Fans reacts to Philadelphia Phillies home opener win against Cincinnati Reds

For some, the Phillies' home opener is a family tradition.

Bryanna Gallagher Image
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies fans excited after home opener win against Cincinnati Reds
Philadelphia Phillies fans excited after home opener win against Cincinnati Reds

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Baseball is back, but most importantly, the Phillies are home with a win.

Friday marked the Philadelphia Phillies' home opener against the Cincinnati Reds, which they won 5-2.

Vincent Ardito, a cardiac care patient at Nemours Children's Health, attended the game he'll never forget. He was able to throw out the first ceremonial pitch along with Nick Sirianni, the Philadelphia Eagles' head coach.

"I was very nervous but I got it down," Ardito says. "I just wanted to make it to his hand."

Now that baseball is back, fans are riding the high of last season's title of "National League Champs."

"Stay positive, when we're at home we're winning either way, no matter who we're against. I could see us going far again, making a run in the playoffs," said Bill Costner from Bordentown, New Jersey.

"I'm optimistic, I think we had a great season last year. Harper's out, hit and miss, but we'll be fine," added Christopher Rodgers from Northeast Philadelphia.

For some, the Phillies' home opener is a family tradition, and this year was no different.

READ | Phillies honor fallen Temple University sergeant during home opener

"This is Santino, my grandson, he's eight months old. It's his first Phillies home opener," says Linda Ciafre from South Philadelphia. "He's been to a World Series game, but it's his first home opener."

Ciafre has been to the home opening game for years, but this one is extra special.

"This is my first home opener as a retired person, so it's exciting I didn't have to ask for a PTO day," she said.

The home opener is the start of a season of memories, especially if you're lucky you are walking away with one of Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber's baseballs.

Action News asked on fan if he had caught a stray ball before, and turns out the one he cough at the home opener was his third.

There are lots of optimistic fans out there hoping we see another Red October.

Brothers Sami and Eiden Turel are big Phillies fans, but the highlight of their day may be making it on Action News.

"We even got to eat some popcorn, dropped a few pieces, and we get to be on TV dude!" said the young duo.

The Phillies take on the Reds again on Saturday at 4:05 p.m.