BIG MOMENT AT THE PHILLIES TONIGHT

From Keith Groller

Got here at Citizens Bank Park at about 5:50, which was evidently a good time because Dan Baker, the PA announcer here at CBP, was also arriving at the media entrance as I did.

Anyway, the first person I bumped into walking around the concouse level toward the press elevator was Matt Allshouse, the singer we have done a story on concerning his big singing appearance tonight during Game 4 of the NLCS.

Allshouse will be singing "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch.

He said his rehearsal on the field went well. While he has performed here three other times and also at an Orioles game, he said it had been more than two years since his last appearance, so it was good to get the jitters out during rehearsal.

He said this was a huge thrill for him to sing during one of the Phillies biggest games of this or any other season.

He approached me as I was walking. I would have never recognized him because he was in a regular Phillies jersey, No. 39, which is his badge number he told me. His wife Krista, who will stand beside him during the performance, was also decked out in Phillies attire.

During his performance, Allshouse will be wearing his uniform representing the Palmer Township Police Department. He wasn't sure whether he would change back into the Phillies gear after singing.

"Whatever's warmer I will wear," he said.

What you may not know is that Allshouse was a very talented football player at Easton. He was the starting fullback and linebacker, and team captain, on the Red Rovers' 11-2-1 team in 1993 that won the District 11 title and advanced to the state semifinals before losing to Central Bucks West.

He knows what big sports moments and pressure are all about.

"Do us proud," I said to Allshouse as we parted company.

I have little doubt he will.