Phillies Fan From Hatboro Has Big League Aspirations

HATBORO, PA —"Now batting for the Philadelphia Phillies," Public Address Announcer Dan Baker says, "Catcher Blake Kollar."

Like most children who grow up playing baseball, becoming a Major League Baseball player is on the wish list. The 9-year-old Hatboro resident has that dream, his father Kory told Patch Thursday.

But for now, Kollar has to settle for a Field of Dreams —Citizens Bank Park.

Kollar attended his first playoff game Tuesday, watching catcher JT Realmuto and the Philadelphia Phillies defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 2 of the National League Division Series. His father Kory and older brother Chase, 16, joined.

Blake also brought a sign: "Hatboro Little League Loves The Phillies," showing support for his teammates in which he plays catcher, just like his father did.

"He was so proud of doing it, to make the sign and represent the whole league," his father said. "I'm so proud of him."

Kory Kollar is entering his fourth year as president of the Hatboro Little League. He doesn't get to as many Phillies games as he used to do so.

But his wife entered the Philadelphia Phillies playoff lottery and scored three seats for the game.

Kory said they cost about $150 each and were in the nosebleed section near where the Liberty Bell dings whenever Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos, Kyle Schwarber, and the gang hit a home run, which they've done often so far in the first two playoff rounds.

But the memory will last a lifetime, he said.

"Blake talks about how cool it would be for him to play here," his father said. "He says I could come here and watch him."

Hatboro Little League will begin spring registration for baseball and softball in mid-December for boys and girls ages 5 to 16. To register, visit hatborolittleleague.com.