Jack Flaherty’s surprising reaction to his home debut at Dodger Stadium

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ signing of Jack Flaherty at this year’s MLB transfer deadline not only helped them strengthen their starting lineup, but also marked a homecoming for the Burbank, California native.

Flaherty has always been a fan of Dodger Stadium games and cheering for the team, so he was excited to join the Dodgers. His debut with the Dodgers was an impressive performance on the road against the Oakland Athletics, and Friday was Flaherty’s first opportunity to be on the mound as a home player at Chavez Ravine.

“I don’t really know if there are words for it. I was a little bit pumped up in the first inning, being the first batter. That doesn’t usually happen at this point. Things are moving a little bit fast, I’m just excited, there’s a lot of emotions, a lot of things going through my mind, I need to warm up and stuff,” Flaherty described after the game.

“I was trying to process everything. Yeah, it was just a lot of fun. And then those guys came out, swung the bats tonight, gave me such a head start and just kept going out there and attacking. J-Hey (Jason Heyward) was great on defense. That was all of them, but he made some plays that were great.

“And the guys came out and swung it. Freddie came up there and made it one-nil. And then the guys just kept going and never stopped. So it was a lot of fun.”

Flaherty allowed a solo home run in the fourth inning and a three-run blast in the fifth. He was close to getting through the sixth inning before being taken off the field after a two-out single.

“I thought Jack was good,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I thought in the fifth inning, some balls fell to the arm side and a couple of cement mixers went to Joey Bart, who was able to hit them well.”

“He was one pitch away from getting out of that inning and going with a run. But it was good to see him back on the field for the sixth inning. He wanted it. I think at that point, when we got to Isiah Kiner-Falefa, I felt like he emptied his tank.

“But I think overall it was just a solid performance. I’m sure there are a few shots he would like to have back, but I thought overall it was solid.”

Dodgers fans give Jack Flaherty a standing ovation

Although he didn’t make it through the sixth inning, Flaherty received a standing ovation as he left the field.

“I think I was still mad that I allowed the hit and didn’t finish the inning. But it was great,” he said. “It’s a very special feeling to come from here and get that and experience that moment there. Yeah, just all around special.”

Are you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to hit the notification bell to watch player interviews, enter shows and giveaways, and stay up to date with all the latest Dodgers news and rumors!