As the news of Rhys Hoskins’ departure from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Milwaukee Brewers settles in, fans are taking a moment to reflect on the impactful career of the beloved player. Despite the pain of seeing him leave, let’s revisit five of the most memorable moments from Hoskins’ time as a Phillie.
- The Very First
Cast your mind back to the early days of August 2017 when a young and promising prospect, Rhys Hoskins, received the call to join the Major League. In just his fifth game, Hoskins marked his arrival with not one but two home runs. His family witnessed this milestone during his first road game, and Hoskins went on to set a Major League record with 18 home runs over his initial 34 games.
2. Perfect First Pitch
The 2023 season was unusual without Hoskins, who missed the entire year due to a torn ACL. However, the Phillies ensured a fitting farewell for the final year of his contract. In the opening game of the wild card series against the Marlins, Hoskins was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch. The mutual love between the Phillies fans and Hoskins was evident, as he saluted the crowd in various ways, symbolizing the significant impact he had on the city.
- Finally, a Red October
After an 11-year playoff drought, the Phillies clinched a postseason spot in late September 2022. The emotional win against the Astros, securing their place in the playoffs, prompted a heartfelt interview from Hoskins. Expressing the joy and relief of making it to the postseason, he acknowledged the collective effort of the team, coaches, and staff.
4. The HR Trot to End All Trots
In a memorable series against the Mets in early spring 2019, tensions escalated when Hoskins was hit twice by pitcher Jacob Rhame. Seeking redemption, Hoskins responded with a two-run blast in the ninth inning of the next game, ensuring a Phillies victory. What followed was a legendary home run trot that lasted a league-record 34.23 seconds, leaving an indelible mark on Phillies-Mets rivalry history.
5. The Bat Spike
Arguably the most iconic moment of Hoskins’ Phillies career occurred during the 2022 playoffs. Facing the Braves’ ace Spencer Strider in front of a fervent home crowd, Hoskins delivered a first-pitch three-run home run, culminating in a memorable bat spike. This defining moment not only energized the fans but also solidified Hoskins’ place in Phillies playoff history.
As the Phillies face the Brewers on June 3, welcoming back Rhys Hoskins for a series, fans are sure to express their gratitude for the unforgettable moments he shared with the team.
