Remembering The All-Time Greatest April Fools’ Day Prank
Kyle Kendrick pitched eight seasons for the Philadelphia Phillies, but he fell victim to the greatest April Fools’ Day prank in MLB history before he established himself as a long-term major leaguer.
Brett Myers orchestrated the elaborate prank that involved a large supporting cast. He told Kendrick’s agent, the Phillies traveling secretary, the on-site Philadelphia media, and even Ruben Amaro Jr. and Charlie Manuel.
Kyle Kendrick Dealt To Japan?
The 2007 Phillies sparked their fan base with incredible positivity after a legendary late-season ride to the MLB playoffs. The relatively unknown Kyle Kendrick emerged as a second starter behind Cole Hamels. He must’ve been surprised when Manuel and Amaro called him into the office after the promising first season.
The two high-ranking members of the Phillies organization told the right-hander they’d dealt him to the Yomiuri Giants in Tokyo, Japan. Their serious demeanor convinced the 23-year-old he’d be moving to another corner of the world.
Amaro spoke in front of the media in the Citizens Bank Park clubhouse. He carried paperwork as part of Myers’ elaborate scheme. He explained that the Phillies had dealt Kendrick for… Kobayashi?
Myers acted more concerned about “Kobayashi’s” sinker than losing a young starter to Japan.
April Fools’ Day
Amaro’s announcement of Kobayashi, a famous Japanese competitive eater, probably should’ve spoiled everything. MLB rules also didn’t allow direct trades with Japanese teams.
Had Kendrick seen Major League II? Roger Dorn infamously sold Jack Parkman because of financial struggles. He told his skipper Lou Brown that they’d acquired outfielder Isuro Tanaka.
“He used to play with the Giants… not those Giants.” -Roger Dorn
Kendrick breathed a sigh of relief when he found out he was the target of the collusion. He played a depth role on the ride to the World Series that season.
Phillies fans should look back positively on Kendrick’s role in the golden era of franchise history. He even ranks toward the top of the list in wins in Citizens Bank Park history. However, Kyle Kendrick will never live down a story of the greatest April Fools’ Day prank ever.
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2008 World Series Champions Philadelphia Phillies: Where Are They Now
Pedro Feliz
Before he retired, he played for the now-defunct Camden Riversharks in 2011. It’s sad the team folded, it was always a good time. Pedro and his wife Niurka Mateo were married in December 2002. They have 3 daughters and one son.
