Part-time Job, Full-time Love for Phillies Phanstormer

CAMDEN - The Fightin' Phils have made it to the World Series for the first time in 15 years. Any coincidence that it just happens to be the rookie year of Rutgers–Camden junior Danielle Hogan? As a first-time Phillies Phanstormer, the biology major has not only been working the crowds into a Phillies phrenzie this season, she’s been on the field a mere arm’s length from Phils greats Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins assisting her furry boss the Phanatic.   Come Saturday, Hogan will return to Citizens Bank Park to cheer on the Phils against the Tampa Rays. "If the Phils have won any of their first two away games, this will be really easy. If they have lost, we will have a challenge on our hands, but I still think the crowd won't need much instigating. Everyone is going to be so excited just to be at the World Series," Hogan says. Hogan auditioned for the part-time job that requires undying enthusiasm for the Phils, whether they’re winning or losing, last February. A team of about 40, Phanstormers are trained to act quickly, like wrapping hot dogs in duct-tape for launch from the Phanatic's on-field cannon in an unpredictable three-inning stretch to chatting up the Phils with fans of all ages.  “It’s our job to turn any potential negative experience into a positive one. When we see people waiting in long lines, juggling kids, looking impatient, or who just aren’t laughing we get them and their kids to play games with us and get them excited about the game. But it’s all about perception” says Hogan, a 2006 Deptford High School graduate. 

Hogan got the Phillies phever long before her rookie year as a Phanstormer. But now with the a World Series win within reach, Hogan's game-day rituals are intensifying. "Well of course I always sport my Phillies gear! During the home games I will make sure to stand in whatever spot I find helps them win. I think of it as baseball fun shui," she adds. A big perk for Phanstormers, who make $40 a game, is their access to open seats after the seventh inning.

If the series goes to the end, Hogan will gather with fellow Phanstormers, "since these will absolutely be the last games we get to work together this season."