Nick Castellanos hasn’t taken the field yet, but he’s already one of the most talked-about names in Philadelphia, and it has nothing to do with batting average or fielding percentage. Following the news of Pope Francis’ death, Nick Castellanos began trending on social media… again. And if you’ve followed the internet’s strangest sports meme, you know exactly why.
A Philadelphia Meme Turns Into a Betting Phenomenon
Over the last few years, the Phillies slugger has developed a bizarre and darkly humorous reputation: he hits home runs at the most inappropriate moments. It’s not just a coincidence anymore, it’s an internet legend. And now, ahead of Monday night’s MLB slate, Castellanos is the most-bet player in the country to go yard. Why? Because tragedy hit the headlines.
The Phillies host the New York Mets tonight, and it will most likely be Castellanos’ first official at-bat since the news broke. This is not just for baseball fans, but everyone will be watching…just in case it happens again.
Nick Castellanos and the Pope? The Internet Reacts
Within hours of the Vatican’s announcement, betting platforms like FanDuel saw a surge in wagers on Castellanos hitting a home run. His odds, which opened at +630, quickly dropped to +475. He now ranks ahead of superstars like Aaron Judge and Alex Bregman for home run bets.
It’s become part of the meme lore: when bad news breaks, Castellanos delivers, at least with the bat. Now Philly fans are asking: will he do it again? Social feeds are filled with posts like “it’s Castellanos time” and “don’t check the news if he homers.”
Why Philly Can’t Look Away
In a city known for sports superstition, Castellanos is now more than just a right fielder — he’s an internet anomaly. Whether or not he homers tonight, one thing’s certain: Philadelphia is watching. And so is the rest of the world.