The viral “Phillies Karen” has become the internet’s latest obsession as social media sleuths try to find out who she is. The rumor mill quickly exploded, with some speculating she resembled a person who was fired by a New Jersey school district.
It all began during a September 5, 2025, Phillies-Marlins game in Miami, Florida. Phillies player Harrison Bader hit a left-field home run, and fans in the stands clamored to grab the ball. As seen in footage, a woman in a Phillies jersey appeared close to grabbing the ball after it hit the seats. But a man in a red jersey was quicker and snatched it to give to a young boy, likely his son.
After hugging the child and giving him the ball, the woman approached the adult and grabbed his arm to berate him. over the ball. She was seemingly heard yelling, “You took it from me! You took it from me! That was in my hands.” Seconds later, the man gave up and surrendered the ball to her.
Here’s what we know about the woman who argued over the home run ball.
No, the woman is not named Cheryl Richardson-Wagner, despite an initial rumor that spread due to their resemblance. Cheryl took to social media to clear her name, pointing out that she’s not even a Phillies fan.
“OK everyone … I’m NOT the crazy Philly Mom (but I sure would love to be as thin as she is and as fast),” Cheryl wrote in a public statement.
