PHOTOS: Preston & Steve at Phillies Spring Training

Coming to you from Clearwater, Florida, The Preston & Steve Show is live from Phillies Spring Training. It's like a normal P&S show, but from a mobile studio set up in the outfield of Baycare Ballpark and in 75 degree weather. The gang was joined by several members of the Phillies organization, including former manager Larry Bowa, new signee Whit Merrifield, fan favorite outfielder Brandon Marsh, and former outfielder Shane Victorino. While each of them had different things to talk about, common themes included team dynamics, this season’s outlook, and strangely, golf. Thank you to Philly Sports Trips for powering the trip. Livestream. 

Bowa played a game of golf the other day with Turner and Stott. He managed to get a hole in one, and the only thing that can match the joy of that accomplishment would be the Phillies going all the way and winning the World Series this year. The Phils came up short in the NLCS last year against Arizona, and that frustration is a good motivator. The team has the ability to go all the way, and it helps that the vibes are off the charts. No one goes through the motions, and everyone is playing for each other. And hey, the 1980 and 2008 World Series victories happened during Leap Years... Livestream. 

Whit Merrifield is disgustingly good at sports, and that’s because he comes from a sports family. His father was also a pro baseball player, while his mom was a college tennis player. In his first interview with Philly media, we learned about Merrifield’s passion for golf and the Wake Forest University basketball program, among other things. We also learned about him being a foodie, and dubbed him “Cheesesteak Whit.” Welcome to Philly Mr. Merrifield! Livestream. 

Developing friend of the show Brandon Marsh’s back knee is fully healed, and he is ready to go this season! Marsh stopped by our booth really quick to talk about his imaginary friends in the outfield, how amazing of a player Johan Rojas is, and wanting to have a confetti cannon full of shaving cream. Marsh also learns about Casey’s hunt for an alligator, and plays a game of “Hairball,” answering trivia questions on beards and hair. Livestream. 

“They’re doing backflips!’ Going back to the golf theme, former Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino loves golf courses that let him play barefoot. He also talks about being blown away by the Savanah Bananas, and the tear-jerking moments of watching his 13-year-old son play with professional outfielders. Victorino wishes he could’ve played with his son, but he’s also proud of what he’s doing on his own. Victorino is cautious about the Phils this season: he also wants them to go back to the World Series this year, but he also wants people to temper their expectations. The game is hard, and getting through the playoffs is even harder. At the same, Victorino thinks this is a great winning core. Livestream. 

And that was the first day of Preston & Steve at Spring Training! There’s a lot of hope for the Philliess for this season, and also a lot of enthusiasm for a different sport in golf! Join us tomorrow for more Spring Training action!