There were many cameras at Citizens Bank Park during Thursday night’s Phillies game, but not all were focused on the action on the field. Instead, some of the attention was for an upcoming episode of “Abbott Elementary,” ABC’s sitcom about a fictional school in West Philadelphia.
Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber had just finished a record-setting performance, hitting four home runs and collecting nine RBIs, becoming only the 21st player in Major League Baseball history to hit four homers in one game. After his postgame interviews—and after setting aside his helmet for delivery to Cooperstown—Schwarber returned to the field wearing his powder blue uniform for filming.
The scene involved fans sitting in Section 114 up the first-base line. These fans were extras brought in specifically for this project. Some joined in with chants of “M-V-P” for Schwarber as filming took place.
According to those involved, the timing of the shoot and Schwarber’s historic night was coincidental. The date had been scheduled ahead of time. Still, his appearance on “Abbott Elementary” will now be linked to his achievement.
Quinta Brunson, who is from West Philadelphia and is both star and creator of “Abbott Elementary,” previously mentioned that filming would take place at a live event in Philadelphia. While most episodes are shot in Los Angeles, past seasons have included scenes filmed at local landmarks such as The Franklin Institute and Please Touch Museum, along with appearances by other Philadelphia sports figures like Flyers mascot Gritty and Eagles players Jalen Hurts, Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata, and Brandon Graham.
Now Citizens Bank Park and Schwarber join that list. The Phillies-themed episode is set to air during season five of “Abbott Elementary,” which premieres October 1.
