Brett Phillips may be without a team right now, but the energy with which he plays is unparalleled.
After his walk-off hit in Game 4 of the 2020 World Series, he did a unique airplane style celebration when he spread his arms out to his sides and ran around the field at Globe Life Park in Arlington.
Before being let go by the Tampa Bay Rays, the speedy outfielder was used on the mound in an emergency situation.
While facing the Oakland Athletics, Phillips managed to run down a pop-up all the way from the mound over to the A’s dugout, sliding to make the grab and tipping his cap to an entertained crowd at Tropicana Field.
And that was enough to earn him the 2022 Pitching Ninja “Play of the Year” Award on Twitter.
2022 Pitching Ninja “Play of the Year” Award. 🏆
[Fly Ball Category]Winner: Brett Phillips pic.twitter.com/ow4feJ6XMa
—Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) November 14, 2022
Phillips Turns In Play of The Year
The energy Phillips brings to a game is simply unparalleled.
Not even the best pitchers in the business will make plays like that one.
Phillips had to sprint all the way from the mound over to the third base dugout and barely managed to track it down.
Phillips of course had to slide to make the grab, but everybody at Tropicana Field was fine with that, as they gave him a well-deserved standing ovation.
The hat tip by Phillips just added to the moment, making it all the most legendary.
But if Phillips isn’t going to win an MVP Award, which was unlikely anyway, a Pitching Ninja Play of the Year Award will do just fine.
