Dave Dombrowski celebrated with the players and coaches in the raucous clubhouse following the Philadelphia Phillies’ second consecutive playoff berth.
Dombrowski had every right to be in the mix.
The Phillies wouldn’t be in this position without their architect, formally known as the club’s president of baseball operations.
Dombrowski has built a playoff team by blending incredible talent with the right ancillary pieces.
Just look at Tuesday’s 3-2 win in 10 innings over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cristian Pache scored the winning run from second base. He was virtually unwanted by the Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics.
Rookie Johan Rojas delivered the walk-off single to center field. He started the season at Double-A and wasn’t exactly expected to be the everyday center fielder.
Jeff Hoffman earned the victory in relief. On Opening Day, if anyone thought Hoffman would be the winning pitcher in their clinching game, they weren’t being honest.
These could be perceived as minor moves, but ones that help lead a team to the postseason.
Clearly.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” Hoffman told reporters in the exuberant clubhouse. “Every step of the way it’s been full of surprises. Right now, I’m trying to enjoy this. Tonight, when I lay my head down, I’ll probably think about it a little bit.”
“It’s honestly surreal,” Rojas added. “I didn’t think I was going to be here, but it’s really, really cool to be here.”
Thanks to Dombrowski, these players are now sprinkled throughout the roster.
Without them, the Phillies might not be in this type of celebratory mood.
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