News

February 4, 20010
R-Phils Mascot Band to Entertain Fans Ten Times in 2010
The Reading Phillies announced earlier today that the club’s popular Mascot Band, presented by National Penn Bank, will perform for fans at every Saturday home game beginning in May, as well as a special performance on Opening Night at FirstEnergy Stadium on April 8. 

February 1, 20010
Special Pool Picnic Offer for Group Leaders
The Reading Phillies are at it again, and food lovers listen up. Earlier today the R-Phils announced plans for three Gluttony Nights in 2010, and the first will hit Reading on Friday, April 9 – on just the second day of the season.

January 29, 20010
Special Pool Picnic Offer for Group Leaders
Beginning on February 1st through February 28th, the R-Phils are offering a special group incentive for any group leader who calls and mentions the code word "Quack". This offer will be exclusive for any group that books the Reading Eagle Pool Picnic of 20 tickets or more. 

January 29, 20010
Seltzer Tabbed as R-Phils Radio Broadcaster
The Reading Phillies announced earlier today that Brian Seltzer has become the team’s new radio play-by-play broadcaster for the upcoming 2010 season. A native of Elkins Park, PA, Seltzer will handle all 142 broadcasts for the team on ESPN 1240 WIOV and readingphillies.com. In conjunction with the announcement, ESPN 1240 AM WIOV and Service Electric Cable (SECTV 2), will return for the 2010 season to cover all of the R-Phils action. 

January 27, 20010
R-Phils Announce Family Friendly Promotions for 2010
Earlier today the Reading Phillies announced plans for the 2010 season with families as the focus. The R-Phils official slogan for 2010 will be “Bring the Fam, to America’s Classic Ballpark”. After last week’s first look at plans for the 2010 Opening Weekend festivities at FirstEnergy Stadium, the R-Phils are pleased to announce their plans for what will once again be a great place for families, with two great offers to accommodate them this season.

January 22, 20010
R-Phils Set 2010 Opening Weekend Festivities
With less than eighty days away from Opening Night at FirstEnergy Stadium, the Reading Phillies have set their exciting and exhilarating opening weekend festivities for the 2010 season presented by Pepsi. Packed with great giveaways for fans of all ages.

January 13, 20010
Single Game Tickets Go On Sale Online February 18th
The Reading Phillies announced today that single game tickets for the 2010 R-Phils season, presented by Pepsi, will go on sale to the general public online at www.readingphillies.com on Thursday, February 18 at 12:01 AM. Less than two weeks later, on Monday, March 1, the FirstEnergy Stadium box office will open for walk-up and phone sales beginning at 8:30 AM.

January 12, 20010
R-Phils Special Valentine's Deliveries
This year for Valentine’s Day, the Reading Phillies are sending two of their most popular mascots door-to-door to spread the holiday cheer. With help from Rock Hits Y-102 and Royer’s Flowers and Gifts, the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor and Screwball will deliver roses and more to an R-Phils fan just in time for Valentine’s Day.  

January 12, 20010
Ricky Bottalico added to Winter Tour Lineup
Ricky Bottalico, former Reading Phillies closer and current Comcast SportsNet analyst, has just been added to the 2010 Phillies Winter Tour and 8th annual King of Baseballtown fundraiser, which will take place on Thursday, January 28, at The Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel. 

January 5, 20010
R-Phils All-Decade Team - Fan Voting
Continuing each Monday, for a total of eight straight weeks, fans can vote for their favorite R-Phils from the past decade – and the final team, which will be announced on www.ReadingPhillies.com later in 2010, will be featured in a 2010 photo and t-shirt giveaway at FirstEnergy Stadium during the upcoming 2010 season. Every Monday, a new group of players, categorized by position, will be announced. 

January 5, 20010
Phils Manager Manuel Added to Winter Tour Lineup
Charlie Manuel, the manager of the 2009 National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies, has just been added to the 2010 Phillies Winter Tour, which will take place on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at The Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel. 

December 23, 2009
R-Phils Announce New King of Baseballtown
The Reading Phillies have announced that Carl Mathias, who pitched for the Reading Indians in 1957 and 1958, will be crowned as the 2010 King of Baseballtown at the 2010 Phillies Winter Tour on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel. 

December 16, 2009
Two R-Phils Headline Blockbuster Phillies Trade
Two of the players who will be on their way out of the Phillies organization via trade, were two of the most highly touted players to come through Reading since Pat Burrell and Cole Hamels. And, while two of the three prospects in the trade spent the 2009 season in Reading, both will be sure to make a splash with their respective teams in 2010 and beyond.

December 15, 2009
2010 R-Phils Coaching Staff Announced
The Philadelphia Phillies have announced that Steve Roadcap, who led the R-Phils to a 75-67 mark in 2009, will return to the lead the club in 2010 as the team’s manager for a second straight season. Along with Roadcap, hitting coach Frank Cacciatore will return for his third straight season, while Bob Milacki has been promoted from the Lakewood BlueClaws (Single-A) to take over as the team’s new pitching coach. 

December 14, 2009
2010 Phillies Winter Tour Tickets On Sale Now
The Philadelphia Phillies Winter Tour will make its annual stop in Reading , home of the Phillies Double-A affiliate since 1967, on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at The Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel.  The dinner will also serve as the 8^th annual King of Baseballtown fundraiser.

November 30, 2009
R-Phils Announce Additions to Front Office Staff
The R-Phils are pleased to announce an addition, as well as reorganization to their front office staff. The changes, which will take place effective today, will help to strengthen the efforts of the community relations, sales, marketing, promotions, and education departments. 

November 25, 2009
Douglas Honored With Top Double-A Turf Award
The R-Phils are pleased to announce that Head Groundskeeper Dan “Dirt” Douglas has been selected as the Minor League Sports Turf Manager of the Year in the Double-A Classification for 2009. 

November 18, 2009
Two R-Phils Named To Topps Double-A All-Star Team
Michael Taylor and Neil Sellers, two players who spent the 2009 season as members of the Reading Phillies, are among ten players selected to the 2009 Topps Double-All Star Team. The team, which is being honored by the Topps Company of New York, N.Y., in conjunction with Minor League Baseball, recognizes the best performances in all Minor League Baseball classifications.

November 17, 2009
R-Phils Announce New Director of PR/Media Relations
The Reading Phillies have announced that Tommy Viola has been named as the new Director of Public Relations/Media Relations. Viola spent the previous two seasons working for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

November 4, 2009
R-Phils add three new hats and one new uniform to on field clothing lineup
The Reading Phillies introduced four new items to the players' uniform collection on November 4. These items, which will be worn on field in 2010, are also sure to be a home run among fans who want to show their passion for the team and ballpark.

October 15, 2009
12th annual Toys for Tots event set for Nov. 1
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies are hosting their 12th annual Toys for Tots event at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, November 1 from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. New, unwrapped toys will be collected for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program and the Children’s Home of Reading. A live band, vehicle convoy/show, blood mobile and much more will also be part of the event.

October 15, 2009
R-Phils to add three new hats and one new uniform to on field clothing lineup
The Reading Phillies will introduce four new items to the player’s uniform collection on November 4. These items, which will be worn on field in 2010, are also sure to be a home run among fans who want to show their passion for the team and ballpark.

October 5, 2009
Gluttony Night honored; 2010 schedule finalized
Reading, PA – MLB.com business writer Ben Hill has named the Reading Phillies Gluttony Nights among his Top 10 promotions for 2009. 

September 23, 2009
Domino relinquishes presidency of R-Phils & IronPigs to lead Richmond franchise
Reading, PA -- Chuck Domino, long-time General Manager and President of the Reading Phillies and Lehigh Valley IronPigs, has relinquished his current positions, effective immediately.

September 3, 2009
Taylor and Drabek honored by Phillies, Taylor by E.L. too
Outfielder Michael Taylor and right-hander Kyle Drabek have earned the Paul Owens Award by the Phillies as the best player and pitcher in their Minor League System. In addition, Taylor was named Eastern League Rookie of the Year. 

August 25, 2009
Brett Myers expected to pitch for R-Phils Wednesday
Reading, PA – Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brett Myers is scheduled to pitch for the Reading Phillies on Major League rehab assignment when the R-Phils take on the Erie SeaWolves on Wednesday, August 26. Game time is 7:05 PM and gates open at 5:00 PM in the Classic Cafe.

August 24, 2009
Freddy Galvis, Phillies top SS prospect, joins R-Phils
Reading, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies have promoted top shortstop prospect Freddy Galvis from the Clearwater Threshers of the Class-A Florida State League to the Reading Phillies in the Double-A Eastern League.

August 3, 2009
Baseball Fantasy Day to Benefit United Way of Berks County
Put together a foursome to enjoy a unique all-day baseball experience with family, friends, co-workers and Ricky Bottalico on August 25.  Bottalico will be inducted in the Reading Baseball Hall of Fame that night.

August 3, 2009
Season ticket and mini-plan holders: Prep for playoffs and 2010
Season ticket and mini-plan holders have the opportunity to secure seats for the 2009 Eastern League Playoffs and the 2010 regular season at remaining R-Phils home games beginning August 4. There are tremendous incentives to take advantage of this early opportunity.

August 3, 2009
Pedro Martinez to rehab with R-Phils Wednesday
Reading, PA – Philadelphia Phillies RHP Pedro Martinez is expected to make a rehab start for the Reading Phillies at FirstEnergy Stadium on Wednesday, August 5 when they take on the Trenton Thunder (Yankees) at 7:05 PM.

August 1, 2009
Dominic Brown, Phillies top prospect, and Mike Cisco join R-Phils
Reading, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies have promoted right fielder Dominic Brown from the Clearwater Threshers of the Class-A Florida State League to the Reading Phillies in the Double-A Eastern League. Brown entered the season ranked as the top prospect in the Phillies Minor League system by Baseball America.

July 21, 2009
Gluttony Night II set for August 26
Reading, PA -- On May 19, 2009, much to their fans’ delight, the Reading Phillies served more food than at any game in the team’s storied 43-year history on an evening dubbed Gluttony Night. On Wednesday, August 26, when they take on the Erie SeaWolves at 7:05 PM, they will try to out-do themselves by offering more time to eat and adding cheeseburgers to the menu for the all-you-can-eat Gluttony Night II.

July 8, 2009
Michael Taylor named Eastern League Player of the Month for June
Portland, ME -- The Eastern League is pleased to announce that Reading Phillies outfielder Michael Taylor has been selected as the Eastern League Player of the Month for the month of June.

July 7, 2009
Savery, Susdorf are June winners of Phillies Minor League Awards
Philadelphia, PA -- Left-handed pitcher Joe Savery of the Reading Phillies is the Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month for June after a 5-0 month.

July 5, 2009
Big Phillies All-Star Ibanez expected to play for R-Phils on Monday
Reading, PA – Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Raul Ibanez is expected to play for the Reading Phillies on Major League rehab assignment on Monday, July 6, vs. the Connecticut Defenders (Giants) at 12:05 PM.

July 1, 2009
Big Phillies Ibanez & Eyre to play for R-Phils
Reading, PA – Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Raul Ibanez and lefty reliever Scott Eyre will play for the Reading Phillies on Major League rehab assignment on Wednesday, July 1, vs. the Altoona Curve (Pirates) at 7:05 PM.

July 1, 2009
Four R-Phils to play in All-Star Game
Reading, PA – The Eastern League has announced the rosters for the Northern and Southern squads for the annual All-Star Game to be held in Trenton on July 15 at 7:05 PM. The four R-Phils selected to play are: LHP Joe Savery, 3B Neil Sellers, OF Michael Taylor and RHP Vance Worley. Savery and Taylor were fan selections.

June 26, 2009
R-Phils on MLB Network on June 28
The R-Phils and FirstEnergy Stadium will be prominently seen on “The Pen” MLB Network’s hit show that documents the daily happenings of the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen. The 3rd episode of the show, much of which was shot in Reading, will air on Sunday, June 28 at 8:30 PM on MLB Network.

June 25, 2009
Reading’s Drabek and Clearwater’s Flande selected for Futures Game
Reading, PA -- Rosters for the 11th annual XM All-Star Futures Game were announced today by Major League Baseball. The Phillies will be represented by Reading righty Kyle Drabek and Clearwater lefty Yohan Flande, both starting pitchers.

June 22, 2009
Reading's Savery named EL Pitcher of the Week
Reading, PA – The Eastern League has announced the winners of their weekly awards for the week ending June 21st.  Joe Savery, a left-handed starting pitcher for the Reading Phillies, is the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week. 

June 2, 2009
Drabek’s first AA start moved up to Wednesday
Reading, PA – RHP Kyle Drabek, promoted from Clearwater to Reading on Monday, will make his first start for the R-Phils on Wednesday, June 3 vs. the Akron Aeros at FirstEnergy Stadium. 

June 1, 2009
Phillies 2006 top pick, Kyle Drabek, joins Reading
Reading, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies have promoted RHP Kyle Drabek from Clearwater to Reading.

May 17, 2009
Reading's Escalona gets called up to the Majors
Reading, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies have recalled Reading lefty Sergio Escalona.  He will be with the big club for Sunday's game in Washington. 

May 14, 2009
Grand Slam Sports Complex R-Phils Camp
Reading, PA – Grand Slam Sports Complex and the Reading Phillies are teaming up to offer baseball players ages 8 and up a tremendous summer camp. 

May 12, 2009
Auto clearance event to Benefit Baseballtown Charities
Reading, PA – Enterprise Rent-A-Car's car sales division will have 150 use cars available for purchase at FirstEnergy Stadium June 5-6.  For every car sold in this hassle and haggle-free environment, a donation of $50 will be made to Baseballtown Charities. 

May 5, 2009
R-Phils to giveaway Instant Vacation on May 15
Two additional baseball road trips are also being offered for late summer
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies, White Star Travel Center and 830 AM WEEU have teamed up to offer fans three great baseball road trips. There are a total of seven games to be seen on the three trips.

April 29, 2009
Strike out breast cancer on Mother's Day
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies 5th annual Mother’s Day game to fight breast cancer will be Sunday, May 10 when the R-Phils take on the Altoona Curve, the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, at 1:05 PM.

April 25, 2009
Zagurski rejoins R-Phils
Reading, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies have activated LHP Mike Zagurski from the 60-day disabled list and optioned him to Reading. 

April 14, 2009
R-Phils and B-Mets postponed on April 14
Reading, PA – The Eastern League game between the Reading Phillies and Binghamton Mets scheduled to be played at 6:35 PM at FirstEnergy Stadium on Tuesday, April 14 has been postponed due to rain.

April 4, 2009
R-Phils 43rd Opening Day roster announced
Reading, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies have announced the 24-man roster for Double-A Reading. Seven members of the club are among the Phillies Top 30 Prospects according to Baseball America.

April 3, 2009
FirstEnergy Stadium ranked 3rd in Minors by Baseball America
Reading, PA – Baseball America has ranked Reading’s FirstEnergy Stadium 3rd in an article titled “The Top 10 Minor League Ballparks” in their April 6-19 issue, available now.

March 26, 2009
How much can Baseballtown eat?
Reading, PA -- The Reading Phillies are looking for big eaters to attend Gluttony Night when the New Britain Rock Cats (Twins) visit FirstEnergy Stadium on Tuesday, May 19 for a 6:35 PM game. For just $12.00 fans can eat as much as they want from the time the gates open at 5:30 PM until the 7th Inning Stretch.

March 26, 2009
R-Phils' intern works NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in Philadelphia
John Saeger, an intern in the Reading Phillies PR Department, was part of St. Joe's athletic staff that hosted the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament in Philadelphia.  The St. Joe's alum recall his experience here.  

March 18, 2009
R-Phils game operations among top four of over 500 teams reviewed 
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies received an honorable mention for “Best Team Operations” in GameOps.com’s Best of 2008 awards. Jon Cudo, GameOps.com Vice President, said over 500 teams at the Major, Minor, College and Independent level were considered.

March 11, 2009
R-Phils continue tradition of being family-oriented
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies have finalized details on several family oriented promotions. In addition to a strong promotional lineup of giveaways, fireworks and all-you-can-eat tickets, these promotions will be recurring themes throughout the 2009 season.  A new Kids Club with free membership is one of many family focused efforts by the team.

March 3, 2009
Oppermann takes over in R-Phils radio booth
Reading, PA – Anthony Oppermann has been hired as the Reading Phillies new radio play-by-play broadcaster. He’ll handle all 143 broadcasts for the team on ESPN 1240 WIOV and readingphillies.com. ESPN 1240 and the R-Phils will celebrate 10 seasons together in 2009.

March 2, 2009
Snowfall doesn't keep fans from R-Phils stadium as ticket office opens
Reading, PA -- For Mike Reichart it didn’t matter that the pitcher’s mound was covered in snow. Instead, it only made him look forward to the baseball season.

February 27, 2009
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.

February 19, 2009
Degler leaves radio booth, new TV deal announced
Reading, PA – Long-time Reading Phillies radio broadcaster Steve Degler will leave the booth to join Service Electric Cable TV2 Sports television broadcasts for both the Double-A R-Phils and the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Chuck Domino, President of both teams, announced February 19.

February 9, 2009
Important dates leading up to Opening Day
Reading, PA -- The Reading Phillies 43rd season begins soon. Listed here are the important dates leading up to Opening Day.

February 4, 2009
President’s Day sale on tickets for Opening Day
Reading, PA -- The Reading Phillies are holding a one-day President’s Day sale on tickets for the team’s April 9 Opening Day on Monday, February 16. World Champions blanket is season’s first giveaway.

January 27, 2009
R-Phils new manager visits Baseballtown for introductory news conference
Reading, PA -- Pennsylvania native Steve Roadcap was introduced as the 23rd manager in the Reading Phillies’ 43-year history at a morning news conference at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 27. 

January 23, 2009
R-Phils to host IronPigs in charity exhibition thanks to Capital BlueCross
Reading, PA – The top two farm teams for the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies will play each other in a pre-season exhibition game at Reading’s FirstEnergy Stadium on Tuesday, April 7 at 6:35 PM.

January 15, 2009
Winter hitting camps for youth baseball/softball players
Winter hitting camps will start January 25th and run approximately 9 weeks. Sessions will take place in the hitting tunnel at First Energy Stadium from 9 am - 11 am on Sunday mornings. The camp is for ages 8-15.

January 14, 2009
Job Fair to be held on Saturday, January 17
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies will be holding a Job Fair for part-time seasonal game staff positions on Saturday, January 17 at FirstEnergy Stadium from 9:00 - 11:30 AM.

January 12, 2009
Contest: Last chance to see attend the Phillies World Series Trophy Tour banquet
It’s the bottom of the 9th, there are two outs and you’re up to bat with a chance to score tickets to the SOLD OUT Philadelphia Phillies World Series Trophy Tour and King of Baseballtown Banquet on January 22.

January 12, 2009
First of 11 family friendly Mascot Band Concerts set for January 19 at Ice Cap Ice Rink
Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies Mascot Band, presented by Ice Cap Ice Rink, will play their first performance of the new year at their sponsor’s location at 6:00 PM on January 19. Fans will notice a difference in show times when the FirstEnergy Stadium portion of the band’s 2009 schedule kicks off. 

January 7, 2009
Lineup announced for World Champs’ Winter Tour stop
Reading, PA – The lineup for the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies sold out Winter Tour stop in Reading has been announced. The event takes place on January 22 at the Reading Crowne Hotel, formerly the Sheraton Reading Hotel.

January 7, 2009
Three 2008 R-Phils among latest invited to big league Spring Training
Nine additional players have been invited to Spring Training with the Phillies as non-roster invitees, announced Chuck LaMar, Philadelphia Phillies assistant general manager, player development & scouting. Three of the nine played for Reading in 2008.  

December 22, 2008
Reading stop on World Champs’ Winter Tour sold out
Reading, PA – The World Champion Philadelphia Phillies Winter Tour stop in Reading, scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2009, is sold out. The dinner also serves as the 7th annual King of Baseballtown fundraiser.

December 17, 2008
Phillies sign 21 players to Minor League contracts
Twenty-one players have signed Minor League contracts, Chuck LaMar, Phillies assistant general manager, player development & scouting announced on December 17.  Ten of the players were invited to Major League spring training.   

December 16, 2008
R-Phils new manager has strong ties to the area
Reading, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies named their 2009 coaching staffs for all of their Minor League affiliates, Chuck Lamar, Philadelphia Phillies assistant general manager, player development and scouting, announced December 16.

December 1, 2008
Baseballtown loses a home grown legend
Reading Baseball Hall of Famer, life-long Berks County resident and long-time Major League pitcher Randy Gumpert passed away two days before Thanksgiving. He was 90-years old.

December 1, 2008
Phillies prospects wrap up successful Arizona Fall League season
The Arizona Fall League has to be considered a success for the nine Philadelphia Phillies prospects that took part in the league. The AFL has long been considered “finishing school” for players just a heartbeat away from the Majors. 

December 1, 2008
Phillies prospect wins Hawaii Winter Baseball League batting title
The Phillies burdened four younger prospects with the hardship of working on their games in the Hawaii Winter Baseball League. The Aloha circuit is typically for players that have full-season A-ball experience but no Double-A time.

November 11, 2008
Herb Score, Reading Baseball Hall of Famer, passes away
Reading Baseball Hall of Famer, long-time Major League pitcher and broadcaster Herb Score passed away early Tuesday morning at his home in Rocky River, Ohio. He was 75-years old.

October 24, 2008
Wyomissing native Taylor Swift to sing anthem at World Series
Nashville, TN – Two of country music’s brightest stars, Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift, will take the field Saturday night at Philadelphia’s Citizens’ Bank Park for Game 3 of the 2008 Major League Baseball World Series. Swift will sing the national anthem, McGraw will throw out the first pitch.

October 16, 2008
Big Phils World Series run started in Reading 10 seasons ago
Reading, PA -- Since 1999, the furthest back the Phillies active playoff roster can be traced to Reading, 4.6 million fans have passed through the gates at FirstEnergy Stadium, the most in the Eastern League. If you’re part of that total, you’ve witnessed in person the core of the sixth World Series team in Philadelphia Phillies history come together the past decade. Let’s take a look back.

October 15, 2008
11th annual Toys for Tots event set for Nov. 2
Reading, PA – The United States Marine Corps and the Reading Phillies are teaming up for the 11th consecutive season to bring holiday cheer to children as FirstEnergy Stadium will serve as a Toys for Tots drop-off point on Sunday, November 2 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.

October 1, 2008
FirstEnergy Stadium is now smoke free
Reading, PA -- FirstEnergy Stadium, like your favorite bar and/or restaurant, is now smoke free. The change occurred due to the new state smoking regulations.
The impact should be minimally noticed by R-Phils fans. Smoking has been prohibited in spectator seating areas for well over a decade. Fans will still be permitted to smoke outside the ballpark.