From Fan to Field: Tom Gosse’s Journey with the Phillies

(Reading, PA) - On October 29, 2008, Tom Gosse sat with his family at Citizens Bank Park, watching his beloved Philadelphia Phillies clinch their first World Championship in 28 years.

"It was surreal," Gosse recalled.

For Gosse and countless others in the Philadelphia region, that moment is forever etched in memory. Like every kid who watched the Phillies celebrate that night, he dreamt of one day playing a part in a similar moment for his hometown team.

Gosse grew up in South Jersey, a die-hard Phillies fan from an early age. He looked up to Phillies legends like Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and especially catcher Carlos Ruiz. At Haddonfield Memorial High School in New Jersey, Gosse followed Ruiz's footsteps, becoming the team’s catcher his senior year.

After graduating high school in 2015, Gosse continued his baseball career at Rutgers-Camden. Although he wasn't recruited, he was determined to be involved in baseball in any way he could.

"I wanted to play collegiate baseball," Gosse said. "I wanted to be involved in baseball, whether it was playing, coaching, or working behind the scenes."

When his playing career at Rutgers-Camden ended in 2021, Gosse was eager to stay in the sport. He worked as an Assistant Coach at his old high school, Haddonfield High, but an exciting opportunity emerged last winter.

A friend informed him that the Phillies were hiring bullpen catchers for their minor league affiliates, including the Reading Fightin Phils. Gosse applied immediately, and after some drills and interviews at Lehigh Valley’s ballpark, he was offered the job the next day and asked if he could start in Reading.

"It was really cool," Gosse said. "It's been a blessing. Everyone here has been so nice, from the front office staff down."

As a bullpen catcher, Gosse’s role involves arriving at the ballpark early, catching bullpen sessions, and handling any other tasks that come his way. When Pitching Coaches Phil Cundari or Riley McCauley call for a pitcher to warm up, Gosse springs into action.

"It's fun when guys are locking in and the stuff is good when they get the call to the bullpen," Gosse said. "That gets the juice flowing."

But Gosse’s resume extends beyond baseball. He’s also a Fifth Grade Special Education Teacher at a middle school in Camden, New Jersey. Balancing teaching with his bullpen duties can be challenging, especially during the school year. However, when he was offered the job, his principal and director of operations were quick to support his early departures from school.

"I'm very lucky it worked out," Gosse said. "My principal and director of ops have been nothing but supportive."

In the classroom and on the field, Gosse is dedicated to helping others. By day, he supports his students; by night, he assists the Reading pitching staff.

"At school, your motivation is to be there for the kids," Gosse said. "In baseball, you show up and work for your hometown team. The people you work with are great, and you want to do whatever you can to help them achieve their goals."

Both teaching and baseball involve grueling schedules. Teachers and students work tirelessly throughout the school year, and baseball’s six-month season can be equally demanding. Yet, it's the small moments—the smiles, the laughs—that make it all worthwhile for Gosse.

"It's a grind for the kids, and I give them a lot of credit," Gosse said. "When we have those silly moments and get to laugh, those are the special times. In the bullpen, we've had some good times, too. I love picking the guys' brains and learning the game from their perspectives. My favorite part has been learning everything I can while I've been here."

As the season draws to a close, Gosse reflects on his journey with gratitude. "It was an awesome summer," he said. But his focus remains on contributing to the team and the organization each day.

"I get to work for a great organization and with great people," Gosse said. "If I can help them in any way, that's what I'm striving to do."

Gosse has indeed made an impact, and as he wraps up this chapter, he’s deeply thankful for the opportunity—a dream come true for his 11-year-old self who watched game five of the 2008 World Series.

"You grow up rooting for the Phillies and want to stay involved in baseball. To do it for a hometown team has been really special. I want to thank the Phillies and the Fightin Phils staff for helping me get this job. I'm thankful to be here and be a part of something special."

The Fightin Phils return home from Tuesday, September 3, through Sunday, September 8, against the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. On Tuesday, the first 1,000 fans will receive a Pride Night R-Phils Rainbow Pennant, presented by Kutztown University and LGBTQ+ Resource Center at Kutztown University. Wednesday is an Unused Ticket Game, thanks to Rip It Baseballtown Charities. Thursday is Tasting Festival on the Deck presented by Classic Harley-Davidson. Friday night features fireworks, thanks to Savage Auto Group. Saturday is a SpongeBob Celebration and Carpenter MEGA Blast Fireworks, sponsored by your local Kia Dealers. The home schedule finishes Sunday with Reading Truck MEGA Blast Fireworks, thanks to Penske.

To buy tickets, call 610-370-BALL, go to rphils.com/tickets, or in person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office. The Fightin Phils Brentwood Industries Team Store is open both in-person and online 24/7 at rphils.com/shop.

The 2024 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.