Welcome to the latest edition of the Phillies Beat newsletter. This version was written by Paul Casella, who has been based in Philadelphia since 2019 and covers the team alongside Todd Zolecki. |
PHILADELPHIA -- For years, one of the nights Aaron Nola had circled on his calendar every season was his annual bowling night -- but he decided to switch things up a bit last year. Instead of heading to a local bowling alley and knocking over some pins, Nola broke out the poker chips and held an inaugural charity poker tournament right at Citizens Bank Park. The results were so successful -- he and his wife Hunter not only had an unforgettable night with fans, but also helped raise more than $225,000 for charity in the process -- that Nola is ready to do it again in 2026. The Phillies right-hander announced recently that he will host his second annual Charity Poker Tournament, presented by Yuengling, on April 16 from 5:30-11 p.m. in the CP Rankin Club at Citizens Bank Park. "We're really looking forward to it, man -- always look forward to our events," Nola said. "I think it turned out really well last year. My wife and I really enjoyed it, just being in a little bit of a smaller place, so we got to sit around and talk with everybody and meet more people. It was a blast." This year’s tournament will benefit a pair of organizations: Philabundance, the largest food bank in the Greater Philadelphia region, and Team Red, White and Blue (Team RWB), a leading organization for veterans and service members seeking improved physical or mental health. |
Nola -- a longtime supporter of veteran causes -- began his work with Team RWB a few years ago after meeting Mike Erwin, the organization's board manager. "He's just such a good guy and what he does is so special," Nola said of Erwin. "His passion for it is pretty amazing. Just being around him has been incredible, and I've learned a lot from him. Just an honor to be involved with such a great organization." As for Philabundance, Nola has been an avid supporter of the region’s largest hunger relief organization throughout his time with the Phillies. An ambassador for the "Phans Feeding Families" initiative, he's been both a vocal and hands-on contributor to a campaign that has helped raise more than $1 million. "I love that group of people over there, and I love what they do," Nola said. "They do something special as well, and I love working with them. Being able to give back to them as much as I can and support their cause and everything they do, I look forward to it every year." |
Over the past three years alone, the Nolas have donated more than $650,000 to the veteran community and various other charitable organizations throughout Philadelphia. Nola is also a staunch supporter of ALS research -- a cause that is deeply personal to Nola, whose uncle died in 2021 following a courageous six-year battle with ALS. Nola was honored for his relentless work in the community last season when he was named the Phillies' nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award (he was also the club's nominee in 2020). "That's definitely such an honor," Nola said. "My wife and I, we do this not for the recognition, but to just help out as much as we can. The platform that us as baseball players have, I feel like it's important to give back and support these organizations that are near to your heart." Nola does exactly that in countless ways throughout the season, though the poker tournament specifically is a night that he's looking forward to -- and Phillies fans can be a part of all the fun. There are limited individual tables and sponsorship opportunities available. For more information, fans can visit nolapoker.com. "I definitely encourage everyone to come out and support Team Red, White and Blue, and Philabundance," Nola said. "You get to meet some great people, too. So just come out and support two great causes, have a fun night, mingle with everybody and play some poker." |
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On the field, last season was a forgettable one for Nola -- and not just because of his 6.01 ERA. Nola, one of the most consistent and durable pitchers of the past decade, missed three months due to a sprained right ankle and then a fractured rib. It was the first time he'd missed any time due to injury since 2017. The one silver lining for Nola was that he was able to return to full health before the Phillies' season came to an end in the NLDS against the Dodgers. "Obviously, the rehab was a lot longer than I thought it was going to be -- the three months lingered on for a while," Nola said. "But my goal for my body was to finish the season healthy and normal -- and I did that -- just so I could have a normal offseason like I usually do." Nola, who threw more innings (1,264 2/3) than any other pitcher from 2018-24, was limited to just 94 1/3 innings last season -- his fewest in any of his full big league seasons. While obviously not ideal, that did make it easier for Nola to get into his offseason program. "Not throwing as many innings as I normally do, I started back up a little bit earlier, just moving around and throwing and stuff," Nola said. "Everything is feeling good and I feel right on time, so I'm really looking forward to this year." |
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