Revere returns to former ballpark for first time
Blue Jays left fielder acquired from Phillies prior to non-waiver Trade Deadline
PHILADELPHIA -- Ben Revere sat in the visitors' dugout at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday afternoon and admitted he felt a little out of place. After two and a half seasons with the Phillies, Revere was traded to the Blue Jays prior to the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Entering Tuesday night's 8-5 victory, Revere was batting .216 (11-for-51) in 15 games since joining Toronto, and while he misses his former home, he understands the opportunity he's been given.
"It's been a rough little ride for a few weeks," said Revere, who batted seventh on Tuesday night against the Phillies. "It's a new league and I'm learning all of the pitchers, and I'm working on making an adjustment.
"But it's been great. [The Blue Jays] have welcomed me in and I'm the everyday left fielder. This is all about having fun and contributing to a team fighting for a playoff spot."
A postseason spot certainly wasn't in the immediate future of the Phillies (46-72), who own the worst record in baseball. Even after a strong start to the second half, Revere knows that Toronto (65-54) has risen quickly in the American League and entered Tuesday just a game behind the Yankees in the AL East.
"It's a good fit," Revere said. "It's kind of like Philadelphia in that it's a big city and we're playing in front of sellout crowds. When I first got there, we had a one o'clock game on a Wednesday that was rocking. I just want to help this club win.
"They are going through some changes, and sure I miss the guys and I wanted to help them get back [to the playoffs]. It didn't work out, and now I want to help this team."