Kayla Corbett has spent the past three months in White Sox uniform, but this summer she’s headed to a much bigger stage.
The 24-year-old Chicago native was chosen as the American League representative for the All-Star Ball Crew, giving the White Sox another All-Star presence alongside third baseman Miguel Vargas. Genevieve Ortega-Alves of the Padres was selected for the National League side.
Corbett learned of the honor before Thursday’s series finale against the Red Sox, and the reaction came fast.
“Oh, my goodness. I’m so excited,” said Corbett prior to Thursday’s series finale between her White Sox and the Red Sox. “I can’t even express how much excitement and how much the Sox have showed up for me, truthfully.”
Corbett grew up in Canaryville and joined the White Sox in 2018 as the organization’s first ball girl after graduating from Oak Lawn High School. The club started its ball boy/girl program in 2017, and Corbett is part of an eight-person group that currently includes one other ball girl.
Her job goes well beyond chasing down foul balls. Corbett said the crew rotates based on schedule and tries to work “at least three to four games per month.”
“We all rotate depending on our schedule,” Corbett said. “So, we try to get at least three to four games per month.
“Just assisting with players, with the equipment. If the relief pitcher comes in, we go and grab their stuff from the bullpen.”
Still, the ball-finding part of the gig is part of the fun, and Corbett said her background as a softball player in travel ball and high school helps.
She’s had her share of clean grabs and a few misses, too.
“Oh, yes, yes. I missed a few grounders, actually,” a smiling Corbett said. “Just have to run and go after it.
“Being on the field in general with the players, the atmosphere, interacting with the kids, it’s truly amazing. Everybody in the bullpen area, coaching staff, the players, they all are very welcoming and very nice.”
When it comes to the most common plea from fans hoping for a foul ball, Corbett didn’t have to think long.
“Usually, ‘It’s my birthday,’” Corbett said. “But they are adults.”
White Sox director of game presentation Michael Gomez nominated Corbett for the All-Star spot, and she said she was “just so happy” to get the chance. Fans then backed her across social media, something she said she can’t thank them enough for.
“I can’t thank them enough,” Corbett said. “It’s amazing.”
Corbett and her uncle, Michael, are set to leave Friday for Philadelphia and return Wednesday. She works for the City of Chicago in special events and will be on hand for Tuesday’s All-Star Game, while also attending Saturday’s MLB Draft.
A lifelong White Sox fan, Corbett said she’d love to get a photo with Yankees star Aaron Judge and, naturally, Vargas, the other White Sox All-Star.
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