Everyone knows a guy like Lionel Rodia, who can schmooze his way into — or out of — just about any situation. But nobody’s as lucky as Rodia, and there’s probably nobody as lucky and as deserving.
In an ESPN Magazine article, writer Rick Reilly tells the great story of Rodia, who lives in Philadelphia and was laid off from his job last year. The article is titled “…the luckiest fan in America.” Probably true.
The short version is that Rodia lucked his way into Game 5 of last year’s World Series — the game in which his beloved Phillies won the championship. Rodia got a free ticket for a seat in the outfield, but he made his way behind home plate during the game. Afterward, he found himself in the dugout, in the team’s clubhouse, and on the field celebrating his team’s win.
From the story:
So now Lionel is in the madhouse clubhouse, where he sees tubs of champagne and beer. Naturally, he chugs a beer. He has become a human Bud Light commercial.
And it hits him. “The last time Philly won anything was in 1983, the Sixers over the Lakers,” Lionel says. “And I watched Dr. J get the trophy in the locker room and thought, Wow, I’d like to be there.”
Bucket list? Check.
Now Lionel starts going lotto-champagne crazy, squirting multimillionaire athletes up the nose, in the eyes and down the shorts. He pours an entire bottle over the head of slugger Ryan Howard. Matt Stairs gives him a head butt. He kisses pitcher Jamie Moyer on the cheek and yells, “Thank you for everything!” And Moyer yells, “No, thank you!”
So now maybe Rodia’s cover is blown and he’ll never find himself in a situation like this again. Or, maybe he’s now the good luck mascot of all Philadelphia sports. No word on whether he’s gotten his job back or has found another one. But for a day, you can bet that Rodia was the happiest guy on earth. And in this day and age, we all could use a little dose of fun like that every once in a while.