The Phillies and the Phanatic brought pizza to the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children
It's been a long time since the Phillies last took the field, but a few of them were able to interrupt their winters to say hello to some young fans. The Phanatic,
Powerful experience today @AIDHC with @NickWilliams409, Hector, #Phanatic, @gmurphnbcs, @Leiter_Jr, @meggg518, and a brave young man, Cole. Thanks to @papajohns for the pizza donation. Well done, @phillies. pic.twitter.com/zDCdL2LprX
— gabe kapler (@gabekapler) January 19, 2018
The group took pictures, played games, signed autographs and happily chatted with all the young Phillies fans.
Kapler was certainly thrilled to be there. "Nothing is as powerful and as impactful as seeing a 6, 7, 8-year-old child, who's having a really difficult time even staying out of pain for five minutes, and making their moment," he said. "So the Phillie Phanatic and these players have made such a remarkable difference today, and I don't think there's a more important place to be in the world than right here, right now."
Williams made a special collection of memories of his own from the day, saving every single picture that he took with the kids at the photobooth:
Williams said that the pictures would eventually find their way into his locker at the Phillies' clubhouse. "These kids, they look up to us, and you know they're Phillies fans," he said. "It's great to see the smiles on their faces."
It all made for a wonderful day of catching up with fans and bringing a thrill to the young patients.
We wrapped up our #BackInTown events this afternoon with an extremely fun one -- Lunch with the Phanatic at @AIDHC! pic.twitter.com/ILwOWuz4L8
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) January 19, 2018
