News

March 13, 2008
Notes | Two R-Phils honored, trade winds and more
Reading, PA – R-Phils LF Javon Moran and RHP Patrick Overholt have been named the Phillies Minor League player and pitcher of the week, respectively.

March 12, 2008
7th annual Morning Game rained out
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies annual morning game, scheduled for Monday, May 12 vs. the Altoona Curve at 9:35 AM, has been rained out.

May 7, 2008
7th annual Morning Game set for Monday, May 12
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies will host their annual morning game on Monday, May 12 when the team closes out an eight game home stand against the Altoona Curve at 9:35 AM. The morning game, which is now in its seventh season, was designed to accommodate second and third shift workers, as well as senior citizens. The first 2,000 adults 15 and older will receive a white R-Phils Morning Game t-shirt thanks to Berks Encore and Capital BlueCross.

May 2, 2008
R-Phils to fight breast cancer on Mother’s Day
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies 4th annual Mother’s Day game to fight breast cancer will be Sunday, May 11 when the team takes on the Altoona Curve, the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, at 1:05 PM. Gates open at noon.

May 2, 2008
Minor League’s strikeout leader promoted to Reading
Reading, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies have promoted left-handed pitcher Antonio Bastardo from Class-A Clearwater to Double-A Reading. Bastardo, 22 years-old, will make his first start for the R-Phils on Saturday at Harrisburg at 6:05 PM. Ranked the #26 prospect in the Phillies system by Baseball America prior to the season, Bastardo leads all Minor League pitchers with 47 strikeouts.

May 1, 2008
On the Field & Off the Field
A look at the Reading Phillies May 5-12 homestand at FirstEnergy Stadium.

April 25, 2008
Victorino to rehab in Reading on Friday night
Reading, PA -- Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino will continue his Major League rehab assignment with the Reading Phillies tonight, Friday, April 25 when the R-Phils host the Connecticut Defenders (Giants) at 7:05 PM. Victorino has been on the disabled list with a strained right calf since April 12.

April 24, 2008
On the Field & Off the Field
A look at the Reading Phillies next homestand - April 25-27 vs. the Connecticut Defenders (S.F. Giants).

April 20, 2007
Harman called up to Philadelphia
Reading, PA – Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins (left ankle sprain), a 1999 Reading Phillies, and outfielder Chris Snelling (left knee inflammation) were placed on the 15-day disabled list, the Phillies announced today. Snelling is backdated to April 17. To fill their spots on the 25-man roster, infielder Brad Harman was recalled from double-A Reading and outfielder T.J. Bohn was recalled from triple-A Lehigh Valley.

March 30, 2008
Opening Day roster announced
Reading, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies have announced the 24-man roster for their Double-A club in Reading. Reading’s roster features seven of the Phillies Top 20 prospects as ranked by Baseball America.

March 27, 2008
Seven bobblehead giveaways on R-Phils 2008 schedule
Reading, PA – Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley will join the Reading Phillies Crazy Hot Dog Vendor as part of seven different bobblehead giveaways during the 2008 R-Phils regular season at FirstEnergy Stadium. The giveaways will feature a return to the retro style bobbleheads that made their debut in the 1950s. The bobbleheads gained popularity in the 1960s when Major League Baseball began producing them for each team.  The retro style bobbleheads feature the old style small body with the oversized, grinning face, a change from the recent wave of action style bobbleheads.

March 18, 2008
Post-game fireworks scheduled for 28 R-Phils games
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies have announced that 28 of the 71 regular season home games at FirstEnergy Stadium will feature post-game fireworks. The number of shows matches last season’s team record.

March 17, 2008
Wine and spirits available in R-Phils premium group areas
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies have announced that the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has approved the sale of wine and spirits in the club’s premium group areas for the 2008 season.

March 13, 2008
Domino inducted into the JA Berks County Business Hall of Fame
Reading, PA – Chuck Domino, a 26-year veteran of the baseball business, was inducted into the Berks County Business Hall of Fame on March 12, 2008 at the annual dinner for Junior Achievement. Domino is the President of the Double-A Reading Phillies, its non-profit entity Baseballtown Charities and the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Both teams play in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system.

March 12, 2008
Great giveaways start at the top; 11 cap days scheduled
Reading, PA – With the Reading Phillies set to don new caps and uniforms on the field in 2008, fans will also get the opportunity to do the same at the gates. The team has 11 games on its schedule that feature a cap giveaway. Nine of the 11 caps feature the R-Phils new cap logo in some form, five are replicas of caps worn by the team during games.

March 5, 2008
FANtastic voyages available to R-Phils fans in 2008
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies and White Star Travel Center have teamed up to offer fans several fantastic trips in 2008. Eight trips are being given away while six more, including one to Wrigley Field, are open to any fans that would like to book. Fans 18 and older are eligible for the trip giveaways. Transportation is included, as is lodging on all overnight trips.

February 27, 2008
FirstEnergy Stadium upgraded for the 2008 season
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies have nearly completed five renovation projects at FirstEnergy Stadium for the 2008 season and have also relocated one concession stand.

February 19, 2008
Individual tickets, on sale online Feb. 20, includes new all-you-can-eat ticket
Reading, PA – Individual tickets will go on sale for all 2008 Reading Phillies home games online at readingphillies.com on Wednesday, February 20 at 12:01 AM. The FirstEnergy Stadium box office will open for walk-up and phone sales on Wednesday, February 27 at 8:30 AM. Blue box, yellow box, red and green reserved and general admission prices have remained the same as last season. New for 2008 is an all-you-can-eat ticket available individually for any section in FirstEnergy Stadium.

February 18, 2008
Minor Leaguers gear up for spring
Our Minor League Spring Training Guide features a look back at spring 2007, info on over 50 players that could play in Reading in '08, important dates, game schedule/results, RTV videos, Podcasts and staff bios.

February 13, 2008
President’s Day sale on tickets for home opener
Reading, PA -- The Reading Phillies are holding a one-day President’s Day sale on tickets for the team’s April 11 home opener on Monday, February 18.

February 12, 2008
Pagoda’s 100th Anniversary Celebration starts with 2nd annual race to benefit city landmark
Reading, PA – The 2nd annual Pagoda to Home Plate Race will take place on Saturday, April 12 at 8:00 AM and serve as the official start to the City of Reading’s 100th Anniversary Celebration of the landmark. Proceeds from the race, which exceeded $2,000 in 2007, will again benefit the Pagoda Foundation. The race, which coincides with Reading’s Cherry Blossom Festival, is the first of several events geared towards celebrating the Pagoda’s centennial.

February 11, 2008
R-Phils Dance Team roster announced
The Reading Phillies inaugural Dance Team held their final auditions on Sunday.  The team roster has been announced at www.rphilsdanceteam.com 

February 7, 2008
Service Electric to broadcast exhibition game
Reading, PA – Service Electric Cable TV 2 Sports, located in Allentown, will broadcast the Capital BlueCross Exhibition game between the Double-A Reading Phillies and the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, live from FirstEnergy Stadium, on Tuesday, April 1 at 6:30 PM.

February 7, 2008
Important dates leading up to Opening Day
Reading, PA -- The Reading Phillies 42nd season begins in less than two months. Listed below are the important dates leading up to the R-Phils season and home openers. Full and partial season seat plans as well as group and picnic outings are available now. Tickets for the April 1 exhibition with Lehigh Valley are available to season ticket and mini-plan holders. Exhibition tickets will go sale to the general public on the same day as individual game sales.

February 6, 2008
R-Phils to host IronPigs in charity exhibition thanks to Capital Blue Cross
Reading, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies longest tenured farm team will host its newest when the Double-A Reading Phillies play the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs in an exhibition game to benefit Baseballtown Charities, thanks to Capital Blue Cross. The game will be held at Reading’s FirstEnergy Stadium on Tuesday, April 1 at 6:05 PM.

February 5, 2008
R-Phils Dance Team's final audition open to the public
The Reading Phillies’ new Dance Team will hold final auditions, live, on Sunday, February 10 from 3-5 PM at center court in the Fairgrounds Square Mall.  The auditions are open to the public.

February 5, 2008
R-Phils to discuss their faith with fans
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies and 69 News WFMZ have teamed up to offer fans seven Celebrate Your Faith Nights during the 2008 season. This will be the 6th season of the program’s existence. 

January 29, 2008
Baseballtown Charities benefits from annual dinner
Reading, PA – The annual King of Baseballtown dinner, which coincided with the Philadelphia Phillies’ Winter Tour’s stop in Reading, raised over $13,000 for Baseballtown Charities last week. The dinner was held on January 24 at the Sheraton Wyomissing and was attended by 560 people. Proceeds were derived from ticket sales, raffles, silent and live auctions.

January 28, 2008
School Pride program showcases area youth
Reading, PA – Thanks to Pepsi, the Reading Phillies are inviting area schools to share their school pride with the FirstEnergy Stadium crowd at select 2008 home games. There is no cost to schools, students or teachers to take part in the program.

January 22, 2008
Six Ribfests and five Beer Tasting Festivals on 2008 schedule
Reading, PA – Baseball, food and a few good drinks are a great combination for any fan. Celebrate the 2008 baseball season in style at the R-Phils Ribfests or Beer Tasting Festivals. 

January 17, 2008
Screwball to deliver roses to your sweetie this Valentine's Day
Reading Phillies mascot Screwball has teamed up with Rock Hits Y-102 and Royer’s Flowers and Gifts to deliver roses to fans’ sweethearts this Valentine’s Day.

January 10, 2008
Service Electric, affiliates to televise 23 games
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies have announced that Service Electric Cable TV-2 Sports will serve as the flagship provider for an extensive television network that will carry 23 R-Phils home games live in 2008. The R-Phils and SECTV teamed up in 2007 to broadcast 22 games. 

January 9, 2008
R-Phils to start dance team, schedule open audition
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies will form a dance team for the 2008 season that will be an integral part of the R-Phils entertainment package. The selection process for this team of professional dancers will begin at an open audition to be held on Sunday, January 27 at the Academy of Movement.

December 18, 2007
Phillies invite 19 players to spring training
Philadelphia, PA -- Nineteen players have been invited to Phillies spring training as non-roster invitees, Steve Noworyta, Director, Minor Leagues has announced.  Six of the invitees have played in Reading, another pitched for Kutztown University. 

December 12, 2007
R-Phils '07 home run leader traded again
Baltimore, MD -- The Orioles today announced that they have traded SS Miguel Tejada to the Houston Astros in exchange for OF Luke Scott, LHP Troy Patton, RHP Matt Albers, RHP Dennis Sarfate and 3B Mike Constanzo.  Costanzo, who was born in Philadelphia and resides in Glen Mills, playec the entire 2007 season for Reading.

December 12, 2007
Forbes, Filer joined by new hitting coach
Reading, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies have named their 2008 coaching staffs for all of their Minor League affiliates, Steve Noworyta, Phillies Director, Minor Leagues has announced.

December 10, 2007
Phils ink 13 Minor League free agents
Philadelphia, PA - The Phillies signed 13 minor league free agents, Steve Noworyta, Director, Minor Leagues recently announced.  The list is made up of five pitchers, three infielders, three outfielders and two catchers.

November 28, 2007
Long gone
The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that Don Long has been named Hitting Coach at the Major League level. The announcement was made by Pirates Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington and Field Manager John Russell. This is Long's first Major League coaching position.  The 45-year-old Long spent the last nine years as the minor league hitting coordinator with the Philadelphia Phillies.

November 21, 2007
Ahoy maty! Varsho a Pirate
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that former R-Phils manager Gary Varsho has been named to the Major League coaching staff for the 2008 season.

November 20, 2007
Phils get 2nd consecutive MVP in Rollins
Former Reading Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, the offensive and defensive catalyst for a big Phillies club that reached post-season play for the first time in 14 years, was elected the National League Most Valuable Player in a tight race against Colorado Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday in balloting by the BBWAA.

November 14, 2007
Fresh look defines next era in R-Phils baseball
Reading, PA - The Reading Phillies unveiled their new identity program on Wednesday at Reading Area Community College's Miller Center. The new identity is part of a six-month creative overhaul of the franchise.

November 6, 2007
10th annual Toys for Tots event has new twists
Reading, PA – The United States Marine Corps and the Reading Phillies are teaming up for the 10th consecutive season to bring holiday cheer to children as FirstEnergy Stadium will serve as a Toys for Tots drop-off point on Sunday, November 18 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. For the first time in the event’s history it is being held in November and a live band will perform. A civilian vehicle convoy, blood mobile and much more will also be part of the event.

October 15, 2007
Hunsicker named 2007 Eastern League Executive of the Year
Portland, ME – The Eastern League is pleased to announce that Scott Hunsicker has been named the 2007 Eastern League Executive of the Year. The 2007 season marked Scott’s first as the General Manager of the Reading Phillies, after spending the previous nine seasons as the Assistant General Manager of the club. Mr. Hunsicker will receive his award at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee during the Opening Session on Monday, December 3rd.

September 26, 2007
Two join R-Phils front office 
Reading, PA – Reading Phillies General Manager Scott Hunsicker has announced that Matt Hoffmaster (Client Relationship Manager/Merchandise) and Adam Lanzendorfer (Client Relationship Manager) have accepted full-time positions on the front office staff. Both were interns with the club this past season.