The Phillies are going strong in the playoffs! Here are some people we’d like to see throw out a first pitch at a game this Red October.
It was a nightmare. Just as the Phillies received good news about Bryce Harper’s injury and return timeline, tragedy struck. Rhys Hoskins was playing first base in Spring Training. He was making what looked like a routine play. While drifting back into right field he injured his knee, tearing his ACL and effectively ending his season. It was devastating. Two 2022 World Series stars, Harper and Hoskins, were injured and unable to play.
A lot of fans essentially chalked the season, ready to give up dreams of another Red October. Yet, here we are. Harper came back well before we expected him, making the fastest Tommy John surgery recovery in recent history. The Phillies soared into the Wild Card round, bringing the second Rec October in a span of two seasons to the city of Philadelphia.
The First Pitch
It was 8 pm. Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series. Phillies vs. Marlins. The lights were bright. The fans were restless. There had been buzz about who would throw out the first pitch. And who walked out onto the mound? None other than Rhys Hoskins.
It was a touching tribute to the injured star, who still has some rehab to do to return to the field. He was a hero of the 2022 Postseason. Hopefully, the good energy from Rhys kicking off this 2023 playoff run will give us the juice we need to take it all the way. It was a nightmare that turned into something so beautiful.
Well, now that game 1 is in the rear-view mirror, let’s look forward. This Red October is so special, so it’s only fitting that some special folks throw out the ceremonial first pitch in these games.
Here are 8 people we’d like to see throw out a first pitch at a game this Red October:
Allen Iverson
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
The Answer. AI. Allen Iverson. He’s a Philly legend. Bryce Harper, on his way to Game 1 of the Wild Card round wore an AI shirt. The city loves him. His impact was paramount. It would be awesome to see him honored with a ceremonial first pitch.
Charlie Manuel
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
This is lofty, and albeit kind of impossible, but a fan can dream. And it’s Philly. There’s magic here. After suffering a scary health emergency, Charlie is probably unlikely to make an appearance at a playoff game, let alone make the first pitch, but dang, that would be awesome. He brought us a World Series title, after all.
Calum Scott
Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for The 2018 Concert for Love & Acceptance
“I’m in the corner, watching you kiss her, oh / I’m right over here, why can’t you see me? Oh / And I’m giving it my all / I’m not the guy you’re taking home, ooh / I keep dancing on my own”
The singer of The Phillies’ playoff song would be a perfect choice to throw out the first pitch. Calum Scott is from England, so it may be hard to get him over to the States. But, it would be stellar to see him after knowing how much he’s impacted the team.
Jalen Hurts / An Eagles Player
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Jalen Hurts has got quite an arm. He could definitely throw a decent pitch. It would be cool to see any Eagle (Jason Kelce, Devonta Smith, AJ Brown, etc) throw out a first pitch during this playoff run. I mean, the synergy! Undefeated Eagles kick off a Red October game. Electric!
Nick Foles
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Speaking of The Philadelphia Eagles, Nick Foles would be an amazing choice for the first pitch. He brought us a Super Bowl. He’s a Philadelphia legend. He deserves the honor. And we’d love to see it!
Taylor Swift
Photo by John Mabangalo-Pool/Getty Images
DON’T THROW TOMATOES AT ME JUST YET! Mind you, she sang the National Anthem at the World Series in 2008 (WHICH WE WON). So, she would be good luck. Plus, with the new Kelce connection, she owes us this. Self-proclaimed Eagles fan dating a Kansa City Chief. Pfft. She better do Philly a solid and prove her fan status to us again.