Nick Castellanos’ son Liam is Phillies’ good luck charm
PHILADELPHIA (BVM) – Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos made MLB postseason history Thursday, becoming the first player to ever have back-to-back multi-home run games. While Castellanos’ achievements are difficult to ignore, many Phillies fans are crediting one fan in particular for his successes. Nick’s son Liam was in attendance for both of his dad’s historic performances after not attending in months and fans are beginning to think it’s no coincidence that Nick has had a lot of success.
“I haven’t seen him in over a month. So for him now to be here and to be able to witness postseason baseball and just for him to be close enough for where he can feel it, you know, it’s so important for me,” Nick said after Game 3. “And just to see him thrive and enjoy and be a part of something magical, I mean as a father, like I can’t ask for more.”
Nick Castellanos son Liam hasn’t been at the ballpark since Summer because of school.
But he’s sitting front row for the NLDS and his dad has hit 3 home runs in 24 hours.
Even better, Nick points right at him after touching home plate.pic.twitter.com/alMd5UNq8d
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) October 13, 2023
The two Castellanos have had an outstanding relationship throughout Nick’s career, which has made Liam a fan favorite in numerous stops. When Nick was with the Cincinnati Reds, Liam was there with him, endearing himself to fans.
This includes an awesome father-son moment when Nick wore a shirt designed by Liam to the 2021 All-Star Game.
Nick Castellanos sporting the custom-drawn shirt by his son, Liam. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jmou7GKyUA
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 13, 2021
The shirt garnered so much popularity among Reds’ fans that Liam donated the $18,465.29 of proceeds from the shirt to the Cincinnati-based charity The Dragonfly Foundation, which Nick would match.
Special guests for @DragonflyCinci ! Thank you @Reds for this special moment! pic.twitter.com/okrQhtPvoL
— Jess Castellanos (@jessgomezzz) September 4, 2021
Unfortunately, these moments aren’t as consistent as Nick would like them to be. Nick shares custody of the 10-year-old with his ex-wife Vanessa Hernandez and, while the two still maintain a good relationship following their divorce in 2017, Liam spends most of the time living in Florida with his mom.
“This is what I do for a living, baseball is my job and it takes me away from him more than I would like it to,” Nick said after Game 4. “He’s been at the house when I’ve sucked, he’s been at the house when I’ve done well, he’s been at the house during so many different times of my career throughout his life, so for him to be able to be next to me and witness all of it I think is good for his maturation in the future. As close as I can keep him to me will always make me happier.”
While the two aren’t able to share every moment together, they’ve been fortunate enough to create a handful of great memories including Liam being mic’d up for Father’s Day this year.
@mlb We mic’d up Nick Castellanos’ son Liam and it was awesome ❤️ #fathersday #dad #castellanos #son #micdup
Of course, one of the inevitable questions that comes up is if Liam would want to play professional baseball just like his dad. While he’s still a few years off from making that decision, that doesn’t mean Nick hasn’t thought about it.
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t cross my mind,” Castellanos told MLB.com. “It doesn’t guarantee anything. But look at the greatest players in the game right now. You’ve got [Bo] Bichette, you’ve got Vladimir Guerrero [Jr.], you’ve got Fernando Tatis [Jr.]. You know? Bloodlines are a real thing.”
ESPN made this awesome video of Nick & Liam Castellanos during the #LittleLeagueClassic 🥹
(📸: @espn) @michcast05 pic.twitter.com/qlEEQgJzvj
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) August 21, 2023
However, regardless of what lies ahead, Nick knows that he is a winner no matter what thanks to Liam.
“It reminds me how unimportant whatever happens is,” Castellanos continued. “It also reminds me of how important whatever happens is. Because if I do it, that’s amazing. It’s a memory for him. If I don’t, at the end of the day it’s a game.”
Heart = melted pic.twitter.com/VvIuOkVtYd
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 12, 2023
With Liam by his side, Nick is focused on making even more memories and breaking more records. One thing the father-son duo has yet to share is a World Series championship, but if Liam continues attending games perhaps the two will be able to share yet another incredible moment together.
Liam Castellanos Lifetime contract NOW!!! pic.twitter.com/8Mt9KOfflx
— Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) October 13, 2023
