Who better to pump up a fanbase for the postseason than former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman and current broadcaster John Kruk? Kruk is what some people would consider a national treasure not only for his success during his playing days but also for his candid personality while calling the games on-air alongside Tom McCarthy.
On Monday, the Phillies officially clinched the NL East title for the first time since 2011, and the city is gearing up for another Red October.
John Kruk's epic Red October promo preps Phillies fans for the postseason
It had been 11 long years before the Phillies finally made it back to the postseason in 2022 as a Wild Card team. Rob Thomson took over as manager for Joe Girardi during the season and helped sneak his team into the postseason as the No. 6 seed.
The Phillies went on an improbable run taking down the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres en route to the franchise’s first World Series appearance since 2009. That run was filled with electric moments whether it was Rhys Hoskins’ iconic bat spike in Game 3 of the NLDS or Bryce Harper’s swing of his life that sent the Phillies to the World Series to take on the Houston Astros.
The fans and players couldn’t wait to feel that magic of Red October again in 2023. The Phillies made the postseason as a Wild Card team for the second consecutive year and made it back to the NLCS. Citizens Bank Park proved to be a true home-field advantage with an electric atmosphere, but the Phillies ultimately fell short in Game 7 of the NLCS to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The expectations are higher than ever in 2024. It’s the World Series or bust for the Phillies this year, and the players know it. Everyone got a little taste of the postseason magic after the Phillies defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-2 on Monday night to win the division in front of the home crowd with on-field, clubhouse, and Xfinity Live celebrations ensuing. With less than a week remaining in the regular season, it’s time to gear up for a third straight Red October.
There's no place like Philadelphia in October pic.twitter.com/wecmcF6JZR
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 24, 2024
The promo is filled with moments throughout the 2024 season with sold-out crowds and electric atmospheres. Postseason energy was felt all season, but now it’s time for the real deal.
“I mean it has been like this all season,” Kruk said in the promo. “So how’s October going to be at the bank this year? That’s up to ya’ll man, but I have a feeling what it’s gonna look like. Red October baby!”