Jun 20, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) and outfielder Nick Castellanos (8) advance home to score against the New York Mets in the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
PHILADELPHIA - Nick Castellanos couldn't remember which movie it was and the gathered media didn't help by confusing the matter further.
"It looked like Rookie of the Year," he said.
"Major League," said one of the writers.
"Was it Major League," Castellanos asked?
"Maybe both," said another writer.
"I can't remember which, but I know it's one of those baseball movies and it's a funny scene," Castellanos said.
The conversation was as perplexing as the chaotic yet cinematic play itself.
With the bases loaded, Bryson Stott crushed a ball to centerfield. Castellanos, who was on second base and looking over his shoulder, wasn't sure if it was going to be caught or not, so he was waiting.
J.T. Realmuto, however, the runner on first base, had a much better read on it and was able to get right on Castellanos' tail.
So when the ball hit the wall, they both began running as hard as they could.
"I don't think I ever actually yelled at him (to run faster) but I was definitely thinking it," Realmuto said.
Asked how cognizant he was that Realmuto was basically riding on the back of the same galloping horse as they rounded the bases, Castellanos said he had caught Realmuto out of the corner of his eye.
Nick Castellanos talks about his role in one of the craziest plays of this MLB season.
(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/uFMMJI1ZKd
"(I was) aware," he said. "I knew where he was. I was kind of hovering around because I didn't know what was up with the ball ... as soon as I saw it hit off the wall and turned to go, I saw where he was and knew he was close to me."
So close, in fact, that if Castellanos had a sideview mirror attached to him as he was running, the note on the bottom that reads, "Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear" would be considered false advertising.
"I basically made the decision rounding third base in my head," Realmuto said. "We're either both going to be out, or both be safe. Luckily, we both snuck in there."
Yes, J.T. Realmuto was smiling as he rounded third base.
(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/ye58X6XcAG
In a play that is sure to be used in upcoming Phillies commercials this season, and on highlight reels for years to come, both guys scored, almost simultaneously. Both by sliding at home plate, totally confusing New York catcher Luis Torrens.
There was so much good about the play. Both players sliding in to home within a millisecond of each other. Both extending their left hand out to barely touch the plate.
The double safe call by home plate umpire Jonathan Parra. Realmuto patting Castellanos on the backside as both popped up from their slide. It was the Phillies having fun and making memories together in a 10-2 win over their hated rival, vaulting them back into first place by themselves, completing a 6 1/2 game swing in the standings in a span of seven days.
And Scott Franzke's call on the radio broadcast was the chef's kiss:
"BANG BANG AT THE PLATE! BRYSON STOTT CLEANS THEM OFF!" - Scott Franzke pic.twitter.com/4ZUv6qppeJ
"I kind of felt like it was playing a Little League game," Realmuto said. "Even getting back to the dugout, everyone was laughing and having fun with it. It was just a different scenario than you usually see in a game. Being able to have fun and laugh in the dugout - it was one of those special moments."
No doubt. And by the way, Nick. It was both movies.
June 20, 2025 - Nick Castellanos/ JT Realmuto x Rookie of the Year (1993) #Phillies pic.twitter.com/nV9N80Rgt6
