R-Phils to celebrate parent club’s World Series at eight games

Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies 2009 promotional schedule, which was revealed last week, features eight games with events and/or giveaways that will celebrate the 2008 World Series championship of their long-time affiliate. The R-Phils 43-year affiliation with Philadelphia is tied for the second longest in baseball with Detroit’s Lakeland Flying Tigers (1967). Baltimore and the Bluefield Orioles have been affiliated since 1958. 

The nostalgia starts with the R-Phils first three games of the year. On Thursday, April 9, vs. the Harrisburg Senators (Nationals) at 7:05 PM, the first 2,500 adults (15+) will receive a World Champions logo fleece throw blanket. The first 2,000 adults (21+) get a World Champions logo seat cushion  on Friday, April 10 at 7:05 PM. The season-opening series vs. Harrisburg concludes on Saturday at 6:05 with an appearance by the Phillie Phanatic thanks to Van Bennett Food Co. The World Series trophy will be present thanks to Comcast SportsNet and Teva Pharmaceuticals. Fans should bring their cameras for a free photo session. WEEU 830 AM will host a World Series Celebration during the pre-game. 

Pepsi will treat the first 2,500 kids 14 and under to a Cole Hamels World Series MVP hat on Sunday, April 25 when Reading hosts the Bowie Baysox (Orioles) at 1:05 PM. 

The first 2,000 kids 14 and under will receive a World Champions replica ring thanks to Betty’s Salads and Frank 107.5 when Harrisburg visits for a 1:05 PM game on Sunday, May 17. 

The Incredible Egg and PA Poultry Farmers will give the first 2,500 adults (15+) an equally incredible World Champions Charlie Manuel bobblehead on Wednesday, June 24, vs. the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays) at 7:05 PM. 

On Wednesday, July 1 vs. Altoona (Pirates) at 7:05 PM, the first 2,500 adults (15+) will receive a Cole Hamels World Series MVP t-shirt compliments of TexStyles Garment Printing and Embroidery. 

FirstEnergy and WEEU 830 AM will present the first 2,500 adults (15+) a World Series Champions desktop replica ring when the Trenton Thunder (Yankees) are in town for a 7:05 PM game on Tuesday, August 4.

Please visit click the links above to learn about the additional promotions and events taking place during these games.

Former R-Phils players on last year’s World Series roster were: Pat Burrell (1999), Jimmy Rollins (1999), Brett Myers (2001), Ryan Madson (2002), Carlos Ruiz (2003-2004), Ryan Howard (2004), Hamels (2005), J.A. Happ (2005-2006) and Chris Coste (2007). Madson (2004, 2007), Chase Utley (2007), Pedro Feliz (2008) and Shane Victorino (2007-2008), all on the active World Series roster, played for Reading on re-hab assignment. 

Brad Harman, Greg Golson, Lou Marson, Brett Myers, Kyle Kendrick, Adam Eaton, R.J. Swindle and Andrew Carpenter all played for the big Phillies in 2008 but weren’t on the active World Series roster. All of them, except Kendrick, also played for Reading in 2008.

Others with ties to Reading as Phillies include: Manager Charlie Manuel who spent a lot of time in Reading during the 2003-04 season when he was a special assistant to Ed Wade. Manuel worked with Howard and Ruiz on many of his visits. Hitting coach Milt Thompson served the R-Phils in the same capacity in 1998-99 and was a roving instructor who visited Reading often from 2001-2003. From 2000-2003 catching instructor Mick Billmeyer frequented Reading in the same role as a Minor League coordinator. Bullpen coach Roly deArmas played for the R-Phils in 1975 and visited Reading often as a roving instructor 2005-2006.

Tickets for these and all 2009 home games are available online at readingphillies.com. The box office at FirstEnergy Stadium will open for phone (610-375-8469) and walk-up sales on Monday, March 2. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30 PM, and Saturdays (March 7 – April 4), 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. 

This story was posted on February 24, 2009