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.

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.

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.

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.

It's so wild to think it's been 15 years since the Phillies won the World Series back in 2008. It feels like yesterday and those players still feel like the superstars they are. We thought we should check up on them and see what they are up to. I know I have thought about them often, so let's see what they have been up to.

Red October was in full swing. The 2008 World Series was the 104th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff between the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies and the American League champion Tampa Bay Rays; and the Phillies won (obviously), four games to one. The 2008 World Series is notable because it is the only World Series to involve a mid-game postponement and resumption (two days later). I remember watching it at the Irish Pub and they had to call the game because it was raining so bad.

Charlie Manuel was the manager for the Phillies and famous baseball manager Joe Maddon was in charge of the Rays. Fun Fact, Joe Maddon is from Hazelton, PA (which is in NEPA) and has done a lot for his hometown community. The dates of the 2008 World Series were October 22-29. Then remember the parade was on Halloween. I was working as a receptionist at the time at a company called Sparks and EVERYONE took off, but I couldn't. I'll never forget being so upset that I wasn't able to go to the parade. Everyone had the best time and I was answering the phones in Northeast Philly saying "Hello Sparks." Lol!

Obviously, the parade was epic and isn't it so great how the two parades we had, there were two moments that live on forever? First Chase Utley with the WORLD BLEEPING CHAMPIONS and then obviously Jason Kelce's speech at the Eagles Parade in 2018. Praying that we have another championship parade soon. We need it.

After his retirement, Werth began working as an organic farmer in Illinois. He initially purchased a 300-acre plot of land in Macoupin County during his MLB career, but "moved more from a management role into a hands-on role" after retiring. He has also become a consultant for other farmers interested in organic processes. Jayson is also a friend of Bryce Harper, who played with Jayson on the Nationals.

The baseball legend and former Phillies manager has been a staple around the clubhouse since he "retired" a few years ago. He's always at training camp, tweeting and supporting the team. Unfortunately, Charlie suffered a stroke a few weeks ago during a routine procedure but fortunately, he is on the mend.

Jamie Moyer, who's from PA, is throwing out the first pitch at the Phillies game on 10/4. Fun Fact: Jamie holds the record for the oldest pitcher to win a game. At 49 years old, Jamie Moyer, then pitching for the Rockies, was the winning pitcher against the Padres on April 17, 2012. Jamie is the father of 8 (!), two of his sons play in the minor league system and he lives in Portland, OR.

Carlos Ruiz lives in his native Panama, where he's raising three children and tending to a horse farm. Carlos, the famous Phillies catcher, had a very special relationship with Halladay. Experts say, Roy's trust in him, made Roy better. "He holds a very dear place in my heart. I think about him quite often."
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Shane has been a staple in the media over the last few years. He lives in Vegas, works tirelessly on his foundation, which raised a ton of money for the Maui wildfire victims, and even mad an appearance this Savannah Bananas.

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.

Ryan has written six children's books. He joined ESPN in 2019 as an analyst for Baseball Tonight. He's an investor and a girl dad to three beautiful daughters.  He lives in Florida but spends a decent amount of time in Philly since his wife is from South Jersey.

Jimmy lives in California and is a Studio Analyst for Major League Baseball on TBS. He also owns a Boutique Cannabis Dispensary and is obsessed with golf. Jimmy was included on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2022.

Matt now lives back in his home city of Fredericton in Canada. "I knew he would get back," said Dickson. In the winter he coaches hockey and in the summer he instructs young baseball players.
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Chase Utley, our silver fox.  Chase now lives in London with his wife Jenn and two sons. He moved there in August 2022 to take the job as Major League Baseball’s ambassador to Europe. He comes back at least once a season to do something with the Phillies organization and it's very appreciated.

Cole Hamels was the last of the 2008 World Series championship team to retire. He just announced his retirement in August 2023. He was married to former Survivor contestant Heidi Hamels for a long time and lived in West Chester, PA. However, it looks like he and Heidi split and he now is dating someone new.