Nick Castellanos Explains Viral Celebration From Phillies' Game 1 Win

As expected, the Phillies had little trouble with the Marlins in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday. Zack Wheeler was his typical brilliant self and the lineup was relentless, pounding out 11 hits en route to a 4-1 victory.

Two of those hits came from Nick Castellanos, who went 2-for-4 with 2 doubles and an RBI. He caused a stir on social media, however, after making what some thought was an obscene gesture towards Philadelphia's bench following one of those doubles.

Fortunately, Castellanos quickly cleared up any confusion after the game with his explanation.

Nick Castellanos Celebration

While some people thought Castellanos was giving his teammates the middle finger, he explained that he was showing them his ring finger to emphasize their goal of getting a World Series ring. Castellanos has yet to win one in his 11-year career.

Pictures of Castellanos confirmed that he was indeed holding up his ring finger and not the one next to it.

“Of course it was my ring finger, man,” Castellanos said on NBC Sports Philadelphia after the game. “Why would I give the middle finger to my teammates? I love them.”

Castellanos' explanation checks out. It'd be one thing if he was gesturing at the Marlins' bench and flipping off the opponents, but giving the bird to your teammates wouldn't make any sense. It would be especially bizarre to do so in the middle of a nationally televised playoff game in front of millions of people.

The veteran outfielder is known for his passion and energy on the field, so it's not surprising that he got so fired up after his big hit. Citizens Bank Park was rocking last night, too, making the atmosphere even more electric.

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