Is there anything better to do on a nice, beautiful late August day in the city of Philadelphia than to head down the Citizens Bank Park and catch a Philadelphia Phillies ballpark special afternoon game by the red-hot baseball team? Well, that is exactly what I did yesterday, and it turned out that I was not the only employee of the Philadelphia 76ers to have that idea because the recently hired new head coach, Nick Nurse, was also in the building!
Not only was Nick Nurse there to catch the game, but he also set the game in motion as he was the one to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Phillies took on the Los Angeles Angels. I must admit, the head coach was pretty impressive out there!
He actually threw from the rubber on the mound where the actual pitchers pitch from – most people cheat up a good ten feet so they can reach the plate. On top of that, he did a pretty spot-on impression of Craig Kimbrel’s windup, who is the closer for the Phillies.
Later on during the game, I had the chance to chat with Nick Nurse during the game, thanks to the Director of Fun and Game for the Phillies, John Brazer, and it was awesome. I congratulated him on the fantastic first-pitch performance and on the new head coaching job for the Sixers. He told me he is so excited for the NBA season to start and looks forward to a fun year for the 76ers.
For all my music lovers out there, here is a fun fact about Nick Nurse – he plays the guitar and is a big fan of Prince! I think that is something we can all get behind.
Unfortunately, the Phillies lost the game in the end, but it was still a lot of fun from the very first pitch. I even got shouted out on TV by Tom McCarthy and NBC Sports Philly. Plus, Bryce Harper hit his 300th career home run!
Although they lost, it looks like the Phillies are poised to make a run until late October, or, in other words, right up until the start of the Sixers’ season!
Matt Cord Chatting With Nick Nurse and John Brazer
Matt Cord, Nick Nurse, and John Brazer chatting after Nurse’s first pitch at the Phillies. It was a strike right down the middle.
Matt Cord, Nick Nurse, and John Brazer
Matt Cord, Nick Nurse, and John Brazer at Citizens Bank Park. Nick is going to love coaching in Philly.
Nick Nurse and the Phillie Phanatic
Nick Nurse posing with the Phillies Phanatic. The best mascot in baseball.
Nick Nurse Impersonating Craig Kimbrel
Nick Nurse in his windup before his first pitch. Look familiar Phillies fans?
