What should have been a heartwarming birthday moment at a Phillies–Marlins game in Miami turned into viral controversy.
Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader hit a home run into the stands, where dad Drew Feltwell scooped it up and handed it to his son,
Lincoln, celebrating his 10th birthday. Instead of cheers, a woman stormed over demanding the ball, sparking outrage online.
In interviews, Drew revealed she shouted vulgar words in his ear, insisting the ball “belonged to her section”
even though the seat it landed in was empty. At one point, she grabbed his arm, yelling “That’s my ball!”
Drew admitted he was shocked but said he faced a choice: “Either do something I’d regret or be a dad
and show my son how to de-escalate.” He handed over the ball, prioritizing Lincoln’s lesson over the keepsake.
Fans were outraged, but the Marlins quickly stepped in, surprising Lincoln with a birthday pack and baseballs
for him and his sister. The Phillies later went further — Bader personally met Lincoln after the game and
gifted him a signed bat. What began as conflict ended with kindness, sportsmanship, and a birthday memory Lincoln will never forget.