This is Fan Tales, a Sunday feature that presents a topic of fan-related fun. Share your thoughts and memories in the comments.
Today I direct you all to our Flickr page, which shows off the amazing pictures we have from our Clearwater trip this week. There I met a slew of players as part of the “One Lucky Night” event hosted by the Moyer Foundation for Camp Erin, which helps grieving children.
“One Lucky Night” was a fantastic event. The main feature was an auction of Phillie merchandise, but just as great was being able to meet Phillie players and personalities without any boundaries. Really, the players were at your disposal, as they stood around eating, drinking or just hanging out with friends and/or family members.
Of the players to which we spoke, none was more accessible than the newest, Raul Ibanez. He arrived with his wife and children and stayed longer than anyone else besides Jamie Moyer. He also wore a loud green shirt emblazoned with a roaring tiger. Also very cool was Geoff Jenkins, who casually drank a beer while chatting with fans. John Mayberry Jr. is really big. Dude made me feel three-foot tall. Other players present included Greg Dobbs, Chad Durbin, Eric Bruntlett, Chris Coste, Brad Lidge, Clay Condrey, Marcus Giles and Jake Woods. Oh, and Chase Utley.
Mr. WFC arrived midway through and practically stopped the proceedings. Fans flocked to get autographs and pictures with Utley, and he stayed long enough to satisfy everyone.
Also present were personalities including General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr., President/CEO Dave Montgomery, Director of Public Affairs Scott Palmer and announcers Tom McCarthy and Scott Franzke. Of these men, Montgomery was quite cordial and appreciative of the fans, and McCarthy conversed with us for a good while.
So while “One Lucky Night” gave a charity a chance to spread its good message, it also gave fans a chance to meet the men who brighten their summers. Almost never do fans get a chance to meet players on such a personal level; this was one level well worth it.
I turn it to you: Ever meet a player on a cordial, personal level?
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