5-year-old Phillies fan steals the show

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Here’s the way it should be at spring training, and no, that doesn’t mean watching Roy Halladay pitch while wearing the red pinstripes of the Phillies.

It will take some time to get used to that sight.

But what was totally outstanding Wednesday at Bright House Field, the Phillies’ outstanding spring facility, was an impromptu pre-game show put on by a 5-year-old Phillies fan.

The curly headed little jasper, named Jack Duffy from Ambler, Pa., commenced dancing to a rap song during Phillies’ batting practice. A handful of players noticed and pointed and soon most of the stadium was watching the kid, who had all kinds of moves.

He had on a Ryan Howard shirt and Howard, in between swings, eventually called for a pen and signed a baseball and sent it up. Next thing you know the kid was on the field, invited down by Phillies personnel to meet his hero. They talked for a while, the kid showing Howard his batting stance, and then the little guy started dancing again, doing a couple of breakdance spin moves that literally flattened Howard, so hard was he laughing.

Eventually Howard also gave the kid a bat and posed for pictures, while the boy’s mother snapped away, and the kid retreated to the stands with his loot, while the fans applauded Howard. It was just a terrific unscripted moment, something that kid will remember forever, and every player in the majors should have seen how well Howard handled it. More fan interaction like this would go a long way.

Comments

[Clay Marston]

This is what Spring Training is all about ... For many years the players and coaches would interact with youngsters down by the rails and many would come away with bats, baseballs, hats and other souvenirs ... Nice to read of this youngster having a big day ... One will hope he may remember this moment in time as he grows up.

[Paul Rudd]

Kudos,

Mr Perkins, well said... When i was in Dunedin this year Vernon seems to be signing more and Aaron Hill is still the same good guy... Thank god Rios is gone he wouldnt sign anything last march, big attitude..... Now if we could get old men that are trying to make a buck to get out of the way for the kids to get up front..... I remember how it feels

[John Duffy]

that was my son dancing, it was a wonderful day, The Phillies in particular Ryan Howard handeled the situation unbelievebly, my 80 year father was there to witness the whole scene it is something that the family will cherish forever, Thank Ryan