It had to have been a thrill to be on the field at Citizens Bank Park. But what a kick it must have been to see Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco trot out onto the field to hang out with the Brian Boru pipe band, which had been playing in center field. (Polanco neglected to wear a kilt.)
All around the stadium, Phillies fans were treated to Irish music, from 5 Quid just outside the park to the Bogside Rogues and the Hooligans inside the park.
Just before the game, dancers from many of the area’s Irish dance schools lined up along the first and third base lines and out on the warning track to get jiggy. (And many proud dance parents got to see their kids displayed on the park’s super-size Jumbotron.)
But by far the biggest thrill of the night had to belong to John and Michael Boyce, the brothers of Blackthorn, who were tapped to sing the National Anthem.
Oh, yes, let’s not forget: Roy Halladay on the mound. Final score: Phillies 3, Rangers 2.