For years, Adam Crognale, a bat boy for the Philadelphia Phillies, has aimed to work at the 2026 All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. However, he now has a chance to participate in this year’s Midsummer Classic as well. Crognale is a finalist for the All-Star Ball Crew, which recognizes ball boys and girls who are either popular in their markets or have made exceptional plays.
Fans can vote on four finalists—two top plays and two wild cards—to select two individuals who will be featured at next week’s All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta. Voting began on Sunday night and will continue until 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday via mlb.com/abcballot.
“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. He expressed his long-standing admiration for the All-Star Game, recalling how he started watching baseball around 2006 and was inspired by Ryan Howard’s Home Run Derby win in Pittsburgh.
The 2026 All-Star Game will take place in Philadelphia as part of the country’s 250th-anniversary celebrations. “Fast forward 15 years and I’m actually working in the Phillies’ clubhouse,” Crognale remarked. “Getting a chance to go for any reason, I’m all about it. I’m really hoping it works out.”
Crognale is not only known for his role with the Phillies but also for his community contributions. A lymphoma survivor, he actively raises funds for leukemia and lymphoma research. His efforts earned him a nomination 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 stated. “I’m all for it if it’s for the right reasons.”
Over time, Crognale has made numerous impressive catches beyond the one that led to his current nomination, including several involving Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto’s throws toward the dugout.
In particular, Crognale demonstrated notable athleticism when he jumped up the dugout steps to catch Kyle Schwarber’s foul ball barehanded—a play that caught attention online after being posted by MLB.
“[Phillies manager] Rob Thomson grinned at me,” Crognale shared about that moment. “MLB posted it that day [on X]. It’s exciting.”
