Versatile Madison Stokes Making Strong Impact

(Reading, PA) - Fightin Phils Manager Al Pedrique couldn’t help but light up when asked how Madison Stokes has been the unsung hero of the Reading Roster.

Stokes is best described as the swiss army knife of the R-Phils, playing just about every position you can play besides pitcher and catcher. Much like Stokes himself, Pedrique could be best described as a utility player in his playing days. Throughout his major league career, Pedrique found himself bouncing back and forth between all spots of the infield.

There is no one better than Pedrique to know the worth that Madison Stokes can bring to your lineup on any given night. In his third season in a Fightin Phils uniform, Stokes has become the type of player who can be called upon to play whenever and wherever he may be needed.

“This is a kid who has a lot of value in the club and organization,” Pedrique said. “He can play multiple positions and as a manager, when you have a guy who can do that, you can rest some guys and can move them around because he knows how to play the game.”

That bond has not been something Stokes has neglected. The 27-year old has looked to Pedrique as a great mentor when being able to be as diverse on the field as he has become.

“He’s [Pedrique] been great this year working with me at different positions,” Stokes said. “He’s got knowledge of the game, obviously it's been a great experience and it’s been fun to play for him (and) pick his brain on different positions.”

Stokes was a versatile infielder during his four years at the University of South Carolina. He was once rated the 21st-best third basemen in the nation by D1Baseball. Stokes finished his career as a Gamecock with a .963 fielding percentage and only 19 errors over 153 games played.

Stokes was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 10th-round of the 2018 draft as a shortstop, but found himself being asked to play first base in his first year of professional baseball.

Year by year, he found himself playing more-and-more positions. In the 2023 season, Stokes has played just about anywhere he is needed in the R-Phils lineup, including the outfield. Although this was something that he found challenging at first, Stokes has embraced his spot to the best of his capabilities.

“In 2021 it really started to venture out into the outfield and 2022 was seven different positions besides pitching and catching,” Stokes said. “But it has really become the role, was just utility. Wherever they need me that night, I am there. It’s a good challenge and I like it.”

Not only does Stokes play various positions on the field, he also finds himself all over Pedrique’s lineup card. Stokes started the 2023 on the Development List, but was activated to the R-Phils roster on April 15th and has not looked back since.

Stokes got off to a hot start in the month of April, batting .314 over 11 games. This earned Stokes the lead-off spot after the now Philadelphia Phillie Johan Rojas was slated to third in the order.

With some recent calls up and others returning from injury, Pedrique’s lineup has shifted day-to-day. This saw Stokes going from consistently batting leadoff, to batting in different spots in the order. Although the shift in the order, Stokes has kept a positive mindset when it comes to where he hits in the lineup.

“I’m fine with anywhere I hit,” Stokes said. “Closer to the top of the lineup, you’re going to get more at bats which is cool, but they will pitch you a little bit differently. I am totally cool with bouncing around and letting those guys before and after me do their job. You have to embrace it.”

With the call up for Rojas on July 14th, this left a giant hole to fill in center field. Multiple R-Phils have been called to try and fill his shoes, including Carlos De La Cruz, Matthew Kroon and now Stokes. Stokes has played 25 games in the outfield this year (as of Aug. 2), including eight times in center field just in the month of July. Stokes has said that watching Rojas in center field in FirstEnergy Stadium, and in Philadelphia motivated him to become an even better outfielder.

“From watching him play this year and seeing the plays he can make, it kind of pushes me to want to do the same things,” Stokes said.

Stokes jokingly mentioned, “I definitely need to work on the speed!” Noting Rojas’ elite athleticism in the outfield.

Some players may find it difficult to get accustomed to playing multiple positions, instead of focusing on just one main spot on the field. Although sparingly playing the outfield in his professional career until the 2021 season, Stokes has found the transition to be smoother than it may appear to be.

“I think playing middle infield most of my career has helped me transition a little bit easier,” Stokes said. “By having so many different opportunities for balls and angles, it has made that transition a little bit easier. I personally enjoy the outfield, I think it is fun.”

With all of this uncertainty, not knowing where he might be playing or batting when stepping foot into the locker room on gameday, this is a challenge that Stokes has embraced. Stokes has spent the last three seasons in Reading, but he is trying to do all he can to elevate himself in the Phillies organization.

“I’ll do anything it takes to move up to the next level, Stokes said. “I would like to stick to one position and get comfortable but that's not the case so I’ve got to embrace it and make the most of it.”

Even though Stokes may not play every night, he still knows he has a strong role whether he is in the lineup or not.

“You want to be out there every night,” Stokes said. “I can’t let that define who I am. I’ve got a responsibility if I’m not in the lineup to be a good teammate that day and be there for somebody. I still have a job to do.”

Come see Stokes and the Fightin Phils when they return home Tuesday, August 15th through Sunday, August 20, against the Somerset Patriots (Yankees). Tickets to all games are still available, but going fast. Get yours before it's too late at rphils.com/tickets, by calling 610-370-BALL or in person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office.

The 2023 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.