King for a day: Hunter Pence just living the dream

Hunter Pence looks around Citizens Bank Park and sees hundreds of fans donning his jersey. He looks around the ballpark and sees it filled to capacity every night.

A couple of weeks after the trade from Houston to the Phillies, Pence is still a little bit in awe of his new surroundings.

“It’s unbelievable,” Pence said. “Really, I’m overwhelmed a little bit. I’m ecstatic to be here. They’ve treated me like a king over here. It’s been just awesome.”

Getting that coveted right-handed bat only enhanced the Phillies’ lineup. The team has won 12 out of 14 with Pence in the lineup, and own the best record in the majors.

More importantly, Pence has a legitimate shot at a World Series title. Does it get any better?

“That passion, I mean who wouldn’t want to play for a city like this,” said Pence, who is 13-for-38, including three home runs over his last 10 games. “The passion here with the type of team you have … We are all very fortunate to be on this team.”

Pence played here as a visiting player and heard about the fans. None of that bothered him when he found out he was traded. Instead, he reveled in the transition.

“I love it and I feed off that,” Pence said. “Philly is a good city and my passion fits in with them. I like this mentality. You bring your lunch box to work and get after it.”