After stints with the Giants and Dodgers, reliever Lou Trivino officially became a Philadelphia Phillie on August 26th when he was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
The Green Lane, PA native and Slippery Rock University alumnus got the opportunity to play for his “hometown” team. Things have been a bit different for Trivino, who played 90% of his career with West Coast teams (A’s, Giants, Dodgers).
“It’s been pretty cool to be able to play for the hometown team and have family and friends here consistently,” said the right hander.
Lou Trivino
Playing on the West Coast his family and friends would have to stay up until 1 AM to see him play. Now, they’re just an hour and a half drive away from seeing him in person.
Trivino is a Phillies fan just like you. He remembers cheering on the Phillies in 2008. He has fond memories of Cliff Lee‘s nonchalant catch in 2009. He might’ve got a tad too excited at Roy Halladay‘s postseason no-hitter against the Reds.
“In college, I was watching the Doc Halladay no-hitter when I was in study hall,” said Trivino. “I was freaking out [while] everyone was like ‘dude shut up’.”
His first favorite player was slugging first baseman Jim Thome. He loved watching Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jayson Werth, and Shane Victorino. “It’s hard to say who my favorite was,” admitted Trivino.
Like many Phillies fans, he even had a fun story involving a 2008 World Champion. “I met [Ryan Madson] when I was 12 because he went to Pennridge Little League,” recalled Trivino. “I met him in the parking lot and shook his hand and said, ‘hey, I’ll see you in a few years’.”
The two then crossed paths in 2017 when Lou Trivino was still in the minors with the A’s and Madson was a 36-year-old veteran. “I shared with him that story and he goes, ‘don’t ever tell me that again. I’m getting old.'”
Phillies new arm
The veteran was asked what he’ll be able to bring to the Phillies bullpen, well, besides a great beard.
“God’s blessed me to be able to be part of a lot of playoff runs. So, it does help to have a little bit of a calming experience,” said Trivino. “At the same time, it’s whatever role they need for me to fill out.”
Trivino cannot wait for an opportunity to pitch in the playoffs for the Phillies. “I would love nothing more than to help them win a World Series,” gleamed Trivino.
So far, he hasn’t allowed a baserunner in two innings pitched for the Phillies.