Phillies name new ballgirls, including twins

Nine rookies, including twins, and eight returnees will form the newest edition of the Phillies ballgirls, the club announced today.

The 17 won out over hundreds of applicants, 30 of whom were chosen to demonstrate their batting, fielding and public speaking skills at an early November tryout at Citizens Bank Park.

Athletic ability was a must, since the squad plays at least 10 charity softball games each summer, in addition to patrolling the foul lines at the ballpark and making more than 150 public appearances a year at promotional or charitable events.

The new squad's first get-together will be for a photo shoot on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.

A dozen of the 2013 ballgirls are students at area universities. Several work in medical fields, and one is an analytical development consultant.

Except for the twins, who are from Delaware, and one South Jersey member, the ballgirls are all from parts of Pennsylvania, with just one from Philadelphia.

Here's the list:

THE NEWCOMERS

Abby Block, Drexel Hill, English major at West Chester University. Former softball instructor at Phillies Baseball Academy.

Stephanie DeCarolis, Hatboro, communications major at Shippensburg University. 2005 & 2007 MVP for ASA league.

Taylor Huckfeldt, State College, Pa., kinesiology major at Penn State. Former all-state outfielder.

Danielle Kalis, North Wales, business major at St. Joseph University. Co-captain of North Penn Eclipse Fast Pitch Travel Softball Team.

Mackenzie Kramer, Elkins Park, Muhlenberg College.

Kelly and Kory Nesci, Wilmington, business majors at Kutztown University. Kelly was assistant coach for Talleyville in girls softball community league.

Madeline Scepansky, Drexel Hill, sports management major at Drexel University.

Stephanie Talerico, Fairless Hills, chiropractic assistant. Division I NCAA softball team member.

RETURNING BALLGIRLS

Alicia Anglin, Bryn Mawr, medical lab technologist.

Leigh Ann Costanzo, Philadelphia, nurse.

Ashley Erdman, Halifax, Pa., physician's assistant.

Marcia Fitzpatrick, Springfield, Pa., Philadelphia University student.

Emily Kordwitz, West Chester, analytical development consultant.

Michelle Lewis, Downingtown, Immaculata University student.

Rachael Matreale, Williamstown, N.J., Rider University student.

Amy McCaffrey, Fort Washington, West Chester University student.

For more information, including how to hire ballgirls for an event, go to www.phillies.com/ballgirls.