Phillies fans will live to tell the tail of this story.
A fan was denied entry into Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday night when he attempted to get in with an emotional support alligator, according to multiple reports.
The fan, identified by the Philadelphia Inquirer as Joie Henney, has the alligator — named Wally — to help him in his battle with depression.
According to the Phillies’ official website: “Guide dogs, service animals, or service animals in training are welcome. All other animals are prohibited.”
Wally, apparently, did not fit into these categories and was not allowed in the ballpark when the Phillies took on the Pirates.
Henney once told the Inquirer that Wally, who boasts over 109,000 TikTok followers, likes to give hugs and is friendly.
“My doctor wanted to put me on depression medicine, and I hate taking medicine. I had Wally, and when I came home and was around him, it was all OK,” Henney said in 2019. “My doctor knew about Wally and figured it works, so why not?”
Henney, according to the Washington Post, has been in possession of Wally since 2015 when he was 14 months old, and helps rescue reptiles find homes at zoos and other sanctuaries.
He kept Wally around and called the alligator “very special.”
“When he turns his nose toward you, that means he expects a kiss,” Henney told the Washington Post last summer. “He’s super sweet-natured.”
The gator put social media into a predictable frenzy following the denial of entry.
“@Phillies give this guy a pass, this is the most Philly thing I’ve ever seen,” one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Not Wally!! Come on Phillies,” wrote another.
The Phillies clinched a playoff last night with a walk-off win over the Pirates.