Longtime Phillies receptionist stays optimistic ahead of first ever Game 7 at Citizens Bank Park
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Anticipation is building for Game 7 of the NLCS between the Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. It's not just the fans who are excited, but the employees of the Phillies organization, too.
It's been a busy day for Phillies receptionist, Kelly Addario-DiGiacomo, at the Phillies executive offices at Citizens Bank Park.
She answers the phone here and says she fielded more than 100 calls Tuesday morning from fans trying to buy tickets to sold-out Game 7.
"It's never been a game seven. So people are calling for tickets, calling for merchandise. We just got a call from someone that wanted a flag for their crane down in Center City," Addario-DiGiacomo said.
The 61-year-old, who lives in Norwood, Delaware County, has spent the last 39 years as a receptionist for the Phillies.
She was hired in 1981 as an usherette, part of a squad known as the Hot Pants Patrol.
"We would take people to their seats. We would do the car show and work at different we did appearances and things like that," Addario-DiGiacomo said.
She says a lot's changed over the last four decades, but one thing hasn't.
"They've always kept the same mantra that we're a family, which we really are a family," Addario-DiGiacomo said.
Addario-DiGiacomo says one of the highlights of her career was being at the parade when the Phillies won the 2008 World Series.
"When we turned the corner on Market, I will never forget what I saw. I never saw that many people in my life," Addario-DiGiacomo said.
She says the best part about working for the Phillies is the history and the people, including her husband, whom she met at Veterans Stadium.
On Tuesday night, the Phillies have their eye on the World Series as they try to put Game 6 behind them.
"Obviously, I'm very sad and disappointed from last night but, I mean, these guys, they don't give up," Addario-DiGiacomo said.
She says they're called the Fightins' for a reason, and she's optimistic about Game 7.
"I hope we win. It would be really nice. I would love to answer the phone 'National League Champions' again," Addario-DiGiacomo said.
Her dream is another magical journey down Broad Street.