02/07/2025
Boy, do we have some great stuff to celebrate!!
1. GUESS WHOS BACK?? BRYCE, BRYCE BABY!! On June 6th, Bryce was placed on the 10 day IL due to right wrist pain and inflammation. 10 days turned into 24 days. After missing 22 games, Harp was reinstated on June 30th. Welcome back, MV3!!
2. WHEELS WERE NOT JUST UP...THEY WERE FLYIN HIGH LAST NIGHT!! 10 K's and 8 shutout innings for Zack Wheeler.
3. Phils are #1 in the NL East with a record of 50-35 and a .588 percentage. We are currently 2 games up on the Mets (MTF)
3. Rob "Topper" Thomson has reached 300 regular season wins with the Phils. His record is 300-220 with a win percentage of .577. This percentage makes him the winningest coach in Phillies history. Thank you Rob.... you're the tops! (pun intended)
In other recent news...
Kyle Schwarber celebrated 10 years in the MLB on June 20th and hit his 300th career home run in the mile high city against the Colorado Rockies on May 19, 2025. Baseballs must travel better up in that thin air. Kyle launched a rocket, 466 feet deep to right field, bouncing off of the third deck. Thank you Kyle for helping to secure a Rocky Mountain High Victory of 7-3.
Meanwhile, Nick "Casty", "Nicky 3 buttons", "Nicky C", "Liams Dad", Castellanos hit a grand slam, in the 6th inning, on June 15th. Casty's blast brought home Kyle Schwarber, Otto Kemp, and Alec Bohm, cementing an 11-4 "W" (series SWEEP) against Toronto. On the flip side, late in the game on June 15th, Nick Castellanos was replaced by Johan Rojas; a decision made by coach Rob Thomson for defensive purposes. In response to this decision, Nick made an unknown inappropriate comment. Subsequently, Thomson benched Castellanos for inappropriate comment made. The result? Casty's 236 consecutive start record was broken.
In other news...JT Realmuto continues to be not only the BCIB ("best catcher in baseball") in the MLB, but also the toughest stud around. After being hit in the groin on Wednesday June 4th and exiting the game early, Realmuto returned to the lineup on June 6th, against Pittsburg, after only one day of rest. On June 27th, Otto Kemp hit a 3 run blast of a home run to left field. What a way to debut your first major league homer, Kemp! Keep swinging for the fences, bro. Orion Kerkering recorded his first major league save for the Phillies on June 16, 2025. He secured the save in a 5-2 win against the Miami Marlins. Way to go "Captain Kerk." And last but not least, beware of "Ranger Danger". On June 29th against the Atlanta Braves, Suarez's outing played a major part in a 2-1 Philadelphia win after pitching 7 innings, yielding 8 K's and allowing only one run.
Highlights...
Are we seeing double??
It was a Friday night game at home against New York. June 20th to be exact. Decked out in our blue and gold city connect uniforms, with a loud and rowdy crowd of 44,000 plus, resembling something more like the famed "Broad Street Bullies", we were ready for a fight. After all it was the Mets we were playing. And you know how that goes, "muck the fets", and all. Set the scene, it was the bottom of the seventh inning. Bryson "Sir Stotty" Stott steps to the plate with the bases loaded. The crowd sings along with Brysons signature "AOK" walk up song. With one out, the first pitch is a ball. The second is in for a strike crossing the bottom outside corner of the plate. Garza kicks and the third pitch sails straight down the alley and is crushed by Stott. Deep to right center field and off the wall. Alec Bohm comes in to score. Racing around third comes a two car locomotive in the form of Nick Castellanos with JT Realmuto at his heels. The throw in to home plate--NOT IN TIME, as Casty and JT both slide across the plate, quite literally, 2-3 feet apart. I think its safe to say that all 44,432 folks in attendance would gladly have double vision anytime if it results in a play like that, a six-run inning, and a 10-2 win over the Mets.
Have you heard?? ...There's a new "dawg" in town...
The Phillies have introduced their newest team member. This adorable little guy is a 10-week-old yellow Labrador puppy aptly named after Tug "Tugger" McGraw who is both a legend in Philadelphia baseball (as relief pitcher winning the 1980 World Series) and also a Marine reservist
Tugger is a service dog-in-training. How will he be of service? All thanks to Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, based out of Conshocken, Pennsylvania, Tugger sets out on his mission with orders to support a selected veteran with a disability. Tuggers debut was scheduled for Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, at game of the series against the San Diego Padres. Due to inclement weather, Tuesday's game was postponed until Wednesday July 2nd. Tugger, we all look forward to seeing you. We salute you and wish you good luck and godspeed as you embark on this incredible journey in service.
If you are not able to attend Wednesdays debut, don't worry. You can be sure to see Tugger in attendance at "The Bank" many times throughout the season.
Stay tuned for more updates, highlights, events, and news!!
Stay Red, my friends,
Natalie Melchiore
Owner, Phillies Red Network
