One Philadelphia Phillies fan asked Kody Clemens, a Phillies infielder, “How does it feel to hit a clutch home run?” Clemens recalled a ninth inning home run that he slammed against the Washington Nationals last May. It was one of five home runs that Clemens hit during the 2024 season. “You black out,” Clemens responded, saying of the ninth inning home run that “he got me into a good count, threw me a fastball, and I closed my eyes and swung.” “I haven’t hit a clutch homer yet,” joked Phillies utility player Weston Wilson, prompting laughter from the hundreds in attendance for the 2025 Phillies Winter Caravan at SteelStacks on Thursday, in Bethlehem. The two headlined the event, in addition to Phillies play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy. Wilson may not have hit a clutch home run for the Phillies by his standards, but he holds the honor of hitting a home run in his first-ever at bat for the Phillies in 2023. He also accomplished a rare “cycle” last August — a single, double, triple and home run in one game — and he became the first Phillies rookie to do so. Both Wilson and Clemens donned two similar but different uniforms in 2024, splitting time for the Phillies and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, though they aim to make a jump into the big leagues in 2025. “A lot of it depends on the opportunities I’m getting, but I really do feel like I have a big season ahead of me, and then I can really help this team win some games,” Wilson said. Philadelphia Phillies player Weston Wilson signs his autography for Mackenzie McNeill and her mom Shannon McNeill, both of Catasauqua on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, during the Phillies Winter Caravan at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call) “It’s awesome to talk and see some people around this area and the Philly area,” said Clemens, who will begin his third season with the Phillies after a multi-year stint with the Detroit Tigers. Clemens said that his approach to the off-season is no different in 2025. “Same mindset, same structure,” he said. “For me, I’m just going to come into camp and work my butt off and try to make the team.” At the caravan, held at the ArtsQuest Center for the third time, fans got to participate in autograph and meet-and-greet sessions with Clemens, Wilson and McCarthy. Some entered an auction to win multiple special prizes; among the rewards included an autographed jersey from Eagles star Saquon Barkley and an autographed photo of retired Phillies player Ryan Howard. Philadelphia Phillies player Kody Clemens signs his autography for Glen Roman and his sons Jordan, 17, and Tyler 14, all of Mechanicsburg on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, during the Phillies Winter Caravan at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call) Both the Phillie Phanatic and two IronPigs mascots “FeRRous” and “Fefe,” made their rounds and startled fans before posing for photos with them. The Phanatic was one of the stars of the show, energizing the crowd and later lying down on the chairs reserved for the Phillies stars on stage. The caravan — held less than one month from the start of the Phillies’ spring training — also honored 28 non-profits that were recipients of grants totalling $80,000 from the IronPigs Charities. All proceeds from the caravan supported the IronPigs’ charity efforts. Following a presentation of each of the awardees, in which many representatives of the non-profits were in attendance, McCarthy moderated a Q/A with Clemens and Wilson. In addition to the fun questions from audience members, there was an emphasis on the Phillies wanting to go deeper in the postseason, after a disappointing division series loss to the New York Mets. Philadelphia Phillies Phanatic entertains fans Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, during the Phillies Winter Caravan at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call) “The great thing about these events is that it means that we’re that much closer for the start of spring training,” McCarthy said. “I know there’s snow out on the ground, but we’re feeling that the warmth is going to be here very soon.” Andreas Pelekis is a freelance writer.