Realmuto speaks about his appreciation of Philadelphia fans
Philadelphia Phillies fans have been making it known all season that they want All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto back in Philadelphia next season. And on a recent podcast appearance, Realmuto let the fans know that he hears and appreciates all the support.
“When I’m leaving the ballpark — even after a loss — those guys are still standing out there holding signs up saying ‘Sign J.T.’ Just to feel that support from them, it’s pretty special,” he said to Rob Maaddi on the Faith on the Field Show podcast. “It’s honestly humbling to know they’ve embraced me the way they have and I’m very appreciative of it.”
Realmuto joined the podcast to discuss his faith, but also talked about how the fanbase in Philadelphia has treated him since he was traded to the Phillies from the Miami Marlins last year.
He made it a point to emphasize how different Phillies fans are as compared to Marlins fans.
“Coming from where I came from in Miami, obviously the fanbase isn’t the same as it is in Philly,” he said. “I’ve never known any fanbase as passionate and as a part of things as they are here in Philadelphia.”
Realmuto is currently playing his second season as a Phillie, and has cemented himself as one of the best — if not the best — all-around catchers in Major League Baseball since joining the team. However, he is in the last year of his current contract and is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. It’s because of that contractual status that fans now make signs and lead chants encouraging the organization to re-sign Realmuto.
While Realmuto could sign elsewhere this offseason, it seems that 29-year-old would and his family would be leaving with a great experience with the city of Philadelphia.
“Me and my family,” Realmuto said, “since the day we were traded here, they welcomed us with open arms and treated us very well the whole time. So, we’re just extremely appreciative of it.”
You can listen to the full episode of Remi and Rob Maaddi’s Faith on the Field Show podcast. Realmuto spoke with Maadi on his relationship with Jesus Christ, baseball chapel in 2020, his favorite Bible verse and how he stays humble on a daily basis.
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