The Philadelphia Phillies released Nick Castellanos, who had previously brought beer into the dugout during a game. On Thursday, February 12, the Phillies announced that right fielder Castellanos was no longer part of their franchise. On the other hand, the 33-year-old athlete explained his side of the story via a couple of handwritten letters stitched together in the form of a carousel on Instagram.
Phillies part ways with Nick Castellanos after his dugout beer admission
The Phillies released Nick Castellanos after he admitted he brought beer into the dugout during a game. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said, “I think that we all felt that was probably in the best interest, to have a change of scenery.” (via MLB).
Shortly after, Castellanos reacted to the news by penning candid letters, assembled together like a carousel on his Instagram. He explained his side of the story, reflected on his time with the team, and thanked those who supported him.
The 33-year-old wrote, “Dave [Dombrowski], thank you for the opportunity. Staff, thank you for helping me prepare.” Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to his teammates by writing, “Playing with you all will be a core memory for the rest of my life.”
Finally, he thanked the team’s devoted fanbase “for showing up these past 4 years.” He added that he was grateful regardless of whether they were “applauding or booing” — they “were there.”
In the third slide, he attached a letter titled “Miami Incident.” He revealed that a friend had confessed to him that “there is an article waiting to come out without my consent or comments about this situation.” Hence, he decided to pen down his version of the incident.
Castellanos expressed, “I’m a veteran of the game of baseball. There are rules, and I broke one in Miami.” The 33-year-old revealed he brought beer into the dugout after being ejected from a “close game in front of my friends and family.”
The former Phillies star explained that his teammates whisked the beer away before he could have a sip, which he appreciated. He alleged he was benched for the next game as punishment.
Fans have shown unconditional support for the star in the comments section. One fan wrote, “Thank you for everything. You and your family will always have a fan in me,” accompanied by emojis. A second fan commented, “Thanks for the fight, Casty. Philly will never forget you.”
Originally reported by Anwaya Mane on Mandatory.
