How a T-shirt in Brandon Marsh’s locker became a powerful reminder of his father’s legacy
Brandon Marsh, a Phillies outfielder, has been feeling the presence of his late father, Jake, in his day-to-day life ever since he lost him to cancer over three years ago. Recently, a heartwarming surprise awaited Marsh in his locker – a custom-made T-shirt featuring a viral quote he gave to an ESPN broadcast. The quote highlighted the names of his teammates he would include in a band – Kyle Schwarber, Garrett Stubbs, and Cristian Pache – and the band name “Stay Loose and Sexy, Baby.”
Kristin Zeller, the Phillies’ director of retail marketing, designed the T-shirt with the iconic Guns N’ Roses cross logo, a tribute to Jake’s favorite band. The image featured the four players’ faces, with catchy phrases like “Stay Loose N Sexy,” “World Tour,” and “Philadelphia Baseball.” For Marsh, this unexpected gesture felt like a sign from his father, bringing a sense of connection and warmth.
Excited about the T-shirts, Marsh distributed them among his teammates, including infielder Kody Clemens who sported one during batting practice. Marsh’s light-hearted catchphrase has sparked a playful camaraderie among the players, leaving him half-jokingly contemplating a future music album with his teammates.
With an unwavering belief in signs from his father, Marsh finds solace in these small yet meaningful moments that keep the memory of his father alive. Whether it’s a butterfly fluttering by or a T-shirt materializing in his locker, these occurrences serve as a reminder of the bond he shared with his dad.
Looking ahead, the Phillies are gearing up to face a lineup of four consecutive left-handed pitchers in their upcoming games. Marsh, along with fellow left-handed hitter Bryson Stott, may find themselves back in the lineup soon, as manager Rob Thomson plans to strategically rotate players based on matchups and historical performance against specific pitchers.
Meanwhile, pitcher Kolby Allard has been reassigned to the FCL Phillies, signaling a reset for him after a tough season at triple-A Lehigh Valley. Injuries have sidelined Yunior Marte and Luis Ortiz, with Dylan Covey also recovering from a hamstring injury at the team’s facility in Clearwater, Fla.
As the Phillies navigate their way through the challenges on the field, Marsh continues to draw strength from the subtle yet poignant reminders of his father’s presence. The bond between the players, fueled by shared moments and inside jokes, reflects a team united not just in their quest for victory but in their shared experiences and memories that transcend the game.
