Phillies' ball boy has a chance to work All-Star Game one year early

PHILADELPHIA – For years, Phillies bat boy Adam Crognale had his sights set on working the 2026 All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.

But maybe Crognale can work this year’s Midsummer Classic, too.

He is a finalist for this year’s All-Star Ball Crew, which “highlights ball boys and girls who are beloved in their markets or have made outstanding plays.” Fans have an opportunity to vote on four finalists (two top plays, two wild cards) to pick two that will be featured at next week’s All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta.

Voting started on Sunday night. It runs through 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday and is available on mlb.com/abcballot.

Crognale, who is in his fifth season with the Phillies, is a finalist for this play.

“I’m trying not to get my hopes up too much, but I’m hoping to get enough votes because it would be a great experience,” Crognale said Saturday afternoon. “I’ve always loved the All-Star Game. The first thing I think I ever watched – I think I started watching baseball around ‘06. The first thing I can remember is [Ryan] Howard winning the [Home Run Derby] in Pittsburgh. I remember thinking back then, ‘I can’t wait until it’s in Philadelphia.’”

The 2026 All-Star Game will be in Philadelphia as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.

“Fast forward 15 years and I’m actually working in the Phillies’ clubhouse,” Crognale said. “Getting a chance to go for any reason, I’m all about it. I’m really hoping it works out.”

Crognale has not only been a popular Phillies bat boy, but he has been making a difference in the community, too. Crognale is a lymphoma survivor and he works to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma.

His fundraising made him a nominee last year as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Visionary of the Year.

“Everything that I’ve done here has never been with the intention of getting attention,” he said. “I’m all for it if it’s for the right reasons.”

Over the years, Crognale has made more impressive catches than the one that got him nominated to work the 2025 All-Star Game, including several involving Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Realmuto has a rocket for an arm, and he occasionally fires balls toward the Phillies’ dugout when he is throwing a scuffed ball out of play.

Crognale catches each one barehanded.

But Crognale certainly showed his athleticism on the play that got him nominated, jumping up the dugout steps to barehand Kyle Schwarber’s foul ball into the dugout.

“[Phillies manager] Rob Thomson grinned at me,” Crognale said. “MLB posted it that day [on X]. It’s exciting.”