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Phillies’ 72nd Man: Joe Girardi Shares Special Bond with Fan

One week from today, Saturday, February 22, the Philadelphia Phillies will play in their Grapefruit League opener opposite the Detroit Tigers.

And, while the new-look team and coaching staff continues to prepare for the 2020 season at the Carpenter Complex, they still make time for fans who make the trip down to Clearwater, Florida.

Among them is Pete Brodzinski: a lifelong Phillies fan, South Jersey resident and brother of new Phillies Bullpen Catcher/Catching Coach, Greg Brodzinski.

After manager Joe Girardi got hired this offseason, it did not take much time for he and Pete, who has Down syndrome, to become friends.