Jun 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Fans hold signs for Milwaukee Brewers first base Rhys Hoskins (12) making his return against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
On Pattison's countdown of the 15 best Phillies games of 2024 continues with some late-game heroics to close out the month of April.
15) April 16, 2024 - Ranger Suarez throws a complete game shutout
14) September 14, 2024 - The Cal Stevenson game
13) May 18, 2024 - Kody Clemens ninth-inning home run
12) July 9, 2024 - Phillies clobber Dodgers, 10-1, in first game of series sweep
11) June 18, 2024 - Nick Castellanos walk-off double against Padres
10) June 24, 2024 - Phillies turn 1-3-5 triple play
9) April 30, 2024 - Castellanos and Rojas hit ninth-inning bombs against Angels
8) June 3, 2024 - Rhys Hoskins returns to Philly as a Brewer
On June 3, with the NL Central-leading Brewers in town, Zack Wheeler allowed just one run over seven innings in a 3-1 Phillies win. David Dahl hit a home run in his Phils debut. And Johan Rojas drove in a run and made a spectacular throw to home.
But the story of the game was Rhys Hoskins' first visit to Citizens Bank Park as a member of an opposing team.
The longtime Phillie stepped to the plate for the first time in the second inning. A standing ovation lasted over a full minute, as a visibly emotional Hoskins waved his helmet to the crowd in appreciation.
What an ovation from the @Phillies faithful for Rhys Hoskins in his return to Philly! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eznMNVsz2I
“It was loud,” the Big Fella told reporters after the game, admitting he had tears in his eyes. “I got to sneak a peek up toward our family section, just to see how my wife was doing. It looked like she was probably shedding a couple of tears, too. It was loud, but that’s what this place does.”
“It was awesome,” said Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy. “The fans showed what this game is all about. Rhys left an impression on this fanbase, like he will on ours.”
Hoskins popped out to short in that first at-bat. He walked and stole second in his next at-bat, and it looked like he would score from second on a single before Johan Rojas made the aforementioned throw.
Don't run on Ro 😤 pic.twitter.com/hvWokvKzi3
But in his third and final at-bat of the night, Hoskins sent a 95 mph Wheeler fastball to left-center for a home run. This time, the crowd reaction was mixed: some cheers, some boos, and fair number of fans who remained silent (presumably processing some conflicted emotions).
The perfect homecoming ❤️
Rhys Hoskins homers in his Philly return! pic.twitter.com/7KQSaFrRm6
It helped that the seventh-inning homer was the Brewers' only run of the game. For Phillies fans with a soft spot for Hoskins, things couldn't have gone better overall.
Rob Thomson was also asked about the ovation for Hoskins. "I expected that from our fanbase, and they gave it to him," said Topper. "I know he was touched . . . just the look on his face, I think he was touched and appreciative."
Want more Philadelphia Phillies news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for THE Philly Sports Newsletter here. 100% free, always.
