Phillies seek new ballgirls

Just as the baseball team has turnover every year, so does the squad of ballgirls.

An extra five positions will be added, expanding the roster to 20 from 15, said Michele DeVicaris, who oversees the ballgirls as the Phillies' manager for community and charity events.

The deadline is Oct. 15 for the club to receive mailed resumes with a two-minute DVD summing up the applicant's softball experience and talking up reasons she should be chosen.

Softball skills are a must because the squad plays at least 10 charity games each year.

Candidates must also be at least 18 and know the game of baseball, while having a very flexible schedule, public relations or communications training, and a friendly personality.

Although the ballgirls are best known for patroling foul territory during home games, they're also goodwill ambassadors for the club. The expanded group will probably make about 200 off-field appearances next year, said DeVicaris - from TV and radio interviews to golf and bowling tournaments to visits to schools and nursing homes.

A spring show modeling entries in a design contest was a prelude to last month's unveiling of a line of ballgirl fashions, including a dress and various T-shirts.

Environmental activities include leading the Phillies' Red Goes Green team and rebuilding an abandoned house.

Requested information should be mailed to: The Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, One Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148. Note on the envelope: ATTN: BALLGIRL APPLICANT.

Those who make the first cut will be invited to tryouts at Citizens Bank Park.

As yet undetermined is how many members of the current squad might return, DeVicaris said.

For more information, go to www.phillies.com/ballgirls.