About Us

The Reading Phillies offer affordable family entertainment from early April through August at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Phillies are well known for creating a festive, fan-friendly atmosphere from the time the gates open until the bottom of the ninth inning. While parking is always free and the concessions remain affordable, every game is a unique experience. Giveaways, fireworks and the five-member R-Phils Mascot Team keep things hopping throughout the season.

Reading won the John H. Johnson President's Trophy in 2003. The Johnson Trophy is the top honor bestowed upon "the complete franchise" by Minor League Baseball. Reading has been awarded the Larry MacPhail Trophy as the best promotional team in all of Minor League Baseball twice and has been the Eastern League’s nominee several other times. In 2002 the city was dubbed Baseballtown.

The R-Phils have led the Eastern League in total and/or average attendance for six consecutive seasons. In 2007, the 10 millionth fan in FirstEnergy Stadium’s history passed through the gates. That milestone was a first in the modern Minor Leagues for a stadium that has never been home to a Triple-A franchise. 

The stadium itself is one of baseball’s finest and is the oldest venue in the Eastern League. Completed in 1951, the original grandstand and exterior brick wall provide an old-time ballpark feel while the right field swimming pool and left field video board cater to the modern fan. The natural grass surface is immaculately maintained and provides the perfect accent to a classic park. 

The R-Phils have been the class-AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1967. The 42-year relationship is tied for the third longest in Minor League Baseball and has produced big league stars like Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski, Ryne Sandberg, Pat Burrell, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard. 

Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball offers something for everybody, even a non-baseball fan.  But don't worry, there's a lot of great baseball too.  The Minor Leagues are about affordable family entertainment, community and opportunities for businesses of all sizes to gain exposure through various marketing tools.  

Almost all of the players in the Major Leagues today have played in the Minor Leagues. Some were on the fast track and reached the show in a matter of months.  Some have paid their dues for over a decade before finally getting a taste.  Most spend 4-6 years developing their skills in the Minors at a variety of levels before they move on.

Minor League Baseball's fan base has experienced tremendous growth over the last 30 years.  In 1975, 11 million fans passed through the turnstiles at Minor League Parks.  In 2007, that number grew to 42.8 million.  It was the fourth consecutive season that the Minors as an industry set an attendance record.  

Everyone in the Minor Leagues sits so close they can almost see the glint in the eye of the player who just may be the next Rookie of the Year, and there's a good chance the kids might come home with his autograph too. 

Whether it's the thrill of your team's come from behind victory, that new cap with a one-of-a-kind logo or simply the money that's left in your wallet at the end of the night, Minor League Baseball has something for everybody.

Fast facts and what they're saying

"The Minor Leagues have made some major discoveries about appealing to the needs and interests of the American Family."
- Recreation Management

41.3 million people attended a Minor League Baseball game in 2005 compared to 21.3 million (NBA), 20.3 million (NHL in '03-'04) and the 17.3 million (NFL).

Since 1990, 103 new Minor League Baseball stadiums have opened.

76% of adult Minor League Baseball Fans are homeowners and 48% of these fans own a home worth $150,000 or more.

"More than a sport, Minor League Baseball bills itself as family entertainment. And these days, that entertainment is being staged in sparkling new ballparks that are seen by their builders as engines for urban renewal."
- Sportscast

"The Minors attendance patterns are showing extensive depth and breadth."
- Sports Business Journal

Nearly a third of Minor League Baseball fans are in the prime 18-34 age demographic.

"Minor League Baseball is thriving as an affordable alternative to the big leagues."
- New York Post

"This summer more Americans are saying 'take me out to the ballgame." ...Fans are heading in record numbers to the country's other pro ballparks."
- The Wall Street Journal

"Minor League Baseball is more than quaint stadiums and dancing umpires.  It's now a $500 million industry."
- MSNBC.com