Michael Jordan Honor Fails to Bring Luck as Philadelphia Phillies Meet Disheartening Defeat to $119 Million Payroll Diamondbacks

Anyone would want to bring the Air Jordan lucky charm at a big game and pray that it works. At least that’s what a certain right fielder for the Phillies was gunning for. Baseball pros were channeling NBA stars’ winning mentality in their fashion going into the MLB playoffs. One went all out bringing the Michael Jordan vibe. It certainly hyped up Phillies nation before the game.

Unfortunately for Philadelphia fans, the MJ charm fell a little short. They’d just have to follow Jordan’s policy of accepting defeat.

Phillies draw energy from Michael Jordan

The Citizens Bank Park was bustling with Chicago Bulls drive because of Nick Castellanos. The outfielder displayed he’s ready for the game by strutting to the venue in a vintage Bulls jersey. The number his statement NBA jersey bore was none other than the iconic No.23.

Within moments, Castellanos’ Game 7 fashion statement was all over social media. Phillies fans were hyped by his nod to Michael Jordan. After all, who wouldn’t want to go into a game aiming for glory akin to MJ’s?

The Phillies made it to the World Series in 2022 and were edged down to third place. Castellanos was aiming to make it farther this year for sure. Sadly, His Airness’ energy alone couldn’t amplify the efforts on the Phillies’ end.

The Diamondbacks clinched a 4-2 victory in the NLCS against the home team. The Phillies’ World Series hopes were crushed with a disappointing elimination from the playoffs. Castellanos was visibly downcast after going 0-4. Furthermore, the fact that a team with a $119 million payroll thrashed the Phillies, who have a $251 million payroll, is hard to digest for Philadelphia fans.

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While fans were first pumped by Castellanos’ MJ nod, the opinion changed after the game. Fans were quick to recall how His Airness‘ baseball career was short and relatively unsuccessful.

Jordan had retired for the first time in 1993 to play minor league baseball with the Chicago White Sox. He donned the no.45 jersey then.

It may not have gone the way they wanted it to. However, this wasn’t the only way NBA stars were featured in the NLCS game.

Charles Barkley and more appear on the Phillies’ side

Alongside Castellanos, his teammate Bryce Harper decided to wear a Patrick Beverley jersey.

Perhaps he was hoping to bring the Philadelphia 76ers powerhouse’s dynamic to Game 7. That wasn’t the only Sixer legend there in spirit. As always Charles Barkley‘s face was displayed on the stadium screen cheering for the Phillies.

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It’s well-known the 76ers icon is a diehard Phillies fan too and he was rooting for his team. All of that winning NBA energy fell short of the Phillies’ MLB playoffs aspirations. What did you think about these tributes anyway?