The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies have one of the more underrated rivalries in the National League East, and we saw that play out in last season’s NLDS. But in some moments, that rivalry can wait.
That’s exactly what happened in Monday night’s Game 2 doubleheader between the two clubs.
Braves first baseman Matt Olson is chasing Andruw Jones’ franchise record of 51 home runs in a season, and he has an outside chance of becoming the first Braves player with 60 home runs. And in the sixth inning, Olson took Michael Lorenzen deep to the opposite field for his second home run of the game and the 50th homer of the season.
Matt the bat!
Matt Olson is the first to 50 homers this season. 💪 pic.twitter.com/fdW39zBJrH
— MLB (@MLB) September 12, 2023
But keep an eye on what Kyle Schwarber did after the home run.
The Phillies left fielder went to get a new baseball and returned to the spot where Olson’s homer landed. And that was where Schwarber made a trade with the fan who caught Olson’s 50th home run ball in order to return the ball to the Braves dugout.
Shout out to the @Phillies and @kschwarb12 for retrieving Matt Olson's 50th home run ball 🫡 pic.twitter.com/mm0UvXkd7n
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) September 12, 2023
That’s something you don’t see from too many opposing players as stadium staff is often tasked with locating fans who catch meaningful home runs. But credit to Schwarber for making it happen right there on the field and getting the ball back to the Braves.
Fans certainly appreciated the gesture. That’s what baseball is all about.
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This was how Twitter reacted
🥹 Phillies fans gonna make me say something nice about them https://t.co/H3uz1ppLGk
— Leslie Mines (@LeslieMinesIII) September 12, 2023
Kyle Schwarber doing Kyle Schwarber things. https://t.co/uFuZ0Yxjod
— David Welch (@dcwelch_24) September 12, 2023
Dang it !!…..now I have to say ..( and this pains me )
Ok that was a classy thing to do ! Much respect to that fan for doing that and the Phillies helping to see Matt got his #50 ! https://t.co/HfGDeVMvwW
— The Shadow 68® ( Shadow Graphics) (@The_Shadow__68) September 12, 2023
Super class move by Schwarber https://t.co/wN6I3nJ72G
— The Prime Menaceter (@n8frost) September 12, 2023
Hats off to @Phillies fans and @kschwarb12 for giving that ball back.
As much as my Braves are rolling this season, I do not want to see you guys in playoffs.
Class Act
Solid team. https://t.co/6uONhFQWEl— Todd Zimmerman (@toddpzimmerman) September 12, 2023
That’s love. Didn’t expect that from the Phillies https://t.co/5A8n8Uwy2d
— Patrick Daniels (@BBNsportsTalk) September 12, 2023
Very cool move by the Phillies and their fans. Another reason to be romantic about baseball. https://t.co/eeXZFsyaU1
— ImALegendKiller (@ImALegendKiller) September 12, 2023
Ayy nicely done by all of those involved. As it should be. https://t.co/dCrZ6lnImu
— Eric Cole (@leprekhan) September 12, 2023
OK… this one time only, I'll give the Phillies their due. Respect for him doing this for Matty. 🎩 https://t.co/Z6WPtJdxHq
— Katybug24 (@Katybug24) September 12, 2023
That's why we love sports the beautiful respect between each player https://t.co/8keZE6Hce2
— Gabriel (@gmd1027) September 12, 2023
division rivalry and nlds loss last season aside, the phillies have a team of pretty solid dudes https://t.co/WSArHRFfKa
— mikey d (@mxhel_) September 12, 2023
Pete Alonso would never… https://t.co/Udv9vkN3jP
— Jeñ 🏆⚾️ (@jenpierce_10) September 12, 2023
You really love to see that.
