Celebrating baseball in the City of Philadelphia has a long and storied history. It encapsulates MLB greats such as Connie Mack, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Whitey Ashburn, “The Rifleman” Chuck Klein, Michael Jack Schmidt, Bryce Harper and of course an obnoxiously loveable furry green creature; more on that later.
The 1883 Phillies
Dating all the way back to 1883, the Phillies have maintained the same nickname; and are the oldest same city / same name franchise in American sport. Although it is debated among many baseball scholars, the team was originally called the Quakers; the name Phils, and Phillies began to appear in the local papers almost simulatneously with the team’s inception; thus the claim can be made without retort.
As you can imagine, being one of the oldest and founding members of the National League (Classic Eight); the Phillies have enjoyed the highest of highs and some remarkable lows. Over the teams 140 year history, the Phillies have won Two World Series Championships (1980 & 2008), 8 National League Pennants’ and 11 Eastern Division Titles. In the same breath, the Phillies are notorious for being the first professional franchise to eclipse the 10k loss mark (not a typo); but much like the residents of the Philadelphia region, they keep showing up. You can’t win them all right?
Throughout the years, the Phillies have played their games in some of baseball’s most memorable venues. Most notably Shibe Park (later Connie Mack Stadium), Veterans Stadium, and most recently Citizens Bank Park, affectionately dubbed “The Vet and The Bank”. Renowned for its “home field” advantage, playing in Philadelphia certainly has its own mystique.
Devoted fans line the parking lot hours before first pitch to tailgate, catch up with friends, grill up some food, and of course make merry; because, once those gates open, it’s all about the Phillies! Heck, old photos even show tens of thousands of fans sitting on the rooftops adjacent to Connie Mack (sorry Chicago, we did it first). Bottom line, and I’m not making this up, these fans are next level and love their team. Which can only mean one thing; they needed an equally crazy mascot!
On April 25, 1978 an Icon was born. Hailing all the way from the Galapagos Islands; a flightless green bird arrived on the scene. Immediately, all mascots that came after would be compared too and even mirror some of the unique characteristics of none other than The Phillie Phanatic.
Hilarious hijinks, playful teasing, a hotdog and t-shirt cannon are just some of his memorable antics. Initially born out of a need to bolster family attendance at The Vet; the Phanatic set in motion a wave of fan interaction that we’ve come to take as the norm. A member of the inaugural Mascot Hall of Fame class; the Phanatic is also only one of 3 mascots to be featured at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
Having the perfect combination of Blue Collar mentality and kid brother (sister) chip on their shoulder; Philadelphia and their sports teams play with a certain grit and determination. Passionate, fiercely loyal and a no nonsense approach; this team and their fans have no time for excuses or a lack of effort. Unafraid to call out anyone in the organization, both on and off the field; a special dynamic exists that is unparalleled in many other professional markets.
In a single afternoon, a single inning, the fans can be moved from cheers to boos; sometimes even with a single pitch, swing of the bat, or an expletive laden tirade following a strikeout. Nationally regarded as one of the most dedicated, educated and critical fan bases; once you’re a Phillie; you are one of us for life: unless of course you are Danny Tartabull or JD Drew respectfully.
Phillies culture is like being part of a family. We love, We hate, We fight, We make up; sounds like a Katy Perry song; she’s performed at the Bank right? In short, it’s your best and worst relationship all wrapped up in one; and the price of the date keeps going up with each passing year LOL. Needless to say, we keep coming back; punching the time clock; working for the weekend at the Shore.
As a not so famous friend of mine once uttered: “It’s Phillies Season, I come filled with hope and joy; stay for the pain and disappointment; why, because it’s the Fightins’”