run ball, hands it to his beaming son, and suddenly, an irate woman—now known globally as the Phillies Karen—is in his face, screaming that the ball belongs to her.
It was supposed to be a perfect 10th birthday for a kid named Lincoln. Instead, it turned into a viral masterclass in how to handle a public meltdown.
The incident went down on September 5, 2025, at LoanDepot Park during a Philadelphia Phillies vs. Miami Marlins game. Harrison Bader knocked one into the stands. Drew Feltwell, Lincoln's dad, managed to snag it. He did what any "super dad" would do: he tucked it right into his son’s glove.
Then things got weird.
The Confrontation That Went Everywhere
The woman, wearing a Phillies hoodie and a very determined expression, didn't just ask for the ball. She demanded it. In the video, you can see her getting inches from Drew’s face. She claimed the ball was hers, that she had her hands on it first, and she wasn't taking no for an answer.
Drew Feltwell later told NBC10 Philadelphia that he was "still in disbelief" that she even approached them like that. He said she was yelling "inappropriate words" right in his ear.
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He had a split second to make a choice.
Does he stand his ground and risk a physical altercation in front of his kids? Or does he just end the noise? He chose the high road. He reached into Lincoln's glove, took the ball back, and handed it to her just to make her go away.
"I was winning at that moment because I just didn't want her around my family anymore," Drew explained. It was a teaching moment about de-escalation, even if it felt like a gut punch to see his son lose the souvenir.
Who Is the Real Phillies Karen?
Here is the thing: nobody actually knows.
Despite the internet's best (and sometimes worst) efforts to track her down, her identity remains a mystery. The "internet detectives" went into overdrive, and as is often the case, they got it wrong several times.
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- Cheryl Richardson-Wagner: She was the first target. People found her on Facebook and started the digital pitchfork parade. There was just one problem—she’s a Red Sox fan and wasn't even in Florida at the time. She had to post a statement clarifying she’s "not the crazy Philly Mom," even jokingly adding she wished she was as thin as the woman in the video.
- Leslie-Ann Kravitz: Rumors flew that she was the woman and that she had been fired from the Hammonton Public School District in New Jersey. The district had to release a formal statement saying she never worked there. They even added a cheeky jab, saying anyone from their community would have caught the ball "barehanded" in the first place.
- Karen Cairny: This was another name that popped up on Facebook, claiming she was a parking enforcement officer in Philadelphia. Totally debunked.
The real woman has stayed completely silent. She hasn’t come forward, hasn't apologized, and hasn't surfaced to tell her side. Considering the level of heat the internet was throwing, staying underground was probably the only move she had left.
Why This Story Actually Ended Well
The internet might be a dark place, but the sports world stepped up for Lincoln.
After the "Karen" stormed off with the ball, the stadium atmosphere shifted. People in the stands saw what happened. Other kids actually walked over and offered Lincoln their baseballs. It was a total "faith in humanity restored" moment.
The Marlins staff brought him a bag of team gear, and the Phillies made sure the story didn't end with a stolen ball.
A few days later, Lincoln got to meet Harrison Bader—the guy who hit the home run. Bader didn't just say hi; he gave Lincoln a signed bat and a photo. Drew mentioned that while they’d love the original ball back, the experience of meeting Bader was actually better. You can't put a price on a 10th birthday memory like that.
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What We Can Learn From the Chaos
This whole saga is basically a case study in modern viral culture. It shows how fast a private moment can become a national news story and how dangerous "doxing" can be when people start targeting the wrong individuals.
If you're ever at a game and a ball comes your way:
- Be Aware: If there’s a scramble, people get intense. Souvenir balls aren't worth a fight.
- Prioritize Safety: Drew Feltwell did exactly what experts suggest—he de-escalated to protect his children.
- Trust the Teams: If someone is being truly aggressive at a stadium, alert security. Most MLB teams have protocols to make things right for fans who are harassed, especially kids.
The "Phillies Karen" might have the ball on her mantel, but Lincoln walked away with a signed bat from a pro and a lesson from his dad on how to be the bigger person.
Next Steps for Fans: If you're heading to a ballgame soon, keep your phone handy for more than just selfies. If you see a situation like this unfolding, record it from a distance to provide evidence for stadium security, but avoid engaging with the aggressor yourself. Most importantly, if you catch a ball, make sure you've got a firm grip—or better yet, bring a glove to make the catch clean.