'Dad strength': Galvis homers hours after daughter is born

July 4th, 2017

PHILADELPHIA -- played Monday night's game at Citizens Bank Park with a white hospital security band on his right wrist.
Galvis needed it. He planned to return to the hospital following the Phillies' 4-0 victory over the Pirates. His wife Ana gave birth at 5:53 in the morning to their second daughter, Nicole Montserrat Galvis (seven pounds, 19 inches). Galvis enjoyed the moment with his wife, then returned home around 10 a.m. to sleep for a few hours before going to work in the afternoon.
"Long day," Galvis said.
But a great one. Galvis stepped into the batter's box in the bottom of the first inning and crushed a first-pitch fastball from Pirates right-hander to right field for a two-run home run. The ball travelled a projected 417 feet, matching Galvis' longest home run since Statcast™'s debut in 2015.

"Dad strength," Phillies left-hander said.
But seriously, how in the world did Galvis have the energy to do that?
"I don't know, man," Galvis said, chuckling. "It's a pretty good day. My second baby, and after we saw everything was good, I tried to get here and I tried to help the team."
Galvis said Nicole was due 10 days ago, on the first day of a nine-game road trip through Arizona, Seattle and New York.
He made the trip and played.
"Well, before we went on this road trip, Freddy came in and told us because we were concerned about him possibly having to return while we were in Arizona or Seattle," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "He said, 'My whole family is here. I'm not coming back. I'm going to play.' He's just a gamer." 
Fortunately, Nicole waited until her father returned.
"I thank God," Galvis said. "He works in different ways. It's pretty amazing."
Galvis is hitting .253 with 16 doubles, four triples, eight home runs, 33 RBIs and a .716 OPS this season. He continues to play Gold Glove-caliber defense and has established himself as a leader in the clubhouse.
His teammates were impressed.
"The guy is unbelievable, man," Phillies right-hander said. "I wouldn't want anybody to be at shortstop other than that guy. He's been great for us. He's our leader. It was pretty cool to see tonight what he did."
Galvis was the second-most tired person in his family Monday night -- Ana definitely gets the honors there -- but even he could have used a little more sleep, right? Wasn't he exhausted?
"No, not right now," Galvis said. "We won. When we win, I'm not tired."