Farzy Show Special: Phillies Catcher Garrett Stubbs
Welcome to The Farzy Show Special Interview on the Rothman Orthopedics Guest Line with Phillies Backstop Garrett Stubbs. The Phillies catcher and San Diego native provides insight into the mindset, atmosphere, and overall attitude that Rob Thomson inspires in this clubhouse. The Houston Astros selected Stubbs in the eighth round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He played three years with the Astros before they traded him to the Phillies in November 2021 for a minor leaguer. Currently, Stubbs’ younger brother is in the Houston organization. Now, Garrett is playing for the Phillies and soaking up every minute.
First, Stubbs talks about his return to Southern California, specifically the Del Mar area, where his father started the travel baseball team, the Del Mar Powerhouse. Marc dives into the Bryce Harper injury’s effect on the team. Garrett and the Phils believe this was a punch to the gut, but Mickey Moniak getting the call up to fulfill a role will be vital to the team’s success. The next man up mentality and support from the team and city will keep the Phils in the hunt.
Next, Farzy asks about the managerial transition of Joe Girardi to Rob Thomson. Stubbs says everyone loved Joe. The way things worked out, the Phils ended up winning more ballgames with Thomson. Girardi supports Thomson, and their friendship is still strong. “Thopper” provides energy and grittiness to the team with the “F-you Mentality” that the Phillies play. Thomson provides the even keel manner needed to support the players.
Then, Farzy and Stubbs discuss his move to Philadelphia, hitting his first Major League homer and walk-off homer this season. Stubbs says he was “losing his mind” over the walk-off against the Marlins. Garrett says the Phillies want consistent series wins and impactfully move up the standings. They are preparing for Atlanta like any other series. The SoCal native believes he has the best job in the world. Backing up the BCIB and learning from him is unreal.
Moreover, Marc mentions the electric stuff that Seranthony Dominguez has and asks Stubbs if he thinks he will grow into the closer role? Stubbs believes he is capable, but it is a higher-up decision at the end of the day. More importantly, Farzy asks about Garrett’s walk-up music choice, Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life.” In 2020 or 2021, Stubbs thought this song was the perfect vibe to carry into the season coming out of the pandemic. Additionally, Garrett loves older music. What’s not to love about Sinatra music? He decided to keep the song and bring Frank to Philly.
Finally, Garrett highlights his impressions of Philly. He says his insight came from Philadelphia native and former teammate Chas McCormick. He knows he has so much more to explore but has been to some center city favorites on his off days. Stubbs uses his electric bike to get around the city because there is no parking. Overall, Garrett Stubbs loves his role with the Phillies, and Philadelphia fits well with him.
Link for Garrett Stubbs Interview
Photo Credits: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports