Cheryl Richardson-Wagner has spoken out after being wrongly identified as the woman in the viral “Phillies Karen” video from the Philadelphia Phillies vs Miami Marlins game. The clip showed a woman confronting a father and son over a home run ball, leading to online speculation and false claims that Richardson-Wagner was involved.

Cheryl Richardson-Wagner Responds to Phillies Karen Claims

Cheryl Richardson-Wagner became the focus of online speculation after a video from a Major League Baseball game went viral. The video showed a woman confronting a father and son over a home run ball during the Philadelphia Phillies vs Miami Marlins game on September 5, 2025, at LoanDepot Park in Miami.

Social media users quickly began searching for the woman, labeling her “Phillies Karen.” Some speculated that her name was Cheryl Richardson-Wagner. The rumors led to Richardson-Wagner’s Facebook page being flooded with messages.

However, Richardson-Wagner posted a public statement denying involvement. She wrote, “I’m NOT the crazy Philly Mom (but I sure would love to be as thin as she is and move as fast)… and I’m a Red Sox fan.” She also explained that she was not in Florida during the game. To emphasize her denial, she changed her Facebook cover photo to the Boston Red Sox crest.

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Phillies vs Marlins Game Incident

During the fourth inning of the Phillies vs Marlins game, Harrison Bader hit a solo home run. The ball landed in the stands, where Drew Feltwell retrieved it and handed it to his son Lincoln, who was celebrating his birthday.



Moments later, a woman approached, grabbed Feltwell’s shoulders, and demanded the ball. She claimed it had been closer to her seat and that it was in her hands. The man eventually gave up the ball, though it is unclear whether the woman ever touched it.

Video clips of the confrontation spread quickly online, with many viewers criticizing the woman’s behavior.

Miami Marlins Support Lincoln after Confrontation

After the incident, a Miami Marlins representative approached the family. The staffer apologized to Lincoln and presented him with a gift bag filled with baseball items. The representative told the boy, “That was not OK. So we brought you a cool little goodie bag. I’m so sorry.”

Lincoln’s day improved further when he met Harrison Bader after the game. Bader gave him a signed bat, turning what began as a frustrating moment into a memorable birthday experience.

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Cheryl Richardson-Wagner Faces False Accusations

As the video gained traction, social media users incorrectly linked the name Cheryl Richardson-Wagner to the woman in the footage. Some posts even claimed she worked at Hammonton Public Schools.

The school district issued a statement denying the rumors. It said, “The woman identified on social media as 'Phillies Karen' is not, and has never been an employee of Hammonton Public Schools located in Hammonton, New Jersey. Reports indicating otherwise are incorrect.”

Richardson-Wagner also responded to the growing attention. She said she was surprised to be trending on social media and wondered if those who wrongly accused her would apologize once the real woman was identified.

Why did Drew Feltwell Hand over Ball?

Drew Feltwell later explained why he handed over the ball. He said he wanted to remain calm in front of his son and avoid escalating the situation. “I pretty much just wanted her to go away… or be dad and show him how to de-escalate,” he said.

Lincoln admitted he was upset but tried to stay strong. Fans in the stadium booed the woman as she left with her companion.

Despite the controversy, Lincoln ended the night with gifts and a signed bat from Harrison Bader. The real identity of the woman who confronted the Feltwells remains unknown.

FAQs

Was Cheryl Richardson-Wagner the Phillies Karen in the viral video?
No, Cheryl Richardson-Wagner denied being Phillies Karen. She clarified she was a Red Sox fan and not present in Florida during the Phillies vs Marlins game.

What happened to Lincoln after the Phillies Karen incident?
Lincoln received a gift bag from Marlins staff and later met Harrison Bader, who gave him a signed bat, making his birthday special despite the earlier confrontation.