Phillies Bryce Harper celebrates his solo home run with his teammates during game 1 of a National League Division Series baseball game between the Phillies and Atlanta Braves on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Truist Park in Atlanta.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Rhys Hoskins expected to shed a tear at some point Monday night. It didn’t take long.
Hoskins received a standing ovation prior to his first plate appearance in Philadelphia since the 2022 World Series, when he was the starting first baseman for the Phillies.
He tipped his batting helmet toward the Phillies’ dugout and tapped his chest above his heart. The Phillies players on the field all took off their caps and saluted Hoskins. Bryce Harper, whose move to first base this season precipitated the Phillies’ decision not to re-sign Hoskins, applauded.
The Brewers designated hitter acknowledged the fans and did his best to keep his emotions in check, nodding his head and biting his lip as the applause swelled.
“I’m kind of a crier,” Hoskins said before Monday night’s game between Milwaukee and Philadelphia. “I think it just tells you all you need to know about the energy and emotion that I’ve been able to grab from this place.”
The at-bat ended with Hoskins popping out to shortstop, but it was every bit the emotional moment Hoskins had expected.
“It was awesome,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “These fans showed what this game is all about. Rhys left an impression on this fan base like he will on ours. … It meant a lot to him. He’s a deep kid. He loves this game. It treated him great, and the Phillies treated him great. He loves this place.”
