Hoskins' mixed home run reaction: A sign that things are different than 2016

For the first time in his seven year big league career, Rhys Hoskins stepped into the batters box at Citizens Bank Park as a visitor. The sellout crowd at CBP, often known for making their visitors feel unwelcome, stood up and roared as the Brewers designated hitter walked to the plate.

“Slide” by Calvin Harris, Hoskins’ walk up song of choice, blared through the ballpark speakers just as “Kashmir '' by Led Zeppelin played when Chase Utley first returned. This was, after all, the most anticipated return at the ballpark since Utley first wore Dodger blue in Philadelphia during the 2016 season.

Except Monday night was much different. The 2016 Phillies, who ultimately finished 16 games out of a playoff spot, had 56 wins on August 16th, the date of Utley’s return. The 2024 Phillies, who just won their 42nd game on June 3rd, share the best record in baseball with the New York Yankees. The Phillies won this time around, as they do most nights these days. It wasn’t a 15-5 beatdown like it was eight years ago.

Both Utley and Hoskins homered in their first games as visitors, but the difference in reaction is as telling as anything as to where this organization stands this time around.

Utley homered twice in that game, a solo shot in the 5th to make it 3-1 and a grand slam in the 7th to make it 13-2 Dodgers. He received a near unanimous ovation both times. The result that night didn’t matter, the Phillies weren’t going anywhere and the overwhelming majority was willing to put their team allegiance aside for one night to cheer on the source of so many positive memories that occurred during brighter days.

Fast forward to 2024, Hoskins delivered a solo shot of his own, it came in the 7th inning to cut the Milwaukee deficit to 3-1 . Neither team would score again for the rest of the night.

However, the reaction was much more split this time around. Some fans clapped, others booed in attempts to drown out those supporting the opposition. As well-liked as Hoskins is, Chase Utley is on the Mount Rushmore of beloved all-time Phillies, but that isn’t even it. Winning the game is a larger priority now, supporting the away team clearly didn’t sit with half the ballpark.

That 2016 Phillies team was the fifth straight to miss the postseason, a streak that would extend 10 full seasons. The 2024 Phillies are on the cusp of making the postseason for the third straight year, there’s just no need to over-celebrate nostalgia anymore.