Phillies fan-favorite, 2008 champion to throw out Game 3 first pitch

Phillies tab Shane Victorino to throw out the NLDS Game 3 first pitch.

The Philadelphia Phillies have not played a home game in nearly three weeks — but that figure is far fewer than the 574-plus weeks since the franchise last hosted a postseason game at Citizens Bank Park.

Both figures will be reset to zero when manager Rob Thomson’s squad welcomes its division-rival Atlanta Braves for Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Friday. The Phillies will turn to one of their ace right-handed starting pitchers — Aaron Nola — to help the club regain momentum in the series after falling 3-0 in Game 2 on Wednesday.

The Phillies have several festivities prepared ahead of the long-awaited return of Red October to South Philadelphia. Along with rally towels, the organization is inviting back a fan-favorite from the 2008 World Series championship team to throw out the ceremonial first pitch — beloved outfielder Shane Victorino.

Also known as the “Flyin’ Hawaiian,” Victorino appeared in 46 postseason games in a Phillies uniform during their 2007-11 postseason window. In both the 2008 and 2009 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Victorino notably produced six RBI.

The Phillies eventually dealt the Hawaii native at the July 2012 trade deadline to the Dodgers —one of the four teams remaining in the 2022 postseason. If the Phils can overcome the Braves in the National League Division Series, the Dodgers just may be their NLCS opponent once again.

All gates at Citizens Bank Park will open at 2:07 p.m. At 4 p.m., fans are encouraged to be in their seats for the on-field festivities — including the introduction of the Phillies and Braves, followed by the All-Service Honor Guard, National Anthem, and Victorino’s first pitch.

The atmosphere on Friday at Citizens Bank Park will surely be electric.