Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker walked onto Citizens Bank Park recently in a game against the Phillies, making it a homecoming for the Norristown native, writes Alex Coffey for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

This was not his first game in his hometown, however each one has a special meaning for Walker, who grew up a Phillies fan.

It did not take Walker long to understand what an intense relationship Philadelphia has with its sports teams. He experienced the city rally around the Phillies and decided he wanted to be a part of that in the future.

Years later, Walker is still a fan. He followed the team’s 2022 playoff run and he also regularly follows the Eagles, 76ers, and Flyers.

After all, Philadelphia and its sports helped shape who he is today.

“The passion the fans have is contagious,” he said. “It makes you want to rise to the occasion. It can be full of pressure sometimes, but it was the fan in me early that realized how cool it was to play on that stage. And to have people care about what you’re doing.”

Read more about Christian Walker in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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Find out how Christian Walker celebrated his homerun streak.