Philadelphia, PA – The pregame interview room at Citizens Bank Park, though hardly a comedy cabaret, delivered some lighthearted moments and intriguing insights during Tuesday’s sessions. Here are the highlights:
Trea Turner Reflects on the Roaring Crowd:
Phillies’ shortstop Trea Turner weighed in on comments made by Diamondbacks’ Game 2 starter, Merrill Kelly, regarding the crowd’s noise. Turner recalled his experience playing for Team USA against Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, highlighting the distinct atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park. He mused, “I think this one is just different. Our fans have been unbelievable. I don’t know what decibels are, but I guess we did something cool. AC/DC concert level decibel the other night.” With a wry smile, Turner added, “I would just wait and see what he says after.”
Reports indicated that the noise level at Citizens Bank Park soared to 111 decibels during Game 1 on Monday, surpassing safety limits for prolonged exposure.
Matt Strahm’s Mane Story:
Southpaw Matt Strahm revealed the origin of his long, flowing hair. He traced it back to 2017 when he sustained a knee injury. “It actually all started in ’17 when I blew my knee out. I got a haircut that day and then jokingly said I wasn’t going to cut my hair again.” Strahm humorously explained, “After spending three months on crutches and in a brace, it kind of got through the awkward stage and I let it go.” He credited his younger brother’s influence, stating, “My younger brother has always told me I should grow it out. It was kind of like, all right, let’s see.” Strahm concluded, “So it’s going to be here for a while, I think, until her and my wife tell me to cut it.”
Rob Thomson on Kevin Long’s Coaching Success:
Phillies’ Manager Rob Thomson offered insights into what he believes makes Kevin Long a successful hitting coach. He emphasized the art of simplifying the abundance of information available to players. Thomson stated, “The greatest coaches… they take this roomful of information, they put it in a little thimble and they hand it to the player. Just keep it as simple as possible so they go to the plate they can put their body on autopilot and just hit.”
Bryce Harper’s Evolution:
Trea Turner also shared his observations on former Nationals teammate Bryce Harper’s growth. Turner noted Harper’s enhanced ability to communicate with the front office, saying, “The voice to the front office is one thing that I think sticks out.” Harper actively advocated for the Phillies to make several key signings, including catcher J.T. Realmuto and outfielders Nick Castellanos, Kyle Schwarber, and Turner himself.
Strahm’s Baseball Card Aspiration:
North Dakota resident and baseball card collector Matt Strahm expressed his desire to enhance his collection. He expressed his wish to acquire a 1961 Roger Maris card in pristine condition (PSA 10), highlighting the significance of the North Dakota connection. Strahm remarked, “Roger Maris, North Dakota guy, 61 homers in ’61. So I think having his ’61 card would be cool in a PSA 10,” though he humorously acknowledged the cost factor, adding, “They’re an arm and a leg. And I’m kind of cheap.”
Torey Lovullo’s Basketball Excursion:
Diamondbacks’ manager Torey Lovullo shared his enthusiasm for playing pickup basketball with his coaches. They recently played at the historic Palestra, a venue that holds a special place in Lovullo’s heart due to its rich history. He described it as “probably my favorite venue of all that we play in,” noting, “There’s so much history there. I spent time walking around, learning about the building. It’s just a lot of fun.”
In the midst of the NLCS, these moments, both humorous and insightful, offer a glimpse into the personalities and experiences of the players and coaches.
