Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson doesn't recall hearing a louder reaction than following Bryce Harper's home run during Game 5 of the 2022 National League Championship Series.
Thomson was a guest on MLB Network's Hot Stove program on Jan. 5. One of the topics the Phillies manager discussed with hosts Matt Vasgersian and Anthony Recker was Harper's home run late in Game 5 of the 2022 NLCS against the San Diego Padres.
The eighth-inning homer gave Philly a 4-3 lead, allowing them to win the contest, clinch the series, and move on to the World Series. Harper's home run is one of the top moments in Philadelphia sports history.
BRYCE HARPER IS A PHILADELPHIA PHILLIE pic.twitter.com/UjLTijwIqe
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 23, 2022
Thomson remembers the moment as one of the most memorable of his coaching career due to how loud the crowd reaction was at Citizens Bank Park once Harper made contact on the 2-2 pitch.
"The noise in the stadium was just louder than anything I've ever experienced in my life, the excitement," Thomson said. "I think it was a seven or eight-pitch at-bat. They only threw one changeup in the at-bat, and Harp just stayed with his approach. It was as exciting a moment as I've ever had in my career."
"The noise in the stadium was louder than anything I've ever experienced in my life..."
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 8, 2024
- Rob Thomson recalls that Bryce Harper home run during Game 5 of the 2022 NLCS 🔊 pic.twitter.com/UgPdc8h183
Scott Franzke, the Phillies radio play-by-play broadcaster on Sports Radio 94 WIP, referred to the moment as "Bedlam at the Bank" considering the enormous reaction from the fans in attendance. The crowd anticipated seeing the club make its first World Series since 2009 following Harper's two-run home run.
Vasgersian hinted at Harper's unique ability to influence pitches in his favor during his at-bats. Thomson echoed his comment that only a few hitters can do that.
"As soon as took that 1-2 changeup and got it to 2-2, I thought our chances of something really big happening go up."
Harper has had many great moments during the first five years of his contract with Philadelphia. The home run that led to "Bedlam at the Bank" is his biggest moment to date in a Phillies uniform. The only way he can top the home run is by having a key hit during a World Series game that puts the club on the verge of winning its first championship since 2008.