Earlier this year, the 25-year-old Buena Vista native learned that isn't the case.

"My boyfriend was searching the Internet and saw that there was an opening for a ball girl. I said, 'Really?'" With her boyfriend's stroke of a computer key, Burgos said, the resume was on its way to the Phillies.

Soon after, Burgos -- a standout softball player at Buena Regional High School and Rider University -- was headed to a tryout for the squad.

"There were 600 applicants and there were 10 openings. Out of all the applicants, they picked 70 to do the tryouts," Burgos said.

In addition to an interview, Burgos had to show her skills at infield and batting practice. She did so well that she was among 30 girls to come back for a more formal follow-up interview.

The Phillies then chose 10 new ball girls, including Burgos, from those 30 finalists. They'll join seven ball girls returning from last season.

They'll rotate assignments in the 2008 season, guarding the left and right field lines for foul balls at Citizens Bank Park.

The group also will participate in promotional events for the Phillies throughout the year, including several charity softball events.

"We raise a lot of money for different charities and causes," Burgos said. "You actually have to be ready to play some softball. The ball can really come at your face out there on the field. You don't want to have to worry about it."

The new group of ball girls was formally introduced last month during the Phillies' annual holiday tree-lighting event at Citizens Bank Park.

Burgos was a standout shortstop at Buena Regional, gathering more than 100 career hits and 100 runs scored. She was a three-time Cape-Atlantic League all-star and an all-South Jersey Group II selection as a junior in 1999.

She started her collegiate career at Rutgers University but transferred to Rider in her sophomore year. Burgos helped lead Rider to a conference championship in 2003.

Burgos -- who moved from Buena Vista to Mays Landing about a year ago -- is now pursuing a master's degree in communications at LaSalle University. She also is a partner in a publishing firm that produces a health care guide distributed in Atlantic, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties.

An avid Phillies fan, Burgos admitted she is really excited about being out on the field.

"It's a neat opportunity. It's something that not everybody gets to do," Burgos said. "The fact that I can be on the field -- which is pretty cool in itself -- but to do it time and time again throughout the season is pretty incredible."

As for how her favorite baseball team will do in 2008, Burgos is confident Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and company will have another great season.

"Last season was a rollercoaster season. But if you stick with your team, it's what happens in the end that matters," Burgos said. "In the end last year, they were (division) champions. Hopefully, next year it will be the World Series."

If so, Burgos will have one of the best seats in the park for an unforgettable year.

"I'm hoping," she said.