After spending the better part of seven seasons in the Boston Red Sox organization, Josh Ockimey jumped at the opportunity to join the team he grew up rooting for.
“It was the lockout happening, and there wasn’t a lot of people signing. It was getting late in the offseason. We were all just sitting around waiting for any phone call at that point, to hear that it was the Phillies I jumped up out of my seat and told my agent ‘let’s do it,'” Ockimey said.
Ockimey played his high school ball in for Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School in South Philadelphia, just two miles from Citizens Bank Park.
“It’s really exciting going to go to the ballpark and see all the Phillies gear and see all the stuff they have on the walls. It makes you really think back to me being in grade school watching that ’08 World Series team and just growing up around the Phillies. It’s just so exciting to get a chance to put on the uniform and just get to go out there and play baseball in that uniform,” he said.
How Josh Ockimey Can Fit In
Coming into a new situation after being somewhere for as long as he was, is difficult for anyone. But Ockimey is thriving early on with the Phillies.
“It’s been amazing so far. We’re already seeing live pitchers, that’s going well. It’s so nice to get out there and compete every day it’s been really nice,” he reiterated.
When asked about a potential fit within the Phillies organization, Ockimey has his sights on his Major League Debut.
“Like any player, at some point in the season [I] want to get up there. So far I feel very comfortable. It’s something about a new start with a new team. Having it be my hometown team, it feels great. It makes the focus going forward a little easier, rather than saying I have to get comfortable first. It takes the edge off,” Ockimey said.
Josh Ockimey signed a minor league deal with the Phillies in February 2022. He has a career slash line of .237/.360/.427 with 96 home runs and 357 RBIs.
Photo By: Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire
