Today is my son's birthday. Happy Birthday, Benny! He's away at college, playing baseball as a student-athlete - Go Millikin Big Blue!

I wish I could be there to celebrate with him in person, but thinking about him reminded me of a story from a recent MLB game that perfectly shows why some moments - like a kid's birthday joy at a ballgame - are so special.

Moments like these are exactly what Philly Karen tried to ruin, and why they're worth remembering... and sometimes defending.

Here's the scene: a dad grabs a ball and hands it to his young son, who is at the game celebrating his birthday. The kid's face? Pure unfiltered joy. That grin you see when someone eats ice cream for the first time - multiplied by a hundred.

Enter Philly Karen, marching in like she owns the stadium, because apparently some people think a child's happiness is public property. She demanded the ball, gestured wildly, and started lecturing the dad like he'd committed grand theft baseball.

And the dad... handed it over. Yep. Philly Karen walked away triumphantly, holding the ball like she'd just discovered treasure in her backyard. Social media blew up. People were outraged, bewildered, and, let's be honest, entertained. Watching someone snatch a kid's birthday joy in broad daylight? Classic Philly Karen energy.

Now, as a dad, I have to admit: if that were Benny's ball, there's no way it would have left his hands. That ball isn't just leather and yarn - it's proof of a magical moment, earned fair and square. Some things aren't negotiable.

But here's the thing: Philly Karen gave the rest of us a story we'll laugh at, shake our heads at, and share with friends. She reminded everyone what entitlement looks like in 2025, and why some moments - and some balls - are worth treasuring.

So yes, she got the ball. But the lesson is clear: some people might get what they want in the moment, but the internet - and common sense - will have the last laugh. And if you ever cross paths with my boys at a game? Just know they'll be ready. Because some treasures are meant to be defended - birthday or not.

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Until next time -
Donny @ Gopher Update