Although the Phillies may not have their roster set for next season, their team of ballgirls is set and ready to go.
There were over 1,600 applicants battling to get one of the nine vacant spots on the roster.
The squad supervisor, Michele DeVicaris invited 120 of the applicants to come try out for the positions.
These individuals had to come to Citizens Bank Park, show they could field and hit for the charity softball games, do well in on-camera interviews, and pass a written test.
DeVicaris invited 25 of those applicants back for a final interview where she chose nine of them to represent the Phillies this upcoming season.
The team invited 10 of their veteran ballgirls back from last season.
This will be the third season for two of the returnees, Debbie Fischer and Samantha Arnone. Usually the position is only good for two years, but DeVicaris believes veteran leadership is vital especially since the program is growing positively.
DeVicaris noted that all the ballgirls chosen are good athletes who played softball and are local Phillies fans.
She explained that many girls make the mistake in thinking that it's a beauty pageant, but it is really not. DeVicaris said no one on the current roster made any mention of their beauty pageant experience, but some other applicants did.
It also has to be worth mentioning that being a Phillies ballgirl is a part time job and all of the chosen girls either have a career or are studying for one.
Let’s Play Ball! The Phillies ball girls are ready to kick off 2009 with a bang!