Brothers Aaron and Austin Nola had never played against each other as pitcher versus batter in an official game. So, it was a special moment for both major-leaguers on Aug. 22, 2022, when Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola faced his Austin of the San Diego Padres.

February 18, 2023

By Larry (Baron) Shenk

Philadelphia Phillies

While nugget hunting, brothers and family became an interesting lifeline in Phillies history.

Hall of Famer Ed Delahanty is the earliest nugget, one of eight brother combos who wore a Phillies uniform. He and brother, Tom, were the first, Sept. 19, 1894. It was Tom’s only game with the Phillies (1-for-4). Ed, listed as a left fielder, first baseman and second baseman (1888-1901), had three other brothers who played in the majors, Jim (1901-12; 1914-15); Frank (1905-08; 1914-15), and Joe (1907-09).

Alphabetical Brothers

Bennett, Dennis (LHP, 1962-64) and Dave (RHP, 1964).

Chiozza, Lou (2B-3B-OF, 1934-36) and Dino (SS, 1935).

Hamner, Granny (2B-SS, 1944-69) and Garvin (2B-SS, 1945) (above photo)

Knothe, George (2B, 1932) and Fritz (3B-SS, 1933).

Nix, Laynce (OF, 2012-13) and Jayson (2B-SS-3B, 2014).

Thomas, Roy (CF, 1899-1908; 1910-11) and Bill (OF-1B-2B, 1902)

Westlake, Jim (PH, 1955) and Wally (OF-3B, 1956)

The Other Brother (Phillies)

Wheat, Zack, LF; (Mark, C-OF, 1920-21)

DiMaggio, Joe, OF; (Vince, OF, 1945-46).

Torre, Joe, C-1B-3B-MGR; (Frank, 1B, 1962-63)

Brett, George, 3B; (Ken, LHP, 1973)

Maddux, Greg, RHP; (Mike, RHP, 1986-89)

Leiter, Al, LHP; (Mark, RHP, 1997-98)

Giambi, Jason, 1B-DH-LF; (Jeremy, 1B-OF-DH, 2002)

The most hyped brother showdown came on Aug. 21, 2021, in San Diego when RHP Aaron Nola, 28, faced his brother C Austin, 31. It was the first time in franchise history that a pitcher faced his brother on the opposing team. Aaron, unleashing his fastest pitch of the season (96 mph) struck out Austin in the second inning. Later Austin popped up to second base and walked. They also faced each other in the 2022 NLCS.

Another brother showdown occurred on Oct. 5, 2022, in Houston. Older brother Phil Maton, pitching in relief for the Astros, got to face his younger brother, Nick. In one at-bat. Nick won bragging rights with a single to right field.

In a Sept. 28, 1986 game, a pitching matchup of brothers, Greg Maddux (Cubs) was winner over Mike (Phillies), 8-3, at Veterans Stadium. First time brothers pitched against each other as rookies. They met again, July 31, 1988.

Other Family Nuggets

When Ruben Amaro Jr. pinch hit on opening day at Veterans Stadium (April 7, 1992) he joined his dad, also named Ruben as the first father-son combo in franchise history. Ruben played for the Phillies, 1960-65; Ruben Jr., 1992-93, 1996-98.

Then there are Mark Leiter and his son Mark Jr. Dad pitched for the Phillies, 1997-98. Mark Jr. made history with his pro debut at Dodger Stadium, April 28, 1917. Mark Jr. wore the uniform 2017-18. First father-son as franchise pitchers.

The second father-son pair on the mound are Steve and Cam Bedrosian. Dad won the 1987 National League Cy Young Award during his four years in a Phillies uniform, 1983-89. Cam, born in 1991, joined Dad in Phillies history when he pitched an inning against the Marlins in Miami, Sept. 3, 2021.

Father-son history also involves the Phillies broadcasting booth. Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas was part of the radio-TV crew from 1971-2009. Son, Todd, was on cable TV, 1994-96. Todd is currently the TV voice of the Astros. Dad started with the Astros in 1965 ... Tom McCarthy’s son, Pat, has been hired for pre- and post-game radio for the Mets on WCBS. Pat had been the radio voice for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs since 2019.

Umpire Shag Crawford, a Philadelphia native, was behind the plate for the first game at Veterans Stadium, April 10, 1971. His son, Jerry, had the same honor for the Vet’s last game, September 28, 2003, and the first at Citizens Bank Park, April 6, 2004.

When David Bell hit for the cycle at Citizens Bank Park, June 28, 2004, it was the first of his career but the second for the family. Grandfather Gus Bell did it against the Phillies at Shibe Park, June 4, 1951. Each game was on a Monday night.