The Phillies tested flames in the outfield at Citizens Bank Park Friday afternoon. (Anthony SanFilippo/On Pattison)
PHILADELPHIA - Every good theatrical production makes tweaks and changes right up until the last minute before it's time for a performance in front of a live audience.
So far, the Jhoan Duran Light Show has had several modifications since his arrival in Philadelphia back at the trade deadline.
Subtle changes and additions from the very first show have enhanced the fan experience.
It's become must-see T.V. - literally - and fans in the park are more than happy to be a part of it by taking out their cell phones, scanning a QR code on the scoreboard, and having the light on their cell phone be part of the synced entertainment.
But now, on the biggest of stages, going up against the defending World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, might the show be getting another addition?
Flames in the outfield? We’re gonna have some new additions to the Jhoan Duran Light show, aren’t we? pic.twitter.com/o8Ok9EhaP0
Welcome to Red, Orange and Yellow October.
Why else would the Phillies have installed some pyrotechnics atop the batter's eye?
It's the closest place to where Duran enters the field and it's high enough to probably not be a safety hazard - although it is pretty close to the ivy on the brick wall, which common sense tells you, is incendiary.
Look, it wouldn't be the first time the Phillies set something ablaze in their ballpark.
If you are of a certain age, like me, you can answer the question, "Where were you on July 2, 1990?"
I was at Veterans Stadium. It was Fireworks Night following a 5-1 win over the Houston Astros (who, for you young'uns, were once in the National League). After the game, while the fireworks were going off above the stadium, the American Flag, which was at the top of the stadium, caught fire, burned to a crisp, and fell down into the seats, which thankfully, the team evacuated before the show.
Back to Duran and flames in the outfield...
The Phillies are in the entertainment business, so it makes sense to give your fans the best show possible, but they are certainly opening themselves up for criticism here.
It's probably a risk worth taking, but imagine the reaction if Duran comes in and blows a save and the Phillies lose?
Duran better be lights out in the division series to be adding all these additions https://t.co/Vr2qGbtCPJ
That would be worse on social media than the ridiculous furor about Garrett Stubbs jinxing the Phillies by answering a question about the pool at Bank One Ballpark in Arizona in the 2023 NLCS.
Then again, maybe the flames aren't meant for Duran at all. Maybe they have a new sponsor who is going to serve brick oven pizzas to fans on Ashburn Alley and this is a complete non-story.
(I'm just covering my ass with that last paragraph on the off-OFF chance it's not for Duran. But, who are we kidding? It's for Duran.)
