A recent Philadelphia Phillies game might have ended in disappointment on the scoreboard, but it featured an unexpected and entertaining twist off the mound. During a game against the San Francisco Giants, which saw the Phillies fall 11-4, fans were captivated not by the team’s performance but by something—or rather someone—quite unusual in the stands: a Nicolas Cage look-alike. But the real surprise came from Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm and his one-of-a-kind glove.
Strahm took the field with a custom glove that featured none other than the Declaration of Independence stitched into it. The glove instantly reminded fans of Nicolas Cage’s iconic role in the 2004 film National Treasure, where his character famously steals the historical document. Strahm humorously acknowledged the resemblance during a chat with The Athletic, saying, “I stole it, then made a glove out of it,” clearly leaning into the cinematic parallel.
However, the glove isn’t just for show. It has sparked a mix of amusement and debate among fans and observers. The white script of the Declaration printed on the glove raises questions about its eligibility in gameplay. According to league rules, gloves with excessive white coloring can pose visibility issues for batters trying to track the ball, making such equipment potentially unusable in actual play.
Still, Strahm is known for his creative flair when it comes to gear, often showing off unique designs that express his personality. This glove, whether used in play or not, certainly grabbed attention. He’s not alone in this passion—his teammate Bryce Harper is also known for collecting and using customized gear, including cleats and bats.
Nicolas Cage look-alike Matt Strahm had a custom glove made with the Declaration of Independence on it
(via @MattGelb) pic.twitter.com/fKCnEZNKU4
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 16, 2025
Even amid the glove frenzy, Strahm made a strong impression on the mound. Despite the team’s overall poor showing, he delivered a clean performance in the ninth inning, stepping in after Jose Alvarado and striking out a batter without allowing any runs. He threw seven pitches, six of which were strikes, and struck out Patrick Bailey with just three pitches. So far this season, Strahm has been a standout in the bullpen, maintaining a 0.82 WHIP, a 1.23 ERA, and a 12:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 7.1 innings.
Still, the glove couldn’t overshadow the Phillies’ struggles. The Giants dominated the game, with Jung Hoo contributing significantly by scoring twice through a single and a double. Patrick Bailey, Wilmer Flores, and Mike Yastrzemski each added two runs to the Giants’ tally. Although Bryce Harper managed to put up a solo home run, it wasn’t nearly enough. Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola had a rough outing, giving up six earned runs and nine hits over just 5 1/3 innings.
So, while Matt Strahm’s creative glove became the talking point of the night, the team’s lackluster performance was impossible to ignore. Now, the question remains: can the Phillies bounce back from this blow and channel the kind of energy that Strahm brings—not just in his glove, but on the field?