Former President Biden Attends Thrilling NLDS Game 2 as Phillies Fall Short Against Dodgers
Former President Joe Biden returned to his beloved Citizens Bank Park to witness a nail-biter between his Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the National League Division Series. Though spotted by fans in an elevated section of the ballpark, Biden unfortunately watched his team fall into a 2-0 series deficit despite a valiant ninth-inning rally. The game ended dramatically when Phillies star Trea Turner, the National League batting champion, grounded to Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman, whose rushed throw was miraculously scooped by Freddie Freeman to secure Los Angeles’s narrow 4-3 victory. The Dodgers now head back to California with a commanding lead in the best-of-five series, which continues Wednesday.
The tight contest remained scoreless through seven tension-filled innings in a classic playoff pitcher’s duel. The stalemate broke when Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo put runners in scoring position to begin the eighth, leading to his exit and ultimately opening the floodgates for a four-run Dodgers inning that proved decisive. The Phillies showed tremendous heart in the bottom of the ninth, stringing together three consecutive hits to halve their deficit, but a botched sacrifice bunt hampered their comeback effort. Despite getting runners to the corners with two outs and their fastest player at the plate, Philadelphia fell just short of forcing extra innings, leaving their home crowd – presidential spectator included – disappointed but proud of their resilience.
Biden’s appearance at the playoff game marks his return to sports spectating, something he notably abstained from during his presidency. While President Biden didn’t attend any sporting events during his time in office from 2021 to January 2024, he was no stranger to ballparks during his vice presidency under Barack Obama. Together with his wife Jill, who herself attended Game 4 of the 2022 World Series between these same Phillies and the Houston Astros, Biden has maintained his connection to Philadelphia sports throughout his political career. His attendance reflects the long American tradition of presidents engaging with the national pastime, particularly during the heightened drama of October baseball.
The former president’s sports attendance record includes throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at a Baltimore Orioles game against the New York Yankees in 2009 and attending a Phillies-Yankees World Series matchup that same year. Biden and Obama also enjoyed a men’s college basketball game between Georgetown and Duke in 2010, demonstrating his broader sports interests. After leaving the vice presidency, Biden celebrated on the field when his beloved Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, further cementing his identity as a devoted Philadelphia sports fan. His appearance at this playoff game continues this personal tradition while reconnecting with his supporters in a relaxed, non-political setting.
Presidential attendance at sporting events has a rich history in American culture, serving as moments when leaders can connect with citizens through shared passion for competition. Biden’s successor and predecessor, Donald Trump, recently attended a Yankees game against the Detroit Tigers on the 24th anniversary of 9/11, his first MLB game attendance since watching the 2019 World Series between the Astros and Washington Nationals while in office. These appearances transcend politics, allowing presidents past and present to participate in communal experiences that unite Americans across political divides. The tradition speaks to baseball’s enduring status as America’s pastime and its ability to bring together people from all walks of life, including those who have held the nation’s highest office.
As the series shifts to Los Angeles with the Dodgers holding a commanding 2-0 lead, Philadelphia faces the daunting task of winning three consecutive games, including two on the road, to advance to the National League Championship Series. The winner of this heated contest will move on to face either the Milwaukee Brewers or the Chicago Cubs for the right to represent the National League in the World Series. For Biden and Phillies fans everywhere, hope remains that their team can mount an historic comeback and extend their championship dreams. Despite the disappointing result, the former president’s presence highlighted the special place baseball holds in American culture – a game that continues to captivate leaders and citizens alike with its unique blend of strategy, skill, and unpredictable drama that was on full display in this thrilling contest.
