Luis Alicea, a student at Our Lady of Confidence School, is gearing up to throw out the first pitch at the ninth annual “Catholic Charities Appeal Night at the Phillies” game on June 30. (Katie Bier/Our Lady of Confidence School)

By Gina Christian • Posted June 3, 2022

A teen at an archdiocesan school is getting ready to throw some heat at an upcoming Phillies game – provided enough fans are willing to join him.

Luis Alicea, a student at Our Lady of Confidence (OLC) School, is slated to deliver the first pitch when the Phils take on the Atlanta Braves June 30 at Citizens Bank Park.

The school, one of three archdiocesan schools of special education, spans two campuses, one at Queen of Angels Regional School in Willow Grove and the other at Archbishop Wood High School, where Alicea attends classes.

The 6:05 p.m. game marks the ninth annual “Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) Night with the Phillies,” with a portion of the proceeds from all tickets sold through a dedicated link directly benefiting CCA-supported programs that help those experiencing homelessness, special needs students, food cupboards, afterschool programs and more.

But there’s a catch before Alicea can step onto the mound: CCA has to first sell 500 or more tickets.

The 16-year-old already has the arm for the big occasion: he plays for the Juniata Bears, the baseball team of the Juniata Park Boys and Girls Club in Philadelphia.

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He’s also got “a huge supportive Catholic family and … a huge fan club,” said OLC principal Katie Bier, who along with several OLC staff, friends and family will be in the seats to cheer on Alicea.

The teen has been an OLC student since the age of four, and CCA aid to the school is vital, said Bier.

As part of its overall educational model, OLC provides not only academic instruction, but a range of interventions and therapies centering on life skills, vocational training, technology and related services.

Because of the comprehensive approach, tuition at the school adds up to about $25,000 per year – with CCA covering some 75% of that for each student, Bier said.

She’s grateful for CCA’s backing, and looking forward to see one of OLC’s own represent both the school “and the Catholic faith,” she said.

“This is really special,” she said, adding, “I’m probably going to cry.”

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Seating for the ninth annual “Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) Night with the Phillies,” which will take place June 30 at 6:05 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park, will be located in the Outfield (sections 101-107) at $38 per ticket, Pavilion (sections 201-205) at $30 per ticket and Pavilion Deck (section 310) at $20 per ticket.

Those interested in supporting CCA by purchasing tickets for the game can visit the CCA link on the Phillies website.