Last Thursday, during a game against the Red Sox, a unique tradition in the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen was caught on camera. While Kyle Schwarber was at-bat, hats were seen scattered across the ground in the bullpen. This tradition involves fans tossing their hats on the ground if they think the player at the plate will hit a home run. If the player homers, the fan wins, but if not, they lose the right to throw their hat for the night.
This light-hearted game adds a fun element to the bullpen atmosphere, making it less serious for the players. Relief pitcher Orion Kerkering mentioned how it keeps things fun and enjoyable for everyone involved. Even though Schwarber hit a bases-loaded double instead of a home run, everyone got their hats back, and the game continued.
Jose Ruiz has been the most successful player in this game since being called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on May 3. He has hit three or four home runs already this season, showcasing his prognostication abilities. Other players like Jose Alvarado and Hoffman have also had their share of success in this playful tradition.
Introduced in 2023 by Craig Kimbrel during his time with the Phillies, there is an added twist to the game. If a home run ball hits a hat tossed by a fan, that fan wins a Rolex, with everyone chipping in. While no one has won a Rolex yet, there was a close call last season when a home run ball landed between hats tossed by Hoffman and Dylan Covey.
As the player with the most service time in the bullpen, Strahm jokingly mentioned that he might need to have a conversation with Kimbrel if someone’s hat gets hit. The rules for contributing towards the Rolex prize are based on service time and pay, making it a fun and engaging tradition for everyone involved in the Phillies bullpen.
This tradition not only adds a fun element to the game but also helps create camaraderie and bonding among the players and fans. It shows that baseball is not just about the competition on the field but also about the shared experiences and traditions that make the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.