In the world of professional baseball, where superstitions and rituals are as common as home runs and strikeouts, the Philadelphia Phillies have embraced a unique trend: necklaces. These quirky accessories have become more than just fashion statements; they’ve evolved into symbols of team unity, personal expression, and a touch of good luck.
I. The Necklace Craze on the Phillies
The necklace craze on the Phillies can be traced back to the 2022 season when star outfielder Bryce Harper started wearing a distinctive gold chain during games. Harper’s necklace quickly became a talking point among fans and players alike, and before long, other teammates followed suit, donning their own unique pieces.
First baseman Rhys Hoskins, known for his power hitting and infectious enthusiasm, was one of the early adopters of the necklace trend. In an interview, he shared his personal connection to his necklace: “It’s a simple chain with a cross pendant that my wife gave me. It reminds me of my faith and my family, and it’s become a part of my routine on gameday.”
As the trend grew, so did the variety of necklaces sported by the Phillies players. From chunky gold chains to delicate pendants, from religious symbols to personalized charms, each player’s necklace became an extension of their individuality and a conversation starter in the clubhouse.
Necklace Types Worn by Phillies Players
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Chains | Ranging from thick, industrial-style chains to sleek, minimalist designs, chains are a popular choice for their durability and versatility. |
| Pendants | Players often wear pendants featuring religious symbols, team logos, or personal mementos, adding a touch of meaning to their necklaces. |
| Beaded Necklaces | These necklaces, often made of wood, stone, or metal beads, offer a more casual and bohemian vibe. |
Popular Jewelry Pie Chart
II. The Necklace Makers
While many players purchase their necklaces from professional jewelers or online retailers, a few Phillies have taken their love for necklaces one step further by learning the art of necklace-making themselves. These talented individuals have turned their passion into a hobby, crafting unique pieces for their teammates and fostering an even deeper sense of camaraderie within the clubhouse.
1. Aaron Nola
Aaron Nola, the ace of the Phillies’ pitching staff, is known for his pinpoint control and fierce competitiveness on the mound. But when he’s not mowing down batters, Nola can be found hunched over his workbench, meticulously crafting necklaces for his teammates.
“It started as a way to pass the time during the offseason,” Nola explained. “I’ve always been fascinated by metalwork and jewelry-making, so I decided to give it a try. The first few attempts were pretty rough, but I kept at it, and now I’ve got a little side hustle going.”
Nola’s necklaces are a testament to his attention to detail and craftsmanship. He sources high-quality materials, including sterling silver, gold-filled chains, and semi-precious stones, and carefully assembles each piece by hand. His teammates have embraced his creations, often requesting custom designs or incorporating personal touches like birthstones or engraved initials.
2. Jean Segura
Jean Segura, the Phillies’ dynamic shortstop, is known for his lightning-quick reflexes and acrobatic defensive plays. But off the field, Segura has a different kind of passion: beadwork.
“Growing up in the Dominican Republic, beadwork was a common craft,” Segura shared. “My grandmother taught me how to make bracelets and necklaces using traditional techniques, and it’s been a part of my life ever since.”
Segura’s necklaces are a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures, often incorporating intricate patterns and designs. He sources beads from all over the world, including glass beads from Venice, wooden beads from Africa, and semi-precious stones from South America.
“Each necklace is a little piece of my culture and my heritage,” Segura said with pride. “And now, I get to share that with my teammates and create something truly unique for them.”
III. The Meaning Behind the Necklaces
While the necklaces themselves are undoubtedly stylish and eye-catching, they hold a deeper significance for the Phillies players. For some, the necklaces serve as tangible reminders of their faith, family, or personal journeys. For others, they are symbols of good luck, a talisman to ward off slumps or injuries.
But beyond individual meanings, the necklaces have become a unifying force within the Phillies clubhouse, fostering a sense of camaraderie and team spirit.
“It’s not just about wearing a necklace,” said manager Rob Thomson. “It’s about the bond we’ve created as a team. When you see a guy wearing a necklace made by one of his teammates, it’s a symbol of the trust and respect we have for each other.”
This sentiment was echoed by veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen, who embraced the necklace trend wholeheartedly: “Baseball can be a grind, physically and mentally. Having these little reminders of our brotherhood, our shared experiences, and our commitment to each other helps keep us focused and motivated, even on the toughest days.”
Charitable Initiatives Related to Necklaces
Beyond the clubhouse, the Phillies’ necklace craze has also inspired charitable initiatives. In the 2023 season, the team partnered with a local jewelry designer to create a limited-edition necklace, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting youth baseball programs in underserved communities.
The initiative was spearheaded by Bryce Harper, who saw an opportunity to use the necklace trend for a greater good.
“These necklaces have brought us together as a team, but they can also bring the community together,” Harper said. “By supporting youth baseball programs, we’re investing in the future of the game and giving kids a chance to experience the same joy and camaraderie that we feel on the field.”
The limited-edition necklaces were a resounding success, selling out within days and raising thousands of dollars for local youth baseball programs.
IV. Conclusion
The Philadelphia Phillies’ necklace craze has proven to be more than just a passing fad. It has become a symbol of unity, personal expression, and a shared love for the game of baseball. From the talented players who craft these unique pieces to the teammates who wear them with pride, the necklaces have woven themselves into the fabric of the team’s identity.
As the 2024 season approaches, it’s clear that the necklace trend shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it has become an integral part of the Phillies’ culture, a tradition that new players will undoubtedly embrace and carry forward.
In the words of Aaron Nola, summing up the sentiment behind the necklaces: “It’s not just about the jewelry or the fashion. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself, something that connects us all as teammates and as brothers on the field.”
V. The Necklace Subculture
As the necklace craze continues to gain momentum within the Phillies organization, a unique subculture has emerged, complete with its own traditions, customs, and unwritten rules. This subculture has become an integral part of the team’s identity, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among players and fans alike.
The Necklace Gifting Tradition
One of the most enduring traditions within the Phillies’ necklace subculture is the act of gifting necklaces to new teammates or rookies making their major league debut. This gesture serves as a warm welcome to the club, a symbolic initiation into the brotherhood of necklace-wearing Phillies players.
Kyle Schwarber, the powerful outfielder known for his prodigious home runs, shared his experience of receiving his first Phillies necklace: “It was a simple silver chain with a small ‘P’ pendant, but it meant the world to me. It was a sign that I was truly part of this team, part of this family. I’ve kept that necklace close ever since.”
The Necklace Trade
Within the Phillies’ clubhouse, a unique practice has emerged: the necklace trade. Players will often swap or trade necklaces with teammates, exchanging pieces that hold personal significance or sentimental value.
Rhys Hoskins, a veteran of the necklace subculture, explained the tradition: “It’s like swapping baseball cards as kids, but with a deeper meaning. When you trade a necklace, you’re not just exchanging jewelry; you’re sharing a piece of your story, your journey, with your teammate. It’s a bond that can’t be broken.”
These necklace trades have become coveted opportunities, with players often spending hours meticulously crafting or selecting the perfect piece to offer in exchange.
Necklace Etiquette and Superstitions
As with any subculture, the Phillies’ necklace craze has developed its own set of unwritten rules and superstitions. For instance, it is considered bad luck to remove or tamper with a teammate’s necklace without their permission, as it is believed to disrupt the wearer’s mojo or energy.
Additionally, there are specific rituals and routines surrounding the wearing of necklaces during games. Some players believe that their necklaces must be worn a certain way or touch a specific part of their body before stepping onto the field. Others have strict protocols for cleaning or maintaining their necklaces, ensuring that their lucky charms remain in pristine condition.
| Necklace Superstition | Description |
|---|---|
| Touching the Necklace | Many players will touch or rub their necklace before stepping into the batter’s box or taking the mound, believing it channels positive energy and focus. |
| Necklace Positioning | Some players have specific preferences for how their necklace should hang or rest against their chest or back, believing it affects their performance or luck. |
| Necklace Cleansing | Certain players follow strict rituals for cleansing or purifying their necklaces, often using sage, salt, or other natural elements to remove negative energy or “bad juju.” |
While these superstitions and rituals may seem quirky or even irrational to outsiders, they hold deep significance within the Phillies’ necklace subculture, reinforcing the bond between players and their commitment to the team’s success.
VI. The Necklace Influence: Beyond the Phillies
The Phillies’ necklace craze has not gone unnoticed by the rest of the baseball world. In fact, it has sparked a ripple effect, with players from other teams embracing the trend and putting their own unique spin on it.
Necklace Trends in Other MLB Teams
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Several Dodgers players, including Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger, have been spotted wearing thick gold chains and diamond-studded pendants, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to their on-field looks.
- New York Yankees: Known for their traditional and stoic approach, the Yankees have embraced the necklace trend with a more understated flair. Players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have been seen wearing simple leather or woven bracelets, often with subtle team logos or initials.
- Houston Astros: The Astros have taken the necklace craze to new heights, incorporating unique materials like repurposed baseball leather and custom-made charms featuring the team’s iconic logo or player numbers.
As the necklace trend continues to spread across Major League Baseball, it has also sparked discussions and debates within the sport’s culture and community.
The Necklace Debate: Fashion or Distraction?
While many players and fans have embraced the necklace craze as a harmless form of self-expression and team bonding, others have raised concerns about potential distractions or safety issues.
Some traditionalists argue that necklaces and jewelry should have no place on the baseball field, citing potential interference with play or the risk of injury. They believe that players should focus solely on the game itself, without any extraneous adornments or accessories.
Conversely, supporters of the necklace trend argue that it is a harmless form of personal expression and individuality, no different from players’ choice of batting gloves, cleats, or other on-field gear. They contend that as long as the necklaces do not pose a legitimate safety risk, players should be free to express themselves and their personalities through their accessories.
This debate has sparked lively discussions within the baseball community, with both sides passionately defending their positions. Ultimately, the decision on whether to embrace or restrict the necklace trend lies with individual teams and league officials, who must weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks.
VII. The Future of the Necklace Craze
As the 2024 season approaches, the necklace craze shows no signs of slowing down within the Phillies organization or across Major League Baseball. In fact, many predict that it will continue to evolve and take on new forms, reflecting the ever-changing fashion trends and personal styles of players.
Emerging Necklace Trends and Predictions
- Personalized Charms and Engravings: Players may increasingly opt for necklaces featuring personalized charms or engravings, such as initials, birthdates, or meaningful symbols or quotes.
- Sustainable and Ethical Jewelry: As environmental and social consciousness grows within the sports world, players may gravitate toward necklaces made from sustainable or ethically-sourced materials, such as recycled metals or fair-trade gemstones.
- Technological Advancements: With the rapid advancement of wearable technology, it is conceivable that necklaces could eventually incorporate fitness tracking, biometric monitoring, or other performance-enhancing features, blurring the line between fashion and function.
Regardless of the specific trends or innovations that emerge, one thing is certain: the necklace craze has firmly cemented itself as a part of the Phillies’ identity and the broader baseball culture. It serves as a powerful reminder of the camaraderie, individuality, and passion that lies at the heart of America’s favorite pastime.