Powerhouse Programs To Square Off Wednesday At FirstEnergy Stadium

Students from Wilson-West Lawn & Plymouth Whitemarsh will take the field

(READING, PA) – Two strong baseball programs are scheduled to play one another as a part of the Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase. Mays Sandwich Shop – Spring Township (Wilson-West Lawn) will face Colonial Baseball (Plymouth Whitemarsh) at FirstEnergy Stadium on Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30pm. Admission is free for all fans that wish to attend.

Both associated high school teams were projected to be major players in the PIAA this season and set to make it deep into the state championships. Last year, they made it into the final rounds so many players are hungry to compete once again.

Brady Gibble, a senior from Wilson, participated in the All-Star Senior Classic on Monday and will play in the game on Wednesday. He said this has been something to really look forward to. “I’m glad to have a game against a good opponent that we could have possibly seen if we played the season,” Gibble explained. “Plus, this is a great field, it never disappoints to play here.”

Wilson’s head coach, Sal Raccuglia says his team had high expectations for the 2020 season. They have all of the pieces and will be extremely competitive next season. A lot of the players have been staying in shape playing travel and legion ball.

Raccuglia is looking forward to playing at FirstEnergy Stadium. “I want to give a bunch of different guys the opportunity for experience and playing time,” he said. “The showcase will provide a sense of baseball normalcy.”

Chris Moreno, the head coach of the Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials expressed his gratitude to the R-Phils for hosting this showcase. “This showcase is a great way to give the guys a moment to see what they have been working towards,” Moreno noted. “I think this is a major opportunity to get the team back together on the field in a beautiful historic ballpark.

When asked about playing against Wilson, Moreno said his team is bringing a pretty big roster and is excited for the chance to play against high caliber teams to see how they measure up. Their main goal was to get back to the level they were at last year and with some key pieces returning, expectations were high. In the meantime, the Colonials will enjoy playing some baseball under the lights during this showcase.

Wilson and PW have multiple seniors going on to further their education and baseball careers. While these graduating seniors have contributed much to their teams past successes, there are many players who will remain on the roster and have a positive impact. Both teams are expected to remain contenders in 2021.

Berks Seniors Spend Memorable Night At First Energy Stadium

 

On Monday, July 13 the Berks County baseball seniors participated in the Rip It Baseballtown Charities All-Star Senior Classic. Players were honored before the game and competed in front of several hundred fans at FirstEnergy Stadium. A big thanks to EG Smith, Abilities in Motion, and Deer Country Farm & Lawn for sponsoring the nights action.

Twin Valley’s Trevor Laraia and Ryan Davis were excited for the opportunity. Davis noted the perfect field and evening for baseball. Laraia could not wait to get out and play as well. He explained, “I’ve been playing and competing against these kids for a while now so it’s nice to get to do it one last time.”

In the top of the fourth inning Reading’s Angel Velez starting off the scoring for the Red Team. He tripled to right field scoring Laraia and Governor Mifflin’s Danny Roesch. Laraia singled, while Roesch reached on a walk.

The Blue Team tied things up in the bottom half of the fourth inning. Fleetwood’s Zachary Sell tripled to score Muhlenberg’s K.J. Blanding. Jeb Kurtz from Daniel Boone then plated Sell on a sacrifice fly.

Things were quiet until the top of the ninth when the Red Team stirred some action. Reading’s Kristian Tirado walked and moved to second on a bunt from Hamburg’s Sean Evangelista. Gaige Brown (Muhlenberg) reached on an error and slid in to second due to defensive indifference. Tanner Vanderslice from Daniel Boone walked to load the bases. The MVP of the night belonged to Reading’s Nomar Torres when he shot a hard liner up the middle to score Tirado and Brown. With Davis at the plate, an error from the catcher allowed Vanderslice to score the third run of the inning, making it 5-2 in favor of the Red Team.

Both teams rotated players in and out so every senior had an opportunity to showcase their skills on the professional ball field.

The game was an important moment for some competitors who may have played their final game of baseball. Others will pursue the sport at a higher level, playing in different divisions of college ball. A few seniors will get the opportunity to play again in the Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase happening throughout July, starting tomorrow, Tuesday, July 14, with a double header. Check out milb.com/reading/events/showcase for more information.

Roster Announced For Baseballtown Charities Senior Classic

 

On Monday, July 13th, the Reading Fightin Phils are set to host the Baseballtown Charities Senior Classic for the Berks County 2020 graduating senior class. The R-Phils thank the Baseballtown Charities Senior Classic Sponsors: Abilities in Motion, Deer Country Farm & Lawn and EG Smith Inc.

The game will be played on the professional baseball field at FirstEnergy Stadium. First pitch is set for 6pm with gates opening at 5pm. This event is free for all to attend with stadium food and drink available for purchase.

Every year Baseballtown hosts this senior game to recognize the hard work and dedication of the graduating seniors. This year is extra special. The 2020 senior classes were unable to finish their final high school season due to COVID-19. Now, the R-Phils are pleased to offer them an opportunity for one last memorable moment on the field with their teams!

There will be over 60 seniors from the surrounding area participating. The Blue Team will play as the home team, while the Red Team will serve as the away team.

The Blue team will be led by Head Coach Brian Kopetsky from Muhlenberg. Kopetsky will be assisted by Jeff Manley (Muhl), Erron Archie (Muhl), Dan Louviaux (Muhl), Zach Milch (Muhl), and Boo Schaffer (Antietam – Head Coach), and student manager Nina Calvaresi from Muhlenberg.

Wilson – Brady Gibble

Wilson – Adam Vanino

Wilson – Trey Gehret

Kutztown – Tyler Reitenauer

Kutztown – Lewis Weaver

Brandywine – Brody Graff

Muhlenberg – Dan Clouser

Muhlenberg – K.J. Blanding

Muhlenberg – Yorfi Peralta

Reading – Likeiry Tavaras

Reading – Branden Boutte

Wyomissing – Ian Brunner

Twin Valley – Jevan Kennedy

Twin Valley – Jordan Lasak

Twin Valley – Joey Sciamanna

Daniel Boone – Jeb Kurtz

Daniel Boone – Teagan Duffie

Governor Mifflin – Andrew Kuczala

Governor Mifflin – Carson Kemery

Governor Mifflin – Darius Troche

Schuylkill Valley – Cody Eckenroth

Hamburg – Tarik Feick

Hamburg – P.J. Hanlon

Exeter – Dylan Fassbender

Exeter – Josh Shaffer

Oley – Payton Rowe

Fleetwood – Zachary Sell

Conrad Weiser – Turner Dianna

Conrad Weiser – Drew Druckenmiller

Berks Catholic – Brendan Long

Berks Catholic – Andrew Gordos

Antietam – Peyton Heck

The Red Team will be led by Head Coach Chris Hole from Governor Mifflin. Hole will be assisted by Bill Underwood (Wilson), Mike Zientek (Wilson), Adam Smith (Wilson), and Brandon Shurr (Berks Catholic – Head Coach), and student manager Morgan Jacobs from Wilson.

Wilson – Jack Gensemer

Wilson – Jacob Hartranft

Kutztown – Tyler Hugo

Brandywine – Aaron Jarrett

Muhlenberg – Gaige Brown

Muhlenberg – Matt Wanner

Reading – Angel Velez

Reading – Kristian Tirado

Reading – Nomar Torres

Wyomissing – Dayne Yourkavitch

Twin Valley – Ryan Davis

Twin Valley – Trevor Laraia

Daniel Boone – Aidan Landis

Daniel Boone – Tanner Vanderslice

Daniel Boone – Ethan Brown

Governor Mifflin – Kolbie Reeser

Governor Mifflin – Danny Roesch

Schuylkill Valley – Mason Gabel

Hamburg – Sean Evangelista

Hamburg – Mason Henne

Hamburg – Colby Gromlich

Hamburg – Owen Zimmerman

Exeter – Ryan Michalski

Oley – Blake Trumbore

Fleetwood – Jake Hess

Conrad Weiser – C.J. Civiello

Conrad Weiser – Joshua Meyers

Berks Catholic – Jake Buser

Berks Catholic – Chris Russel

Antietam- Cameron Yousaitis

Antietam – Kyle Reeves

FirstEnergy stadium is the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and the home of the Reading Fightin Phils. The stadium is located at 1900 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19605.

Baseballtown Charities Showcase Schedule Set For FirstEnergy Stadium

 

(READING, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will host the Baseballtown Charities Showcase featuring 12 teams of high school aged baseball players to give them a little part of the season they lost to COVID-19. It is set to kick off at the Double-A ballpark of the Philadelphia Phillies, FirstEnergy Stadium. We thank the Baseballtown Charities Showcase sponsors Abilities in Motion, Deer Country Farm & Lawn, and EG Smith.

Action will begin July 14 and end on August 3. Teams are from Eastern Pennsylvania, drawing from suburban Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Berks County, and Easton.

The majority of teams that enter will play three games versus an opponent of similar skill level on the professional field. Registration benefits Baseballtown Charities to help more kids play baseball and softball.

Admission, as well as parking, is FREE for all fans. R-Phils concessions will be open at all games for fans to enjoy their favorite ballpark food and drink.

Games are primarily scheduled every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday over a three-week period. Game times are 5pm & 7:30 pm, with a two-hour time limit for each game.

There are eight teams that represent areas from Berks County: Reading, Hamburg, The Berg (Muhlenberg), Mays Sandwich Shop (Wilson – West Lawn), Blazers (Daniel Boone – Birdsboro), Exeter, Weiser Scouts (Conrad Weiser), and Shillington Stangs (Governor Mifflin). They are joined by 4 teams from outside the local area: Wilson (Easton), Colonial Baseball (Plymouth Whitemarsh), Royersford Complete Game (Spring-Ford), and Wissahickon.

2020 Baseballtown Charities Showcase

14- Jul

Reading 3 vs Exeter 11

Wilson (Easton) 8 vs Weiser Scouts 1

15- Jul

Hamburg 11 vs Blazers 2

Colonial Baseball 9 vs Mays Sandwich Shop – Spring Township 8

16- Jul

Reading 7 vs Weiser Scouts 6

Royersford Complete Game 7 vs Wissahickon Blues 6

20- Jul

The Berg 11 vs Exeter 1

Hamburg 8 vs Wilson (Easton) 3

21- Jul

Reading 14 vs Wilson (Easton) 1

Colonial Baseball 8 vs Royersford Complete Game 10

27- Jul

Blazers 9 vs Weiser Scouts 5

Mays Sandwich Shop – Spring Township 0 vs Royersford Complete Game 2

28- Jul

Colonial Baseball 14 vs Exeter 5

29- Jul

Mays Sandwich Shop – Spring Township 11 vs Shillington Stangs 6

The Berg 15 vs Wissahickon Blues 10

3- Aug

The Berg 7 vs Blazers 3

12- Aug

6:30 Hamburg vs Wissahickon

The Showcase series will begin the day after the 2020 Baseballtown Charities Senior Classic scheduled for Monday, July 13. Over 60 seniors who played for high schools that participated in the BCIAA are scheduled to participate in the Senior Classic.

The R-Phils will also be hosting Rip It Baseballtown Charities showcase for area teams, 13U-19U, on weekends in July and August. Admission is free and stadium food and drink will be available. In addition, the Fightin’s will continue to have their Party with a Purpose nights at the ballpark on upcoming Thursdays.

FirstEnergy Stadium is the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and the home of the Reading Fightin Phils. The stadium is located at 1900 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19605.

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

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

 

(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

 

(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

 

(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 nmayer@fightins.com, 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

 

(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 nmayer@fightins.com, 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

 

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 (jnally@fightins.com).

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

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 thunsicker@fightins.com, 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

 

(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 ripitbattingcages@gmail.com.

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

 

(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

 

(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

 

(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.