SJM_524_Bryson Stott - FINAL_Profile ( Dept . ) 5 / 29 / 24 11 : 24 AM Page 3 And while other players on the team change their tunes year to year , some even within the season , Stott says the song’s connection to the fans has been cemented . “ It’s not going anywhere , ” he affirms . “ I’ve been told plenty of times on social media that I can never change it . ” While the song certainly gets the crowd excited , nothing has Phillies fans buzzing more than the team’s high level of play in recent seasons . After two years of long playoff runs , this season the team got off to the franchise’s best start since 1913 and Stott remains a major contributor . A skilled glove in the field , he’s also becoming one of the game’s better hitters , especially in clutch moments . As the team looks to get back to , and hopefully win , the World Series , Stott is poised to play a major role . We had the opportunity to chat with the talented young star about his goals for this season B R Y S O N and beyond , his special bond with Bryce Harper , and how the loss of a close childhood friend con - tinues to inspire him and others . S T O T T out to eat . It’s not a couple guys here and To have such great postseason runs ultimately be there , we’ll get 10 , 15 , 20 guys each time . cut short the past couple of years , how much It’s just a blast to be a part of that . does that fuel you guys to try and get over that hump ? Obviously , winning a World Series is + Withthe team performing so well in always the goal , but it’s certainly more realistic qa recentyears , the fans have really come for some teams versus others . out in full force . Can you talk a little bit There’s certain things that we would like to have about what they mean to you guys ? done differently in those games . Obviously , we It’s unbelievable . Obviously the playoffs can’t do that now , so there’s always the goal to get back there . The things that we did are a whole different level of craziness , do well , we want to keep doing . And the things that we didn’t do well , we want to but during the regular season the fans are change . So , I think we are in a good spot . also packing the games . Or they’ll see us in the street and say , “ Good luck . ” I think You have continued to improve both it’s really cool to know they care so much . in the field and at the plate . Do you When you’re not doing well , they have any personal goals you are obviously let you know . When you are looking to achieve this season ? doing well , it’s great . You just want to Not really , just to be able to play every make sure you’re giving your all and try - day and stay on the field . I want to go ing your hardest and showing effort on out there and have good at - bats and each play , and they’re going to love you . play good defense . As long as the We have a lot of guys who understand team is playing well , all the personal that . Yeah , you might not be playing the stuff comes with that . I just want to best , but you’re still out there giving it be ready when my name is called and your all . Hustling , being aggressive , go out and give it my best . things like that . … I think this team knows how to play here and that’s why You and Brandon Marsh are cer - we connect so well with the fans . It’s been tainly popular with the fans , but you an absolute blast . two are even more beloved for ambushing your teammates during In June , Phillies fans will get the postgame interviews . Are you sur - chance to travel to London to see you prised how much attention those guys take on the New York Mets . Are celebrations have received ? you excited for the opportunity to play Kind of . The amount of people who in that series ? are still at the games when it’s over and Yeah , that should be a fun series . I think wait for five minutes for the TV crew to get set up , that doesn’t really surprise us . The it’s cool what MLB is doing with trying to people [ here ] don’t leave early and it’s pretty cool . grow the game . I’ve been to London and it’s a cool city , so I can’t wait to go back . What about when you’re on the receiving end , do you get it way worse because everyone is trying to pay you back ? Last year at the MLB Little League Yeah , they let me know . Classic , you got a lot of attention for your No . 2 pencil bat . Do you have some - The fans can see how much you guys pull for each other and it resonates . How fun thing special lined up for this year ? is it to be a part of this group ? I’m sure the success you’ve had helps , but it really Yeah , I got something . I don’t know if seems like you guys are extremely close - knit . I’ll be able to use it during the game , Anytime you get a good clubhouse , they’re not teammates : They’re friends and brothers . but during batting practice I’ll have I don’t think that’s the case in a lot of locker rooms in baseball , or in all of sports , period . something . It’s good to have that closeness and that bond . When we go out to eat , everyone is going SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 21 issue 2 SouthJerseyMagazine.com 20 |