Matt Stairs throws out first pitch, Phillies reveal Game 4 honoree
The Phillies are honoring the stars of the team’s last era of postseason success by inviting alumni to throw out a first pitch before each home playoff game. Shane Victorino and Pat Burrell threw out the first pitch in Games 3 and 4 of the NLDS respectively.
For Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, the Phillies honored Matt Stairs’ glorious pinch hit go-ahead home run against Jonathan Broxton in Game 4 of the 2008 NLCS by inviting him back to throw out a ceremonial first ball.
The Phanatic would usually be behind the plate for these, but as a nice touch, Kyle Schwarber, who hit a towering blast to the second deck in right field at Petco Park in Game 1, caught Stairs’ first pitch.
It’s quite fitting that Schwarber would go on to hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first, sending Citizens Bank Park into a frenzy.
The Phillies announced prior to the start of Friday’s game that “The Big Piece” Ryan Howard will throw out of the first pitch prior to Game 4.
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