PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 29: The Phillies logo at section 108 seat 32 is shown at Citizens Bank Park on August 29, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rain cancelled the game against the Atlanta Braves and is rescheduled as a doubleheader tomorrow. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
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As one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies try to incorporate their most accomplished former players in several ways.
The team hosts a “Hall of Fame Club” at their home stadium with exhibits dedicated to numerous retired stars, and alumni like John Kruk and Cole Hamels enjoy regular broadcasting roles with the team.
And now, one of the team’s most talented and controversial former players is looking to return to the team in a similar role following his latest run in with the law.
Former Philadelphia Phillies World Series Standout Lenny Dykstra Facing Narcotics Charges
Earlier this year, three-time Phillies All-Star Lenny Dykstra, who led the team to a National League pennant in 1993, was involved in a traffic stop that led to narcotics charges.
“Dykstra, 62, was arrested … on suspicion of possessing narcotics and narcotic-related equipment but was not taken into custody,” The Athletic’s Zach Powell and Matt Moret reported at the time. “Dykstra was a passenger in a 2015 GMC Sierra truck that was pulled over due to a motor vehicle code violation in Pike County, according to state police records. The traffic stop took place about 25 miles east of Scranton, where Dykstra lives.”
It was not the first time Dykstra was caught up in some legal trouble, as the polarizing former outfielder has previously been sentenced to house arrest and has faced sexual assault, grand theft auto, identity theft and drug possessesion charges. In a brief court appearance following this year’s traffic stop, Dykstra waived the opportunity for a hearing and his legal team has voiced confidence that the alleged narcotics in the vehicle were not his.
Philadelphia Phillies 3-Time All-Star Sends Two-Word Message To Fans As He Seeks Reunion
As the former Phillies star faces his latest legal proceedings, he has voiced some interest in returning to the team in a more active role.
“As for his Phillies ties, Dykstra said he hopes to ‘reestablish’ his connection with the team and the fans,” Christian Red reported for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Dykstra, who told Red that he has left his former turbulent “lifestyle” behind, could be interested in a guest instructor role with the team or something that would allow him to interact more officially with the many fans who remember his best days on the field.
“Those are great fans in Philadelphia,” Dykstra added, per Red. “I played for the best fans in the world — New York and Philadelphia. Love them all. Miss them. Hopefully I can work out something with the Phillies.”
Dykstra, who earned three All-Star nods, a Silver Slugger Award and two seasons of MVP Award votes during his stint with the Phillies, could be the next player to see a post-retirement return with the franchise. But he will likely have to resolve his latest court battle first.