Female Phillies fans flock to Baseball 101 Clinic

Chicks don’t just dig the long ball. Some women enjoy every aspect of the game of baseball.

That was the case for the female Phillies’ fans that attended the organization’s annual Baseball 101 Clinic yesterday at Citizens Bank Park.

Women had the opportunity to pitch in the bullpen, don catcher’s gear and learn the subtleties of America’s favorite pastime. There have been 10 clinics since 2006, with each one selling out in minutes. The next one is scheduled for Aug. 23.

“It was one of the best days of my life,” said Maryann Butler, of South Philadelphia. “I loved coming out to the ballpark and getting to pitch, bat balls and find out some things. We got to meet Placido Polanco — and he was so sweet.”

Jessica Ambrose is a baseball neophyte, who is married to a die-hard fan.

“I’ve only been watching baseball for three years,” the Abington resident said. “I’ve been asking my husband questions and have gotten more and more into it. So it made sense for me to come here. I learned about scouting and about the signs the players get from [third-base coach] Juan Samuel, who was so nice.”

Kira Liples, of Doylestown, was looking for tips she can pass along to her 3-year-old son.

“I got great advice from [first-base coach Sam] Perlozzo about how to teach your kid how to catch a baseball,” Liples said. “This was a great Mother’s Day present. I want to thank Perlozzo.”

For the coaches, it was just as enjoyable. Perlozzo never misses the event.

“I love it,” Perlozzo said. “I enjoy the questions. They’re paying attention. The reality is that women are a huge part of our fan base.”