Meet the Port Richmond Phillies Fan Who Caught Harper’s Game 5 Homerun Ball
What would you do if you caught Bryce Harper’s game-winning Homerun ball?
That’s the question on Tracy Oldziejewski’s mind since she caught the historic ball during Game 5 of the NLCS Championship this past Sunday. To celebrate her 50th birthday, Tracy and friends went to Game 5 of the NLCS Championship as a way to celebrate the milestone. Little did she know, she would walk out of Citizen’s Bank Park with one of the most historic pieces of Philadelphia sports history to date. The 8th inning, two-run homerun gave the Phillies a 4-3 lead and locked in the World Series bid. It’s the first homerun ball Tracy has ever been close enough to catch.
Preston and Steve had the opportunity to speak with the Port Richmond resident Monday morning. Oldziejewski has heard that Bryce Harper allegedly wants the ball back, but that choice is ultimately up to her. She told Preston & Steve that she was not concerned about anyone taking the ball from her during the game, but just in case, she kept it in her shirt as a precautionary measure.
Tap to watch Tracy’s interview with The Preston & Steve Show
While speaking with 6ABC News on Monday, Oldziejewski recounts the hectic moment, saying “We were all cheering and the ball was coming right towards us, and then hit the ground and there was a scramble for the ball. I saw it, picked it up, and yeah, I have it.”
Since catching the infamous home-run ball, Oldziejewski has created an Instagram account for the monumental moment called @brycehomerun, which features a variety of photos of herself and her friends posing with the ball, along with features of other interview’s she has done since Sunday’s game. Oldziejewski says she is not quite sure what she will do with the ball, but says she is trying to get in contact with the Phillies Organization.
So, for now, the question of what Tracy will do with the homerun ball remains unanswered, but Oldziejewski says she will think about the decision while watching the Phillies play in the World Series.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with teammates after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win in game five of the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: The Phillie Phanatic celebrates after the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with J.T. Realmuto #10 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with teammates after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Brandon Marsh #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Matt Vierling #19 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Owner John Middleton of the Philadelphia Phillies lifts the Warren C. Giles trophy after the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Alternate crop) Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with J.T. Realmuto #10 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Kyle Schwarber #12 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Alternate crop) Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with J.T. Realmuto #10 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies wins the National League Championship Series MVP trophy after the Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Philadelphia Phillies owner John Middleton and general manager Dave Dombrowski lift the Warren C. Giles trophy after the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies pose for a team photo after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies holds the National League Championship Series MVP trophy after the Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Kyle Schwarber #12 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Kyle Schwarber #12 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with teammates after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with J.T. Realmuto #10 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with J.T. Realmuto #10 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with J.T. Realmuto #10 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after the Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with J.T. Realmuto #10, Jose Alvarado #46 and Alec Bohm #28 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with J.T. Realmuto #10, Jose Alvarado #46 and Alec Bohm #28 after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: The Phillie Phanatic celebrates after the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Jean Segura #2, Bryson Stott #5 and Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies react after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryson Stott #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with teammates after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: The Phillie Phanatic celebrates after the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: (L-R) Jayson Werth, Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies and Ryan Howard pose for a photo in the locker room after the Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with his teammates in the locker room after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Noah Syndergaard #43 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with his teammates in the locker room after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Membersof the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate in the locker room after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: <> in game five of the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with his teammates in the locker room after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with his teammates in the locker room after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: The Philadelphia Phillies prepare to celebrate in the locker room after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)