May 21, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins (12) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Back in Philadelphia for another emotional series, former Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins continues to leave a mark on the city—even in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform.
“Last year being the first (time) it probably was a little more heightened,” Hoskins said of his return to Citizens Bank Park. “But the reality is, I spent a good chunk of my life here.
"Yesterday, getting to spend an off day here was amazing in that regard."
Rhys Hoskins reflects on his emotional return to Philly last season and whether tonight will feel the same. pic.twitter.com/TtMi8qW7JR
Hoskins said he and his wife Jayme used the time to do a little bit of a food tour at some of their favorite haunts.
Mighty Bread in the morning for breakfast, bread and pastries and then we ended up at Suraya in Fishtown and ate as much pita as we could consume in one night."
Hoskins, who spent six seasons with the Phillies before signing with the Milwaukee Brewers ahead of the 2024 season, is off to a strong start this year after a lengthy recovery from the ACL tear that cost him the entire 2023 campaign.
Now more than a year removed from surgery, Hoskins said the difference is night and day.
“I’ve learned that time is your best friend,” he said. “I get to play every day because of that and I've just found a nice rhythm out in the field.
"There's less energy spent every day about just focusing on the knee right now. It's focusing on the body as a whole."
That shift in focus has yielded results. Hoskins has hit .282 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs entering this series finding consistency at the plate thanks to a mechanical tweak: ditching his leg kick.
"There's just too much back-and-forth for my liking as a hitter early on in the season," he said. "So, I just tried a little bit simpler of a move in that regard. It's something that I've done previously in my baseball career ... so it wasn't a completely new thing. I immediately got results ... and I figured it was something I should explore a little bit more."
Rhys Hoskins, have yourself a day! He's 4-for-4 with 5 RBI 💪
(MLB x @CitizenWatchUS) pic.twitter.com/0FqJKM6vR0
Hoskins cited Kyle Schwarber's transformation that began last year and has continued this year as an influence.
"I've admired how simple Kyle's swing is," Hoskins said. "He's getting great results."
Hoskins admitted that sacrificing a little power in favor of more contact was the right thing to do for himself and thinks this may be the beginning of a trend in baseball as hitters try to deal with pitchers who throw with greater velocity than ever before.
"That was basically the main reason for me," he said. "Pitchers are so good now. The stuff is amazing. Velocity is at an all-time high up and down an entire staff. So, I just try to give myself a better chance every time I step to the plate because of the stuff (pitchers throw). I wouldn't be surprised if that's something that sweeps across the league."
Though his jersey may have changed, Philadelphia fans haven’t forgotten. Hoskins was greeted with a standing ovation during his first at-bat back in 2024. Despite that, even though he may get a similar reaction this weekend, Hoskins doesn't want to count on it.
“I don’t expect anything, really,” he said. “Last year was overwhelming in the best way. It was a great reminder that you just got to give your all to any city, but specifically the people of this city. But, I definitely don't expect an ovation. I'm the enemy now. That's the reality of it. Because of that, I hope the Brewers win."
Rhys Hoskins has made his way onto the field. He just signed his game-worn jersey from one of the World Series games in 2022. pic.twitter.com/TaoTbIhsax
Fine. Phillies fans can accept that. And they can boo him - like they did when he hit a home run against his former team last year.
But, there is still a symbiotic relationship between him and Phillies fans - especially when he does damage against the New York Mets.
That usually sends Phillies fans on social media ablaze.
"For sure, especially with some of the happenings from last year,” he laughed. “I don't know if you are ever going to get that out of me. That's kind of born into me as a baseball player. I'll enjoy going into an away stadium and being hated, but I think always a little bit more there."
You can take Rhys out of Philly, but you can't take the Philly out of Rhys.
