The on-field product at Citizens Bank Park in 2014 didn’t give Philadelphia Phillies fans a ton to cheer for. A Ryne Sandberg-led team with aging stars and little in the way of impact young talent went 73-89, finally convincing the organization that it was time to turn the page on the 2007-2011 core.
So sometimes you need to create your own entertainment at the park.
On Sept. 27, 2014, Craig Kimbrel came on to close out a win for the Atlanta Braves. Aaron Harang — who would play for the Phillies the next season — outpitched A.J. Burnett, and the Braves had a 4-2 lead entering the bottom of the ninth inning during the penultimate game of a thoroughly forgettable season.
The paid attendance that evening was 33,761, but by the bottom of the ninth inning, significantly less fans remained at Citizens Bank Park. Those that were still there mocked Kimbrel’s unique pre-pitch pose:
Kimbrel would — much to the chagrin of the fans sitting behind home plate — ultimately get Ben Revere to line out to end the game, leaving the bases loaded.
Now, nine years later, Kimbrel is a Phillie. The club formally announced a one-year deal Wednesday, a pact that is reportedly worth $10 million. Naturally, the question had to be asked: Do you remember the time a large chunk of Citizens Bank Park was mocking your distinct mannerisms?
“Yeah, I do remember that,” Kimbrel said with a smile via Zoom Thursday afternoon. “Honestly, I didn’t see it in the moment, but it was a very funny moment.”
When news broke that the eight-time All-Star was signing with the Phillies, the viral — if that was a thing yet in 2014 — moment was the first that many on social media recalled.
However, Kimbrel’s most special moment at Citizens Bank Park to this point came on May 7, 2010, when he made his Major League Debut in the midst of an eventual 7-0 Phillies win.
“My first big league appearance was in Philadelphia. It was the day that Jamie Moyer became the oldest pitcher to throw a complete-game shutout. And we were losing by enough, so I was able to sneak in there in my Atlanta uniform and get a taste of the big leagues.”
Kimbrel — whose 394 career saves are seventh in MLB history — has been around long enough that he remembers how loud Citizens Bank Park was on a nightly basis during the back-half of the franchise’s golden era. And the 34-year-old says that the electricity displayed during home playoff games this past October is something that he’s excited to have on his side after years of coming into Philadelphia as an opponent.
“I’m very excited to come to Philly,” Kimbrel said. “I know the passion that the fans bring. That was one of the first things that excited me. As a young player, my first experience being in that ballpark with those fans is something that I’ll never forget.
“And watching the city last year and how they rallied behind the team, and seeing that excitement come back, it was definitely something that I’m very excited to be a part of.”
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