ATLANTA Tyler Phillips couldn't quite put his emotions into words on Friday. I don't know what's going on, he said, visibly overwhelmed. I cant feel my arms, I cant feel my legs. The 26-year-old right-hander had just received the call to join the Phillies, marking the end of a nine-year Minor League journey and the beginning of a dream come true. Phillips, a South Jersey native and graduate of Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, was promoted from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to join the Phillies bullpen for the weekend series. The promotion came as the team needed an extra arm, particularly with the possibility of rain and a limited-pitch count for rookie Michael Mercado, who was set to start on Sunday. For Phillips, this moment was even more special because it came with the Philliesa team he grew up cheering for with his family. Its huge, he said, taking a pause to reflect. I dont think my dad quite understands what's happening right now. When my grandpa was alive, he would call my dad after every Phillies win and talk about the game, especially the ones with Ryan Howard. Phillips' grandfather, Frank, was a diehard Phillies fan, and his passion for the team was something Tyler grew up with. We used to play catch in the backyard with my grandpa https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/hoodies-8, and now having my son and dad here with me, it's surreal. Phillips named his three-year-old son Frank after his late grandfather, and the boy has inherited the same love for baseball. He eats, breathes, sleeps it, Phillips said. He asks to play catch every day, and I know hes going to grow up loving the Phillies like I did. Phillips first experienced the magic of Citizens Bank Park as a toddler, though his first memory of a Phillies game was likely on July 3 Jim Eisenreich Jersey, 1999, when the Phillies destroyed the Cubs 21-8 at Veterans Stadium. I remember my dad saying, This is your first game, and the Phillies are blowing them out, Phillips recalled with a smile. As a kid, Phillips idolized Scott Rolen, then switched to rooting for Jimmy Rollins when Rolen was traded. His childhood memories also included playing MVP Baseball 2005 on his PlayStation 2, eagerly awaiting the turn of players like Jim Thome and Bobby Abreu. Though he didnt attend the 2008 World Series parade his mother insisted he stay in school), Phillips was a passionate supporter of the teams championship run. Now, after years of perseverance, Phillips is living his dream as a member of the Phillies. I dont even know what Im feeling right now, he said, fighting back tears. This team means everything to me. My dad, my grandfather, the love we all share for the Philliesits indescribable. With his family by his side in Atlanta, Phillips hopes his son will one day understand the depth of this moment and continue the legacy of Phillies fandom in their family. https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/jesus_luzardo_jersey-278