Hunter Pence always hustles. He's one of those guys who has just one speed -- fast. So when Chase Utley beat the play to second when Pence hit an infield chopper with two outs and the bases loaded in the eighth inning on Saturday night at the Bank, Pence got the extra inch he needed to beat the throw to first.
Pence's single gave the Phillies a late three-run cushion, but actually did more damage than that. Had the newest Phils' starter not beat out the throw, Raul Ibanez would not have come to the plate to belt the grand slam that got the party started a little early on Saturday night.
So as the Phillies wrapped up their fifth straight NL East title and brought the celebration back into the clubhouse, the veterans of past celebrations decided to wait to pop that first champagne cork until Pence made it back from the field.
And in this instance, Pence hustled as quickly as he did up the first baseline in the eighth inning.
Last year the Phillies waited to pop the corks for first-timers Roy Halladay, Brian Schneider and Mike Sweeney after clinching the NL East in Washington. This year, Pence was the man of the hour to get the champagne shower while surrounded by all his teammates.
"They were waiting for me and they blew me up," Pence said. "I've waited a long time to be a part of one of these."
The outfielder from Texas certainly made a big contribution in a short time. Since arriving in a trade with the Astros at the deadline, Pence has played every inning of all 45 games played. He also has batted .316 and has a pretty decent shot at ending the regular season with 100 RBIs.
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But what Pence is looking forward to the most is playing in October. Yes, on Saturday night Pence was the life of the party, bouncing around from interview to beer shower to a moment back on the diamond where he addressed the fans that remained to celebrate with the team. Undoubtedly, Pence took the moment in and enjoyed it.
"I dreamed of it. It's what you play the game for. When you work out during the offseason, this is the reason why," Pence said. "You're thinking about getting to the playoffs and taking the next step and then another and winning the World Series. It's definitely worth all the effort and all the sacrifice."
Pence learned pretty quickly, though, that just winning the NL East isn't that big of a deal. Sure, it's nice, and the Phillies have a few players on the club who weren't around for previous celebrations. Mike Stutes is new the scene, and so too is Michael Martinez. Plus, Vance Worley, Antonio Bastardo and John Mayberry made major contributions for the first time.
Still, Pence understands why he was brought to Philadelphia in the first place. He said it was evident on the first day he arrived in Philadelphia what was expected.
And now that it is officially a reality, Pence can't wait to get started.
"It's unbelievable. I'm having a blast," he said. "It's tough to explain and put into words, but I'm happy to be here and I'm happy to be a part of this and I'm happy they wanted me. We have an incredible group of guys and a great organization and a great city. This is for everyone and we still have a lot of work to do."
With that, Pence removed his Division Champs cap that was dripping with all the beer and champagne that had soaked it like a sponge and tossed it into the crowd. There is still work to be done, still hustling to do.
E-mail John Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com