The Philadelphia Phillies have reached the MLB Playoffs for the second consecutive season. The city is ready to explode during Red October at Citizens Bank Park. Does the home-field advantage help the Phillies’ chances in their quest to get back to the World Series? You better believe it.

Phillies Home-Field Advantage

You’ve heard about the importance of home-field advantage in the NFL. Nobody wants to face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field during the winter months. It’s difficult to play a road game against the Seattle Seahawks in front of a thunderous crowd.

Veterans Stadium certainly gave the Eagles an edge with the wrath of the infamous 700 level. Does the same type of advantage exist in Major League Baseball?

If you ask people who have been around the game throughout long careers, almost all of them will say it’s certainly not as prevalent as it as in other sports.

The conversation shifts when it’s about Philadelphia. The crowd at the Vet visibly rattled Burt Hooton of the Los Angeles Dodgers all the way back in 1977, and the legend was born.

Phillies fans proved their passion and intensity during the best era in franchise history from 2007-2011, but they missed it after the franchise’s downfall following a heartbreaking loss in 2011.

2022 World Series Run

The city of Philadelphia wanted October baseball so bad. When the Phillies survived “Baseball Heaven” during the 2022 Wild Card Round against the St. Louis Cardinals, the drought was finally over. Red October was finally back.

The crowd reignited the passion with an outrageous environment that overwhelmed the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS. The Phillies began the postseason with a 6-0 record at home on their way to a 2-1 lead in the World Series.

If you don’t believe the vengeance of two ensuing losses and World Series heartbreak will motivate the crowd at Citizens Bank Park, listen to what four guests on 97.5 The Fanatic have said about the incredible edge the Phillies gain during Red October.

• Raul Ibanez

  The 19-year MLB veteran spent three seasons in Philadelphia from 2009-2011. He helped the Phillies to three NL East crowns, including in 2009 when belted a career high 34 home runs. He spoke on The John Kincade Show about his memories of Red October at Citizens Bank Park.

  “Unbelieveable. It’s hard to find the words to describe it. It’s an unforgettable feeling. (It’s) not just as a player – especially as a player – but I got to witness it last year and experience it in person with a bunch of my former teammates when the Phillies were in the World Series. It was electric. It was pure electricity. The excitement, the passion is unmatched really in all of sports.” -Raul Ibanez

  97.5 The Fanatic on Twitter: "Raul Ibanez shares his memories of the home-field advantage during Red October on @975JKShow pic.twitter.com/K6GRwkMjbk / Twitter"

  Raul Ibanez shares his memories of the home-field advantage during Red October on @975JKShow pic.twitter.com/K6GRwkMjbk

• Larry Bowa

  Larry Bowa knows a thing or two about playoff baseball in Philadelphia. The long-time shortstop was the sparkplug for the 1980 team that won the first World Series in franchise history. As a senior advisor and one of the most respected members of the organization, he knows the passion has carried over to Citizens Bank Park.

  “I don’t think they have any idea what they’re coming into here. I’m not saying it’s going to be a cakewalk, but I have a lot of confidence that we’re going to take care of business that first round… I never was an advocate of home field advantage being important in baseball, but I think it’s a little bit different when you come here. It’s a little intimidating, and if you don’t get things going well for you right away, the wheels can spin off, and before you know it, the game’s over.” -Larry Bowa

  Philadelphia Phillies on Twitter: "If you don't understand Philadelphia, come here in October.#RedOctober pic.twitter.com/PQN8rzrWJ4 / Twitter"

  If you don't understand Philadelphia, come here in October.#RedOctober pic.twitter.com/PQN8rzrWJ4

• Tim Kurkjian

  Over 40 years covering Major League Baseball makes for some pretty extensive knowledge of ballparks during the postseason. Tim Kurkjian of ESPN offered a national perspective on the crowd at Citizens Bank Park. He knows there is nothing quite like Red October.

  “I think it always matters, especially in Philadelphia because that crowd is tremendous. I was so impressed with what I saw there last year, all the games I covered in that ballpark in the postseason. That is a loud, raucous, intimidating crowd. Does it affect the Marlins? Well, they’ve been there before, but they haven’t been there during a playoff game.” -Tim Kurkjian

  97.5 The Fanatic on Twitter: "Earlier this morning, @JohnKincade asked @Kurkjian_ESPN if the Phillies have a true home field advantage in the postseason, especially against this Marlins team.Here's what Tim Kurkjian had to say about playing at Citizens Bank Park during Red October. (via @975JKShow) pic.twitter.com/FyVXUikxQT / Twitter"

  Earlier this morning, @JohnKincade asked @Kurkjian_ESPN if the Phillies have a true home field advantage in the postseason, especially against this Marlins team.Here's what Tim Kurkjian had to say about playing at Citizens Bank Park during Red October. (via @975JKShow) pic.twitter.com/FyVXUikxQT

• John Brazer

  You might’ve heard about the absurdity of recent comments from Spencer Strider. The expected Atlanta Braves ace would apparently rather pitch without any fans in the crowd. Maybe that’s why he allowed five runs in only 2 ⅓ innings in the NLDS against the Phillies last year.

  Phillies Director of Fun & Games John Brazer came to the 97.5 The Fanatic studios on Monday. He wants the home crowd to get another shot to rattle Strider in the NLDS.

  “You’ve got to have Strider. Come on Strider. If he pitches at Citizens Bank Park, I want to hear the crowd. The crowd was already lit up when Rhys Hoskins slammed the bat (after he) hit the home run off him.” -John Brazer

  Jomboy Media on Twitter: "Spencer Strider says he prefers no fans at sporting events like we had in 2020(via mlb.fits / IG) pic.twitter.com/Ubnjs7Dxaa / Twitter"

  Spencer Strider says he prefers no fans at sporting events like we had in 2020(via mlb.fits / IG) pic.twitter.com/Ubnjs7Dxaa

• 97.5 The Fanatic

  Watch The John Kincade Show live on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page on weekday mornings from 6am-10am.

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