![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-03-at-6.16.45%E2%80%AFPM.png?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
Rhys Hoskins may not wear red pinstripes anymore, but he’ll always be a Philadelphia Phillie in the minds of the fans.
On Monday, Hoskins made his emotional return to Philadelphia for the first time after leaving the team in free agency last winter to sign with the Milwaukee Brewers. Hoskins spent his last year in Philadelphia on the injured list with a torn ACL that occurred during spring training, a disappointing end to his six-year career with the team.
Fans packed Citizens Bank Park to give Hoskins a warm welcome back and it all culminated in an emotional first at-bat of the game during the second inning.
What an ovation from the @Phillies faithful for Rhys Hoskins in his return to Philly! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eznMNVsz2I
— MLB (@MLB) June 3, 2024
What a classy ovation from Phillies fans. Bringing back Hoskins’ old walk-up song — “Slide” by Calvin Harris — was a great touch too. Before Hoskins came to bat, the Phillies also showed a video tribute to the first baseman’s time with the team.
Welcome back, Rhys ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7t2aMkgg3I
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 3, 2024
Here’s how Phillies fans reacted to Rhys Hoskins’ return to Philadelphia
tearing up, god I miss this man being a phillie https://t.co/VkEih0r5cF
— georgia (@thinkimclean13) June 3, 2024
Special moment for a special Phillie. https://t.co/0dZpFwDy1q
— Joe Schmidt (@josephnschmidt) June 3, 2024
I am SOBBING https://t.co/JA1j2hEcBQ
— ker (she/her) (@alienker_) June 3, 2024
Any other Phillies fan low key shed a tear during this or was it just me? https://t.co/uceHq20lO3
— dustin.dubbs86 (@dubbs86) June 3, 2024
baseball is the best https://t.co/Apupy2VeDB
— Kegan Reneau (@KeganReneau) June 3, 2024
Alexa, play Long Live by Taylor Swift https://t.co/SBgJF0atq7
— Taylor (she/her) (@PartTimeCowgirl) June 3, 2024
Im not crying you’re crying (i miss him) https://t.co/UPS4k6tebo
— Yade // (@FormulaY4DE) June 3, 2024
AS SOON AS HIS WALK UP SONG STARTED PLAYING I JUST LOST IT
I MISS YOU SO MUCH RHYS… WILL ALWAYS BE A PHILLIE ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/jZLAToVilp
— Reds △ (@OwenReds) June 3, 2024