Joe Bialek

Reading Fightin Phils

The Reading Fightin Phils offer affordable family entertainment from early April through August at FirstEnergy Stadium. The R-Phils 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 Fightin Phils Mascot Band 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 Fightin Phils led the Eastern League in total and/or average attendance for eight consecutive seasons. 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 Fightin Phils have been the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1967. The relationship is tied for the longest in all of Minor League Baseball.