BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Kody Clemens said he’s focused on doing all he can to help the Phillies not fall short in the playoffs again this season.
The same can be said for Clemens’ commitment to ensuring IronPigs Charities don’t fall short in their mission to fund various organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley.
A key reserve player for the Phillies and a former IronPigs star, Clemens was joined by fellow key reserve Weston Wilson and Phillies TV play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy at the annual Phillies Winter Caravan at a sold-out ArtsQuest on Thursday night.
All proceeds from the caravan benefit IronPigs Charities which supports educational and recreational opportunities for Lehigh Valley youth, focusing on diversity and inclusion.
“It’s so important for us to be part of something like this, to help people through the IronPigs Charities,” said Clemens.
“It’s super cool for us to be able to use our platform like this to talk to fans to help raise money for a great cause. That’s why we’re here."
In addition to ticket sales, funding for the charity was raised through a raffle and auction of sports memorabilia.
“There are a few things about this night that are special,” said Kurt Landes, president and general manager of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and president of IronPigs Charities.
“It recaps to the public our contributions annually from charities to nonprofit foundations. It also really focuses on our winter grant program, which this year is just over $80,000 back to the community.”
“It’s so important for us to be part of something like this, to help people through the IronPigs Charities."Kody Clemens, Phillies utility player
IronPigs Charities supplies funding through its spring grant program, which focuses on youth facilities, and the winter grant program which supports other nonprofits that are program-based.
Wilson said supporting charitable events is a chance to say thank you to fans who support the Phillies, the IronPigs and worthy organizations in the Lehigh Valley.
“It’s gratifying to be part of something like this to help people in the community,” he said. “Whether it’s helping youth leagues or nonprofits, it’s all for a good cause. It’s special for me to be part of this tonight.”
What would also be special for Clemens and Wilson would be for the Phillies to reverse a troubling trend of falling short in the playoffs.
For three consecutive seasons, the Phils have experienced playoff disappointment.
In the 2022 World Series, they lost to Houston in six games.
In the 2023 National League Championship Series, they lost in seven games to Arizona, including the final two games of the series at home.
And last year’s sour ending, an early exit at the hands of the despised New York Mets in four games in the NL Division Series.
“Losing to the Mets was a shock, for sure,” said Clemens, who delivered a pinch-hit RBI in the ninth inning of the Game 1 loss.
“The Mets were extremely hot and we were cold. Unfortunately, they were the team we ran into.
“It was tough. But we still have a great core here. We’re very good. We have a ton of superstars that mesh well. We’re going to get back in the playoffs this year and make another run at it. We’re excited.”
Clemens was a key contributor off the bench last season. In 43 games, he batted only .219 but had five home runs, 18 RBI and 15 extra-base hits.
Whenever the Phillies needed a clutch hit, it seemed Clemens delivered. Of his 25 hits, four gave the Phillies the lead or won the game and one tied the game. Six of Clemens’ 18 RBI came with two outs and runners in scoring position.
This month, the Phillies agreed to terms with left-handers Jesús Luzardo and Ranger Suárez and infielders Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott and outfielder Brandon Marsh on one-year contracts.
In December, former Twins outfielder Max Kepler was signed to a one-year, $10 million contract. He is slated to be the team’s everyday left fielder.
Last season, the two-time All-Star batted .253 with eight homers and 42 RBIs. He turns 32 next month and is coming off surgery to repair a partially detached abdominal muscle.
The Phillies bullpen was a disaster against the Mets, posting an 11.37 ERA. It was the fifth-highest ERA by any bullpen in any series in postseason history (minimum 10 innings).
To bolster the bullpen, the Phils signed former Toronto All-Star closer Jordan Romano to a one-year, $8.5 million contract.
“I honestly think we had a great bullpen last year,” said Wilson, a former IronPig, who batted .284 (25-for-88) with three home runs and 10 RBI in 40 games for the Phillies.
“We just ran into a hot team at the wrong time. I don’t think it was the bullpen’s fault one bit.”
Wilson said the additions of Kepler and Romano should bolster an already exceptional team.
“I think our team collectively is very excited about this season,” he said. “This team is hungry. We don’t want what happened last year to happen again. We don't want to fall short.”
