Bring Your Dog to the Park this Summer Thanks to Humane Pennsylvania

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Fightin Phils to Host Five Bark in the Park Games this Season

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will welcome canine companions at five Bark in the Park games this summer at FirstEnergy Stadium, thanks to Humane Pennsylvania.

Dog tickets are available for just $5 at these select games. Humane Pennsylvania will have a table set up in the VIST Bank Plaza at all Bark in the Park games, featuring information and raffles.

All Sunday home games are also Berks Packing Sunday Family Fun Days, presented by Bojangles’ and Classic Harley-Davidson, with four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas available for only $50 when purchased in advance.

Bark in the Park days in 2020:
Sunday, June 14th
Sunday, June 28th
Sunday, July 26th
Sunday, August 2nd
Sunday, August 9th

The first Bark in the Park day is June 14th, when the R-Phils host the Hartford Yard Goats at 5:15 p.m. The first 2,000 kids in attendance take home a Screwball “Snowman” Bobblehead, and there will be a “Frozen” and Princess tribute with sing-alongs and photos at 3:30 p.m.

June 28th is “The Office Night” with first pitch at 5:15 p.m. against the Bowie Baysox. The evening will feature a special appearance from Kate Flannery, who played “Meredith Palmer” on the hit show. It’s also Belated Father’s Day with a post-game catch on the field, plus a Minions photo session at 3:30 p.m.

July 26th features a Rhys Hoskins & Crazy Hot Dog Vendor Hamper giveaway and free hot dog for the first 2,000 kids when the R-Phils battle the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at 5:15 p.m. Plus, $1 hot dogs are available for all fans. It’s also the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor’s birthday party, where he’ll read “Green Eggs & Ham” to kids at 4 p.m. and sign autographs during the game, and a Kids Magic Show will take place at 3:30 p.m.

On August 2nd, the first 2,000 kids receive a Scotty Jetpacks Spaceman Bobblehead as the Fightins take on the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at 5:15 p.m. There will be a First Responders autograph session and vehicle display, and a photo session with “Toy Story” characters “Woody” and “Buzz Lightyear” at 3:30 p.m.

The final Bark in the Park day will be on August 9th, when Reading battles the Erie SeaWolves at 5:15 p.m. The first 2,000 kids take home a 20th Anniversary Mascot Band t-shirt, and the mascot band will perform a pregame concert. It’s also “Bring Your Camera” Photo Day for kids featuring a photo session with R-Phils players and the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor at 3:30 p.m.

Humane Pennsylvania represents the region’s largest partnership of animal welfare organizations, combining the efforts and resources of managed intake and adoption guarantee animal shelters, adoption centers, non-profit veterinary hospitals and clinics, equine rescue, emergency animal service organizations, animal welfare management services, an animal focused charitable foundation, and even a free public dog park.

Humane Pennsylvania empowers the people in our communities to increase their capacity to care for animals so that all animals are healthy, safe, and treated humanely.

R-Phils Fightin’ Cancer on July 8th, with Special Jerseys and Mickey Morandini Appearance

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(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will lend a hand in the battle against all types of cancer on Wednesday, July 8th, with custom jerseys and an appearance from former Philadelphia Phillie Mickey Morandini on behalf of the Darren Daulton Foundation. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. against the Portland Sea Dogs.

During the game, R-Phils players will be wearing special jerseys which feature the names of people who have battled any form of cancer.

Fans can take part in this tribute with a limited group package – the first 25 groups of 20 or more people who purchase tickets to the July 8th game can choose to honor a loved one by having the name of a cancer victim or survivor featured on one of the R-Phils in-game jerseys, for no additional cost.

After the game, a special post-game jersey exchange will take place, with the 25 honorees or their families receiving their individual game-worn jersey from the R-Phils player on the field.

Groups are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible, as this opportunity is limited to only 25 honorees. Fans can do so now by submitting an online reservation at https://www.milb.com/reading/forms/cancer-night.

In addition, the first 2,000 adults in attendance will take home a Mickey Morandini Fightin Cancer Bobblehead, thanks to Roland, Rick and Stock Attorneys at Law.

Morandini will be in attendance in support of the Darren Daulton Foundation, whose mission is to provide financial support to families that are experiencing financial challenges due to treatment of a malignant primary brain tumor diagnosis. Morandini, Daulton’s former Phillies teammate, will be on hand to greet fans and sign free autographs.

Individual tickets to this game are available now through Sunday, February 16th by visiting: https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/Buy.asp?EventID=302011

Season tickets and mini plans for the 2020 season are on sale now at the Weidenhammer Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium, online at https://www.milb.com/reading/tickets/, or by calling 610-370-BALL. The Weidenhammer Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Fightins Job Fair, Anthem Tryouts, Season Ticket Pickups set for February 29th

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(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils are hiring gameday employees for the 2020 season at the team’s annual Job Fair on Saturday, February 29th at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The Fightin Phils Job Fair will take place from 9-11 a.m. The Fightins are seeking part-time employees in various positions, including concession workers, ushers, ticket takers, waiters/waitresses, mascot performers, security, clean team & stadium operations, Phunland kids zone workers, Diamond Girls, and lifeguards.

Prospective employees should be willing and able to work weeknights and weekends from April through early September. Age requirements and compensation will vary by position.

Job seekers are encouraged to fill out an application in advance. Applications can be found online at fightins.com, and will also be available at the Job Fair on February 29th. Prospective employees should enter the Job Fair through the Steve Moyer Subaru Fightins Team Store on the day of the event.

National anthem tryouts will be held from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., with individual singers and performing groups welcome to audition to fill any available dates during the 2020 season. Registration will take place at the Steve Moyer Subaru Fightins Team Store, with tryouts held on the Good Life Financial Advisors Stage in Tompkins VIST Bank Plaza.

Ticket pickups for season ticket and mini-plan holders will also be held from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

In conjunction with these events, the Fightins team store will be open from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Celebrate a Veteran with Customized Jerseys on Military Appreciation Night

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(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will celebrate and honor veterans and active duty military at FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday, July 2nd, when R-Phils players will wear custom jerseys featuring the names of current and former military members.

The first 25 groups who purchase 20 or more tickets to the July 2nd game will have the chance to choose any veteran or active duty military member’s last name to place on the back of an R-Phils jersey, for no additional cost.

Each Fightins player will be wearing one of these custom jerseys during the game, with first pitch set for 7:10 p.m.

A special post-game jersey exchange will take place, with the 25 military honorees or their families receiving their individual game-worn jersey from the R-Phils player on the field.

The night will feature free tickets for all active military and veterans, and a ceremony will take place to honor those who have served prior to the game, thanks to Savage 61 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and 830 AM WEEU. Fans will also be treated to post-game fireworks.

Groups are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible, as this opportunity is limited to only 25 honorees. For ticket information, and to book a group outing for the chance to salute and honor your favorite veteran or military member, call or text 610-370-BALL, email Nick Mayer at [email protected], or submit an online reservation at https://www.milb.com/reading/forms/military-night.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs

Honor a Loved One who has Battled Breast Cancer this Mother’s Day

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(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will honor those who have battled breast cancer this Mother’s Day, when Fightins players and coaches will wear custom jerseys featuring the names of people who have fought the disease.

Fans can purchase a special ticket package and have the name of a loved one who has been afflicted with breast cancer represented on the back of a Fightin Phils jersey for no additional cost. Each Fightins player will be wearing one of these custom pink Breast Cancer Awareness jerseys during the game.

This opportunity is available to the first 25 groups who purchase 20 or more tickets to the May 10th Mother’s Day game at FirstEnergy Stadium.

A special post-game jersey exchange will take place, where the the 25 honorees or their families will receive their individual game-worn jersey from the R-Phils player or coach on the field.

First pitch on Mother’s Day is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. when the Fightins host the Harrisburg Senators. The day will also feature a Mother’s Day PINK Out, with all fans encouraged to wear pink. The first 1,500 women in attendance will receive a PINK Out for Breast Cancer giveaway, thanks to Reading Hospital McGlinn Cancer Institute.

Groups are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible, as this opportunity is limited to only 25 honorees. For ticket information, and to book a group outing for the chance to honor a loved one, call or text 610-370-BALL, email Nick Mayer at [email protected], or submit an online reservation at https://www.milb.com/reading/forms/mothers_day.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

R-Phils Bring Players, Fans Together with Celebrate Your Faith Nights

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Throughout Minor League Baseball, faith plays an ever-important role in the lives of many of those working their way toward the Major Leagues.

On Celebrate Your Faith nights at FirstEnergy Stadium, players and fans come together to reflect on the impact that their respective faiths have had on their journeys.

The R-Phils will be hosting three Celebrate Your Faith Nights during the 2020 season. The first will take place on Thursday, June 4th, with two others scheduled for Sunday, July 26th, and Sunday, August 2nd.

“Celebrate Your Faith nights have become a fun forum for Reading Fightin Phils fans to learn about the lives of professional baseball players and how they are able to incorporate their faith into a lifestyle that makes it very difficult to stay connected with their friends, family, and their places of worship,” said Joe Bialek, Reading Fightin Phils Executive Director of Sales. Bialek moderates the discussions on Celebrate Your Faith Nights, and is also the liaison between the team and Baseball Chapel.

“The players enjoy sharing their stories of faith as much as the fans enjoy hearing them. It’s truly an inspirational program for everyone involved.”

During Celebrate Your Faith Nights, faith-based groups can enjoy a post-game concert followed by a faith discussion and Q&A with R-Phils players. Several Fightin Phils players share the role their faith plays in their lives as professional athletes, and fan involvement in the discussion is encouraged.

The discussions are non-denominational, and all faiths are welcomed. The 2020 season will be the 18th year of the program’s existence.

Groups of 20 or more interested in attending one of the R-Phils Celebrate Your Faith Nights can contact the Fightins Group Sales Department at 610-375-8469 or by emailing Director of Groups Jon Nally ([email protected]).

2020 R-Phils Celebrate Your Faith Nights:

Thursday, June 4th – 7:10 p.m. vs. Altoona

Sunday, July 26th – 5:15 p.m. vs New Hampshire

Sunday, August 2nd – 5:15 p.m. vs Binghamton

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Education Days Offer Real-World Learning…and a Ballgame

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On three midweek days in the month of May, the gates at FirstEnergy Stadium are open before noon. Scores of children file in, chatting excitedly as they make their way through the halls of Reading’s historic ballpark.

Education Days at FirstEnergy Stadium provide a special atmosphere. The adults in the stands are outnumbered by Elementary and Middle School-aged children. The cheers are always louder.

“The excitement level in the ballpark on Education Days is unmatched. You can feel it in the air as the first buses arrive in the morning,” says Fightins Chief Director of Promotions Todd Hunsicker. “Thousands of students from across the region have been working hard in the classroom all year, and this field trip represents an opportunity to reward and celebrate their achievements.”

The Fightin Phils will host three Education Days during the 2020 season, with the first on Tuesday, May 12th at 12 p.m. against the Trenton Thunder. The second will take place on Wednesday, May 20th at 12 p.m. vs. the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and the final one will be vs. New Hampshire on Thursday, May 21st at 11:35 a.m.

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Education Days not only offer a chance for local children to enjoy a baseball game with their classmates, but also provide a great opportunity to make connections between classroom learning and real-world examples.

Gameday features include a standards-based activity guide for teachers that highlights key concepts across grade levels and subject areas, a worksheet for students that keeps them engaged and focused on activities throughout their visit to the ballpark, an on-field academic challenge, and educational presentations from organizations such as the Lehigh Valley Zoo, Reading Public Museum, PSU Berks Chemical Society, and more.

Among the most popular pregame educational presentations is one from the PSU Berks Chemical Society. In a demonstration of the power and energy that can be released when substances quickly change from a liquid to a gas, PSU Berks uses liquid nitrogen to dramatically launch hundreds of ping pong balls high above FirstEnergy Stadium.

“These types of large-scale demonstrations are impossible to achieve in the classroom, but I’m thrilled we can provide such an attention-grabbing science demo for the Education Day school groups at our ballpark,” Hunsicker says.

Throughout the game, students enjoy singing and dancing to their favorite songs, trying to catch hot dogs from the ostrich-riding Crazy Hot Dog Vendor, rooting for their favorite contestant in the Vegetable Race, and other countless fun-filled activities at America’s Classic Ballpark.

Prior to the game, students also have the chance to hear from a pair of Fightin Phils players on their journeys in the game of baseball, and even take part in a Q&A session.

Tickets are only $8 per student, with an option of adding a bagged lunch for a total of $12.

“The R-Phils have been hosting field trip games for over 20 years, and are proud to offer the best field trip experience in Berks County,” Hunsicker says. “From the reservation process, to the experience at the game, until the final bus departs, we are dedicated to making every school’s experience as smooth and rewarding as possible.”

Schools interested in scheduling a class field trip to FirstEnergy Stadium can contact the R-Phils Chief Director of Promotions Todd Hunsicker by email at [email protected], or by calling 610-375-8469, ext. 206.

2020 R-Phils Education Days:

Tuesday, May 12th – 12 p.m. vs. Trenton

Wednesday, May 20th – 12 p.m. vs New Hampshire

Thursday, May 21st – 11:35 a.m. vs New Hampshire

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Steve Jeltz Baseball Clinic at Rip It Batting Cages to Benefit Baseballtown Charities

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(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils announced on Thursday that former R-Phils and Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Steve Jeltz will be hosting a special baseball clinic at Rip It Batting Cages on Saturday, February 1st to benefit Baseballtown Charities.

The three-hour clinic will include instruction on hitting, infield, baserunning, and the mental approach to the game, as well as free autographs and photos with Steve Jeltz.

Jeltz played eight years in Major League Baseball from 1983-90, spending seven of those seasons with the Phillies. Primarily a shortstop, Jeltz saw time at six different positions throughout his Major League career. Jeltz was a ninth round draft pick of the Phillies in 1980, and was a member of the R-Phils in 1982.

Since then, Jeltz has become a renowned baseball instructor, teaching kids the mental side of the game as well as the importance of having fun on the field. Guest instructors at the clinic will include the 2020 King of Baseballtown Greg Edge, a former Spring Training teammate of Jeltz’s and an R-Phils shortstop in the late ’80s.

The clinic will benefit Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization which was founded to keep baseball alive in Reading, allowing the area’s youth to benefit from the many life lessons the game teaches. Parents can register their child to participate in the clinic for $60 per player. Groups of four or more players who register together can sign up for a discounted rate of $50 per player.

To register for the Steve Jeltz Baseball Clinic, please email Roberto Sanchez at [email protected].

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Christmas on the Mountain Winter Coat Drive to be Held on December 6th

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(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils have partnered with Christmas on the Mountain and HGSK Law Firm to hold a Winter Coat Drive on Friday, December 6th from 5-10 p.m. at Christmas on the Mountain.

The drive will benefit various organizations throughout Reading in conjunction with the Daniel Torres Centro Hispano (Hispanic Center).

Christmas on the Mountain is operating in its 29th year, located at the Hillside Playground on North 14th Street in Reading. The playground is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland each holiday season. The free display, operated by the Reading High School Marine Corps JROTC, includes over 1 million LED lights, inflatables, vintage and modern decorations, and a replica of Santa’s workshop.

Fightin Phils mascots will also be on hand for the event.

Christmas on the Mountain opened for the season on November 23rd, and will be open daily through December 23rd. The display runs from 5-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

FirstEnergy Stadium Pays Tribute to All who Served with Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

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(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will celebrate and honor those who served on Monday, November 11thin hosting the sixth annual Veterans Day ceremony at FirstEnergy Stadium. The R-Phils, in partnership with Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, will be presenting the Veterans Day Wreath in front of the Veterans Monument at FirstEnergy Stadium at 1 p.m.

All veterans and military members are encouraged to attend, and the event is open to the general public.

Local community leaders will join R-Phils front office members at the ceremony, in which the American Legion Gregg Post 12 will lay a wreath in front of the ballpark’s dog tag monument near the entrance to FirstEnergy Stadium. The monument pays tribute to all members of the United States military who sacrificed to protect the United States of America.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Fightin Phils upon conclusion of the ceremony in the Steve Moyer Subaru Team Store.

Originally called Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium, FirstEnergy Stadium was completed in 1951 and was named in honor of the servicemen and women who risked their lives in defense of their country. In 1999, a statue in the form of giant dog tags was placed in front of the stadium in a special rededication ceremony to honor the area’s veterans.

Beginning with the 2014 season, the Fightins have honored a specific veteran at each home game with a ceremonial flag service. The veteran, or his or her family, is recognized with a video tribute and ovation prior to the start of the game. The flag flies by the dog tag statue at the stadium’s main entrance, and is given to the veteran or veteran’s family following the game.

Prior to the start of the 2016 season, the Fightin Phils also unveiled a permanently unoccupied black seat in FirstEnergy Stadium. This seat pays tribute to the tens of thousands of military service personnel who were prisoners of war or have been declared missing in action.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

FirstEnergy Stadium to Host 13th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run

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(Reading, PA) – FirstEnergy Stadium will welcome the 13th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run, presented by Classic Harley-Davidson, on Sunday, November 3rd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Tompkins VIST Bank Plaza.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and The Children’s Home of Reading. Guests will be admitted to the holiday event by presenting a new, unwrapped toy of any value or by making a monetary donation that will be used to purchase additional toys for children.

Attendees who donate to the cause will also be treated to a free hot dog and drink, and enjoy live music in the VIST Bank plaza. Santa Claus will be on hand for photos from noon to 2 p.m.

Enjoy live music beginning at 12 pm with a performance by “Stupak Gallagher”

The Steve Moyer Subaru Fightin Phils Team Store will be open during the event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everything in the store will be 20% off, with some merchandise discounted up to 50%.

Motorcycle registration for the Toy Run will begin at 9 a.m. at Classic Harley-Davidson. Santa Claus will lead the ride as it departs from Classic Harley-Davidson on Route 183 at 11 a.m. and follows a 25-mile course before arriving at America’s Classic Ballpark at approximately noon. All motorcycles, Jeeps, and classic cars are welcome to participate in the Eastern PA Toy Run with a donation of an unwrapped toy.

The Eastern PA Toy Run began in 2007 after the Berks County Toys for Tots motorcycle run was nearly cancelled due to the deployment of the Marine Corps Reserve Unit. Multiple motorcycle runs combined and teamed with the Fightin Phils in order to continue benefitting Toys for Tots in Berks and Lebanon counties as well as The Children’s Home of Reading.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Dinner Under the Stars Supports Baseballtown Charities

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(Reading, PA) – America’s Classic Ballpark hosted the fourth annual Diamonds & Dreams Dinner Under the Stars on Thursday night, with all proceeds from tickets sold donated directly to Baseballtown Charities.

In 2002, the R-Phils established Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded to keep baseball alive in Reading, so children can benefit from the many life lessons the game teaches. Since that time, Baseballtown Charities has been a part of many projects throughout the community.

The Dream League was formed to give those with physical and mental disabilities the chance to enjoy the game of baseball. Teams play on a custom-designed turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices while helping to prevent injuries. The Dream League was created to allow anyone with physical or cognitive disabilities to play baseball, and there are no age requirements or barriers to participate.

In addition to the Dream League, Baseballtown Charities’ key projects have included the opening of Gordon Hoodak Stadium, Baer Park, and Oakbrook Park, and the creation of the Rip It for Life program, which provides local children and adolescents the opportunity and instruction to grow as players, and as people.

Thursday’s Dinner Under the Stars event welcomed attendees with a cocktail hour on the diamond, featuring Stockertown Beverage, Sly Fox Brewing Company, St. Boniface Brewing Company, and Adelphia Seafood.

President of Baseballtown Charities Chuck Domino, Fightin Phils General Manager/Vice President of Baseballtown Charities Scott Hunsicker, and Executive Director of Baseballtown Charities Tonya Petrunak presented opening remarks, and recognized Dream League/Rip It for Life players and contributors in attendance.

With tables strewn across the outfield grass, attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring the work of local chefs Tim Twiford (Redners Market), Josenoly Capitle (Crowne Plaza), Brad Fisher (Berkshire Country Club), and George Zeppos (Willoughby’s on Park). A variety of desserts were provided by Cakes & Candies by Maryellen, Sweet Ride Ice Cream, and Sweet Street Desserts. The Uptown Band performed to a sea of guests adorned in white, as part of the night’s “Beisbol Blanco” theme.

The event also gave a spotlight to families who have been positively affected by the endeavors of Baseballtown Charities. Guests had the opportunity to hear the uplifting stories of Melissa Noyes and her son Ryan, and Miriam Feliciano.

To donate to Baseballtown Charities, visit https://one.bidal.net/baseballtown. For more information on Baseballtown Charities and the Dream League, visit www.baseballtown.org.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Fightins, Capital BlueCross Announce Return of Outstanding Student Program

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The Reading Fightin Phils, in partnership with Capital BlueCross, have announced the return of the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program for the 2019 season. The program is designed to raise funds for participating schools in the club’s surrounding community.

The Outstanding Student Program is a unique incentive-based program which recognizes and rewards hard-working students. Through the program, students are given an opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their families at a designated Fightin Phils home game. The Fightins have given back $9,400 to local schools since the program began.

Schools can register now to take part in the Outstanding Student Program this season, at no cost to the schools.

Each school decides its own method of selecting its “Outstanding Students,” and every student recognized by his or her school receives two FREE tickets to a Fightins game, an Outstanding Student Medal from a Fightins player, and a photo with the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor during a pregame Outstanding Student Ceremony. This year’s ceremonies will take place on April 25, April 29, April 30, May 7, May 12, and May 16.

For each free ticket that is used, and for any additional tickets that are purchased by family members through the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program, the participating school receives $1 back.

School teachers, administrators, or PTO/PTA representatives can sign their school up now for the 2019 season by contacting the Fightin Phils Director of Education Todd Hunsicker at 610-375-8469 x.206 or by email at [email protected]

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Fightins Receive 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award

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(Reading, PA) – Minor League Baseball has announced the Reading Fightin Phils have received the 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award. They are the sixth-ever recipient of the award. The award was introduced in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of John Henry Moss, who founded the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. The award is given to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership. The award will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Dec. 9, 2018, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Fightin Phils to Baseballtown Charities.

“On behalf of Baseballtown Charities and the Reading Fightin Phils, we are honored, and humbled, to receive the John Henry Moss Community Service Award”, said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “Baseballtown Charities thanks the many sponsors, volunteers, R-Phils Front Office staff, game staff, and the fans – the citizens of Baseballtown – for giving of their time, and of their treasure, to help the kids. The Savage 61 Dream Field, and Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, are incredible facilities that will help children for many years to come. They provide the physical place where volunteers can interact with the children on a human level, and really make a difference.”

This past April, the Fightin Phils unveiled the brand new Savage 61 Dream Field, which is a facility that provides children with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. The unique rubberized surface is the first field of its kind to be built in Berks County. The project is fully funded by Baseballtown Charities, the Reading Fightin Phils charitable organization. 110 children with physical and developmental challenges played in the inaugural spring league, plus another 60 children played in the fall league. More than 850 volunteers have devoted their time in working with these children.

The Dream League Field is the second one million dollar stadium built by Baseballtown Charities. The first, Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, built in 2006 has provided more than 1,000 children from Reading the opportunity to learn baseball, softball and life lessons through the game.

The momentum of Gordon Hoodak Stadium, the Baseballtown Dream League, and now the John Henry Moss Award, Baseballtown Charities is even more energized and ready to tackle their next challenge: Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life. Rip It for Life is a program that will identify young baseball and softball players who want to get better as players, but who face socio-economic challenges. Players identified to participate in the newly formed Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life program will receive incredible baseball and softball training at no cost to them. The goal of Rip It for Life is to make the kids the best they can be, both as players, and as people, one kid at a time.

Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa. that focuses on making dreams come true one pitch at a time. Since 2002, Baseballtown Charities has worked to build inclusive baseball diamonds as well as bonds between players, teammates and supportive communities. For more information, visit www.baseballtowndreamleague.com.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and group tickets are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Fightin Phils to raise awareness of Spotted Lanternfly on June 26th

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(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils, proud double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have announced they will be hosting Agricultural Appreciation Night to stop the Spotted Lanternfly on Tuesday, June 26th at 7:15 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium. The first 2,000 adults will receive a Fightin the Spotted Lanterfly T-Shirt courtesy of Anewalts Landscape Contracting and Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery.

Since 2014, the Spotted Lanternfly has threatened the state’s grape, fruit tree and logging industries. Adult lanternflies have a black head and grayish wings with black spots and their body seems to glow red. They have been a threat to the local wine industry because of their negative impact on grapes.

“Growing quality grapes are the first crucial step into making premium wine,” said Kari Skrip, owner of Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. “The Spotted Lanternfly has the ability to cause major damage to our vines and as a result to Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. It is imperative that we find solutions to this pest for our vines, wines and our livelihood.”

“Although beautiful, the spotted lanternfly can do immeasurable damage to our local and greater community,” said Lori Anewalt, owner of Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting. “It is our duty to be on the cutting edge of what a lanternfly can do and to treat it with great urgency. We are deeply concerned about the future of the fruit industry, especially that of Clover Hill Winery being that they are close family of the Anewalt’s.”

At the game, State Sen. Judy Schwank will have a table with informational flyers about the spotted lanternfly.

“The spotted lanternfly is a serious problem and is having a huge impact on our communities and on our farmers,” Schwank said. “Everybody needs to be engaged on this issue. Come out on June 26 to learn more.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has three steps to help eradicate the spotted lanternfly:

1.      Kill them

2.     Scrape the eggs off your trees

3.      If you are in a new area report it to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) by emailing [email protected] or call the Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-253-7189

For individual tickets visit fightins.com/tickets or call 610-370-BALL.

For group outings, please reach out to Director of Groups Sales Jon Nally at [email protected] or Assistant Director of Group Sales at [email protected]

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and season tickets for the 2018 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.