"Just so I don’t get emotional" - Phillies' Nick Castellanos bares soul on emotional connection with son Liam

If you have ever been to Citizens Bank Park, you might have enjoyed the adorable bond shared between Philadelphia Phillies star Nick Castellanos and his son, Liam. The two are often spotted hanging together in pre-game, and sometimes Liam has also worked as a Phillies ballboy.

Nick and his ex-wife, Vanessa Hernandez, welcomed Liam on August 1, 2013. Castellanos has since remarried Jessica Castellanos and has also welcomed Liam's step-brother.

On Saturday, during his interview with MLB Network, Castellanos held back his emotions while reflecting on his relationship with his first son, Liam.

"All right, hold on, just so I don't get emotional," Castellanos said. "I think it's more important not to focus on being a big-league star, but rather on just being his dad, you know? And I think that the best role models for me wear their emotions on their sleeve because they pretend the least."

The Phillies star reveals key traits he embraces while spending time with his son Liam. Castellanos believes in staying "authentic" and "honest" in this relationship.

"You know, in today's day and age, everybody pretends all the time, whether it's for something they want or to manipulate a situation," Castellanos added. "So, you know, as his dad, I always want to make sure that I'm authentic and I'm honest, and someone he knows has his back no matter what."

Who is Nick Castellanos' son Liam's favorite ballplayer?

For Liam, Nick Castellanos is his favorite ballplayer. He is often found to be on top of his lungs when his father comes out to take the plate. So, in order to remove any bias, the Phillies star was asked about his son Liam's favorite ballplayer apart from him.

Castellanos named Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm, and he also shared the reason.

"He's got his own card collection. Honestly, probably Matt Strahm, because he turned him on to baseball cards. He's got his own collection, and he's killing it," Castellanos said.

Liam has also made his presence felt for more than just cheering. He designed a "Battle Cry" T-shirt in late 2023. The money generated from the same was donated to Kisses for Kyle Foundation, which provides financial support to kids battling cancer. Similarly, he has been engaged in designing apparel and every time he makes sure the proceeds go to a charity.