In honor of the Academy Awards airing this Sunday, we are sharing our own nominees for outstanding achievements – inspired by baseball and your Phillies.

Best Original Double Play

It’s a beautiful performance that, when done perfectly, can please audiences everywhere – most importantly at Citizens Bank Park and/or any ballpark where the Phils are playing. Turning two can be elusive for some, but not when Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard get into their groove.

With a flip of the ball, throw and tag – fans give standing ovations to this trio.

Best Athlete in a Lead Off Role

Hitting lead off, and taking a sizable lead to steal bases, is a role Ben Revere was born to play.

His speed and stamina help make him our pick for star lead off man.

Best Catcher in a Supporting Role 

Through the years, many men behind the plate have supported and inspired their pitchers to achieve greatness. It’s hard to pick just one from Phillies history so we’ll showcase the great Carlos “Chooch” Ruiz for this post.

Best Animated…Mascot

He’s played many roles – but best mascot in the universe is one we’ve all seen him in. The Phanatic always delights whether he’s covering fans with popcorn or whammying the opposing pitcher. Side Note: Fans traveling to Clearwater this Spring Training can check out the Phanatic at every Phillies game played at Bright House Field.

Best Walk-up Musical Score

It’s hard to beat Kashmir.

Chase Utley: A two time winner in this post.

Hope you enjoy watching the stars this Sunday, March 2nd – the Phils vs Pirates 1:05 pm game airs on Comcast SportsNet. Oh, and watch the stars at the Oscars too.

#TweetOfTheWeek

Pitcher Kevin Munson gave us some perspective on his first spring training game of 2014.

Baseball is back!

The Phillies were busy in Clearwater this week getting the band back together for the first official full squad workout on Tuesday as well as the ever-popular Photo Day and other happenings in the sunshine. 

Meanwhile, back in Philly, the folks in the front office were busy too. Not only are preparations for the season in full swing, but also plans for fan events and, more importantly, fan input are very active.

Speak Now

The title of the chart-topping album of songstress, and Pennsylvania native, Taylor Swift, yes. But also a directive to all Phillies fans to have their voice be heard.

Not since the presidential election has a vote of such magnitude been tasked to Americans, particularly those with a love for the Phillies. We’re asking for your help in ranking your favorite “Top 10 Moments” at Citizens Bank Park by heading to Phillies.com/TopMoments.

Was it the last out of the World Series in 2008? Doc’s postseason no-hitter? Jim Thome’s 400th career homerun? We know, tough to choose…but you’re up for the challenge, right?

The “Top 10 Moments” online ballot is just one part of our plans to celebrate the past 10 seasons of baseball at Citizens Bank Park and we’re excited to give fans the chance to relive all of the wonderful memories over the decade through exclusive video available only on Phillies.com.

Voting will close on Friday, March 14, with the winning moments announced prior to Opening Day and acknowledged throughout this coming season. So get busy and vote right now!

Phun Facts

Speaking of CBP…

• The Phillies moved into Citizens Bank Park in 2004 after 33 years at Veterans Stadium.
• The world-class ballpark – rated one of the best in the country – opened on April 3, 2004, with an exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians.
• Since the ballpark opened, the Phillies have captured a World Series championship, two National League pennants, and five consecutive NL East titles…and we’re not done yet.

Eye of the Tiger

Not only the anthem for one of the greatest movies ever made and set in Philly, but also a great workout song. But speaking of anthems, we want amazing and talented singers in the Delaware Valley to sing our national anthem on-field at Citizens Bank Park. We’re holding the inaugural Phillies R U Game? Talent Search on Saturday, March 8, 2014 to seek out the best singers in our fan base. It’s your time to shine.

If you’re interested, make sure you register online at phillies.com/RUGame as soon as possible since only the first 500 fans are guaranteed an audition spot. You could even do your vocal warm-ups while registering – it’s that easy!

Hope to hear you singing one of the greatest American songs in the setting of the great American pastime on March 8th!

So Phillies fans – you have your weekend assignments: Vote and the sign up to sing. Done and done.

Tweet of the Week

We couldn’t pass this one by. Yes, it’s from the @Phillies account but it was a possum (or opossum, depending on who you talk to) that may have caused a bit of a stir during workouts on Wednesday.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you baseball lovers! We certainly hope you’re showing the love today – including for your Phillies.

Now, we know everyone in the northeast feels like this right about now:

But keep this in mind: The Phillies are back under the sunny skies of Clearwater. And, more importantly, they’re ready to get back to work.

Pitchers and catchers had their first official  workout yesterday but that didn’t stop over 40 Phillies who play all over the baseball diamond to arrive in camp much earlier than that. Maybe it was cabin fever from all the snow we’ve had this winter or maybe it was the eagerness to get back on the field. Whatever the reason, we’re excited to see them warming up together, working with the Phils coaching staff and spring training instructors, including Roy Halladay and Brad Lidge, and preparing for games to begin in just a little over a week and a half.

In an effort to break you from your winter storm/nor’easter/seasonal depression doldrums (we feel it too), here are some photos taken from the workouts yesterday. We hear that being exposed to sunlight helps? Wonder if it works through a computer screen…let’s try it out.

Feel better? Awesome. It sure put us in a good mood!

Want more? Well, OK. Check out our Phillies Facebook page for the #PhilsSpring Week 1 album.

Tweet of the Week

After the nor’easter business of yesterday, this photo was a welcome sight. Thanks J-Roll.

One Phinal Note

We wanted to take a moment to honor the memory of Jim Fregosi, a man who will not soon be forgotten.

Here are just a few quotes from Jim’s former players that reveal what kind of manager and man he was.

“Jim Fregosi will be deeply missed in the baseball world. Joni and the rest of the family are in our prayers. Fregos, was the best manager I’ve ever played for. Our relationship was so special….and he was the one that taught me how to be a leader. Fregos and I could relate to each other whether we were in the clubhouse or on the field. In 1993 The City of Brotherly Love changed the world…..Fregos was the driving force!!! – Darren Daulton

“Jim Fregosi was not only one of the most respected men in baseball, he was a great man. He was a player’s manager. He had that special gift as a manager that made you want to get to the field and play your ass off for him. Jim Fregosi was the reason that 1993 was one of the most exciting years in Philadelphia sports history.” – Lenny Dykstra

“Jimmy was the perfect manager for our team. He knew exactly when to leave us alone and exactly when to jump our asses when it was needed…and along the way he became our friend.” – John Kruk

“Jimmy was the best manger I ever had the honor of playing for. He was a man who was happy every time in ever saw him. My career was less than spectacular, but would have even been more mediocre if not for Jim. The word that defines him best is trust! He trusted everyone to do their jobs. I was a manager’s nightmare, but Jim trusted that I would get the job done. He made all his players better because his trust gave us confidence. He would hand me the ball in the 9th and go up the tunnel and smoke and say let me know when it’s over.  He trusted me. He once said that ‘Mitch doesn’t have an ulcer, but he is definitely a carrier.’ I loved Jimmy and his wife Joni. They both lived to be happy. I can’t express the sorrow I feel for Joni, and Jimmy’s 5 kids. He was like a father to me, and I was just a player. I can only imagine the kind of father he was to his own kids.” – Mitch Williams

Ahhh, the wonderfully familiar signs of spring. Each year, similar to Groundhog Day movie fame, the Phillies equipment truck is dutifully packed up and sent down 95 South to its Clearwater destination. But this year, we spiced things up a bit – because if you can’t make a little noise, then what’s the point of it all?

(Thanks to Colleen Cordaro, Phillies Intern, for the great film work!)

The equipment truck turned into a mobile billboard for Phillies’ excitement yesterday as it exited Citizens Bank Park on it’s way to Bright House Field in supremely grand fashion. There’s really nothing like a Phanatic-led police and fire truck escort through Center City on a chilly February day to get fans in the baseball spirit…and thinking spring.

Let’s Get It Started

Down in Clearwater, the Phillies clubhouse is growing active with players already working out on the practice fields at Bright House and Carpenter Complex well before they are scheduled to officially begin. Actually, most of the guys have been at training facilities in their respective hometowns over the course of the offseason as well as down in Clearwater preparing for the upcoming year. Let’s do this.  

Get Your Tickets Here!

AND the Citizens Bank Park Ticket Windows are about to open for individual ticket sales!

Individual ticket sales will begin in-person on Thursday, February 13th beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the West Ticket Windows. As has become tradition, we like to make the day more of fan event for those who make their way to CBP to purchase their tickets to the upcoming Phils’ season. Need a few examples of what we have planned? Fans can anticipate Phanatic and Ballgirl sightings; a yummy continental breakfast inside the Majestic Clubhouse Store AND a Majestic Clubhouse Store Mystery Discount.

When the word mystery is thrown in the mix of a discount we’re always intrigued – you should be too. Basically, fans could receive a discount of 20% to 75% off at the register that day. That’s kind of a big deal – literally and figuratively. The Phillies love to lead off our individual ticket on-sale date with a salute to the fans – because you guys are an important part of our team, for real.

So as the snow begins to melt into gorgeously luscious green grass, baseball, in all its splendid glory, will also make its return and with it comes all the wonders and promise of a new, fresh season.

Tweet of the Week

Tyga Brown, Dom’s pitbull pup, is a famous Puppy Bowl participant. He’s such a MVP aka Most Valuable Puppy.

We’re ready to go…Cause we’re leavin’ on a jet plane…

Firstly, yes, we may have been partially inspired by a recent viewing of Armageddon for this post. (But who doesn’t love a Ben Affleck serenade before battling a gigantic asteroid headed for Earth??)

And secondly, yes, the Phillies are leaving – headed south on various jet planes as the start of spring training is less than two weeks away –  which also means baseball is back! Are you ready? We are. We’re going stir crazy over here and can’t wait for warmer weather, hot dogs and the boys of summer back playing at CBP.

Now, some of you may or may not know this but each year the team’s baseball equipment and personal effects magically arrive at Bright House Field prior to the first workouts via truck – the equipment truck  to be exact (we know, creative naming of said vehicle). But, in all serious, it’s a pretty important operation to get all of the players’ equipment, uniforms, POWERADE mix and sunflower seeds safely to Clearwater, Fla. Without it the team can’t get to work preparing for the upcoming season.

If you’ve ever wondered just how much stuff is loaded on said truck, you’re about to be mind-blown.

The truck contents are as follows:

• 20 Coolers and a half pallet of POWERADE mix
• 250 Batting Practice Tops
• 350 pair of shorts
• 450 pair of socks
• 600 pair of pants
• 600 BP hats
• 140 Batting helmets
• 200 Fleeces
• 200 Light Jackets
• 40 Heavy Jackets
• 125 Leather and Elastic Belts
• 75 Assorted spike, plastic and turf shoes
• 1,200 bats
• 2,000  Short and Long Sleeve Shirts
• 2,400 Baseballs
• 10,000 12 oz POWERADE cups
• 150 pair of Batting Gloves
• 25 sets of Golf clubs
• 6 Bikes

That’s a lot of pants.

As we say hello the first signs of spring and a new season of Phillies baseball, we’ll say goodbye to the 53-foot Phillies equipment truck next Thursday, February 6th as it departs from Citizens Bank Park to make the 1,058-mile journey to its final destination of Bright House Field in Clearwater, Florida. Feel free to stop down and say bye in person that morning – the more the merrier! You may even see the Phanatic try to hitch a ride (as he usually does) to get to a more Galapagos-like climate than the chilly Philadelphia winter we’ve had.

#ClearwaterOrBust baby!!

Tweet of the Week

We couldn’t decide really SO there’s two this week!

Jake Diekman brought us back to the wisdom of the great Dr. Seuss this week:

But John Mayberry Jr. gave the Instagram universe a nice team workout pic with J-Roll and Dom Brown:

Have a great weekend and we’ll check in with you again next week!

It was the return of both the polar vortex AND Billy Joel to Citizens Bank Park this summer, some of your favorite Phils returning to the ballpark for our Offseason Minor League Banquet Week and the solo return of Cody Asche for an @Phillies #CodyChat. Lots of goings on this week, lots.

Sing Us A Song, You’re The Piano Man Phan…

First up, here’s a video gem of the Phanatic doing his best rendition of Billy Joel’s greatest hits during yesterday’s press conference announcing Joel’s return to Philadelphia after five long years.

Fortunately for everyone, the real Piano Man will take the stage at CBP on Saturday, August 2nd. Tickets go on sale next week so make sure you get them, Big Shot. Seriously, if you haven’t seen him live in concert, do yourself a favor and buy a ticket – Mr. William Joel is truly awesome.

Side Note: Also coming this summer and bringing some country flavor to CBP is Jason Aldean. So, grab your cowboy boots and get ready…It should be a great weekend for music at CBP.

So Speaking of Allentown…

Incredible segueway using a Billy Joel song, we know.

As part of the Offseason Minor League Banquet Week, the Phillies traveled west to Lehigh Valley IronPigs‘ territory for their annual Phillies Winter Banquet on Thursday. The event, which is also the flagship fundraising event for IronPigs Charities, features players and personnel from the Phillies. Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, third baseman Cody Asche, outfielder Darin Ruf, right-hander Jonathan Pettibone, broadcaster Scott Franzke and Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. attended the event. The week is sort of a homecoming for some of the Phils who played for the affiliates before hitting the big leagues, including Ruf who took time to pose with a fan.

The Williamsport Crosscutters‘ hosted their sold out 8^th annual Hot Stove Banquet on Monday and welcomed the Phillies, including Sandberg, Asche and broadcaster Gregg Murphy. A portion of the proceeds benefited Lycoming County Special Olympics. 

The Lakewood BlueClaws also had a stop on the banquet circuit on Wednesday where they hosted Sandberg, Ruf, Pettibone and broadcaster Tom McCarthy. Looks like they had a good time according to Ryno.

Lastly, thanks to Winter Storm Janus, the Reading Fightin Phils’ stop was postponed.

 Thus proving another reason why we can’t wait for spring training to get here already and this winter to be OVER!

Tweet of the Week

We love to see the brotherly love in our great city of Philadelphia, especially between our guys and our sports complex neighbors. After hanging with fans for an@Phillies #CodyChat (check out the see ya later selfie above), Smasche took in his first Flyers game and shared his excitement with the Twitter world.

And that’s all from us. TGIF and see you next time.

Well, not school exactly…but they learned things, lots of things.

Each year, the top minor league prospects, there were eight in the class of 2014, are selected to participate in the Phillies Prospect Education Seminar, a four-day program which consists of various workshops with front office executives, representatives and guest speakers including former and current Phillies players. It’s a great opportunity for the youths to get a taste of the major leagues and what it’s like to be part of the Phillies organization. Here are some highlights from their week in Philly.

1. Getting to Know You

Prior to this week, some of the minor leaguers knew one another but they really bonded over the course of the program.

Now, if you don’t know these guys yet – what are you waiting for? These guys are young, talented athletes who will all hopefully have bright futures and great careers playing baseball right here in Philadelphia. Check out Prospect Watch on phillies.com for more info on all the Phillies prospects and then impress your friends with your baseball knowledge. Great for parties and even awkward subway ride convos with strangers too.

2. Smile for the Cameras

The media is a big part of being a major league baseball player. They are there to report to our very interested fans. The prospects had a close encounter with media members during an availability in the Phillies Clubhouse and we snapped some photos during the event.

2. Hey Neighbor!

As you are well aware, Philly is a true sports town and the guys got a taste of that part of the city’s culture by taking in a Sixers game while they were here. It must be said that the Sixers were excellent hosts, getting the guys on the Jumbotron and providing them with some nice gear to take home as well.

3. Getting Chatty

Three of the prospects, hometown guy Jesse Biddle,  JMU grad and Rule 5 Draft pick Kevin Munson and Atlanta native David Buchanan, made time to chat with some fans on Twitter with #ProspectsChat. Just another way for fans to get to know their Phillies.

Side Note: Chase Utley also stopped by the @Phillies couch earlier in the week for #ChaseChat.

You should be on the lookout for future chats with your favorite Phillies…including a certain third baseman who may be joining us next week!
4. Lesson of the Day: Respect the Game

We know you like to get some inside perspective on the Fightin’s so Biddle gave some insight on the week, including what it was like to hear from Chase Utley and Brad Lidge on what it means to be a major leaguer and what the program as a whole meant to the group of prospects.

Jesse Biddle on Taking Part in Phillies Prospect Week

Tweet of the Week

Comes from the #ChaseChat Twitter takeover earlier this week from our very own Kevin Frandsen…so would it technically count as two tweets for the week?

And One Phinal Thing…Welcome Back Kotter Charlie!

The Phillies are thrilled to welcome back Charlie Manuel as a senior adviser to the general manager.  We hope you are too!

Brrrr…It is chilly out there! Like, freezing. Wind chills in the negative 10 to 15 degree range make it more than just winter in Philadelphia – it’s like Siberia. So, while you and the rest of the country have been hibernating indoors as much as possible this week, the Phillies have been working on helping break you out of that icy coma. Here’s what we came up with:

 #1. Don’t depend on groundhogs for weather advice. Period.

Putting hope into the shadow of a very large furry animal is never a good idea. And that Phil character is currently unavailable until next month anyway.

#2. Definitely try to think spring…spring training.

Looks good, doesn’t it? Warmer temps, green grass, baseball…warmer temps…

That’s Florida sunlight you see…and it is glorious.

Get into that spring spirit by planning a getaway, easy peasy. You already know about the fan trips from last week’s post but maybe you’re just looking for a weekend getaway with the family or your friends. Now, before you book your flight and hotel, you should probably grab your spring training game tickets,which went on sale yesterday.

Boom – that happened.

We have to divulge something else which may excite you into packing your bags today. This year, 2014, is special. How is it special? Well, not only will this spring training showcase our 2014 Phils but you’ll have another opportunity that has never been offered before. Curious? You should be.

It’s him!

We talk about the Phanatic because we love him…you love him…who couldn’t love him, really? Well, this year he’s heading to Clearwater to take up residency for the entire spring training season! You could have so much quality time with this green guy – but you have to be there to collect it. And don’t worry – he’ll be back in Philadelphia for our On-Deck Series on March 28 and 29 with Pittsburgh and definitely the Home Opener on April 7 against Milwaukee – but he’ll be back with a tan.

Also, while you’re watching the game at Bright House Field, make sure you stop by the Diamond Outfitters store. They have a great selection of apparel and merchandise with a fun, Floridian flare that will make everyone back home wish they came on the trip with you! Stop by the Tiki Bar after the game for great entertainment and make tons of new friends who all share your interest in the Phillies – fun, right?

When you’re not watching the Phillies, there’s plenty to do in the gorgeous, and much warmer, Florida weather. Have a relaxing day at Clearwater Beach, rated #1 in the gulf region, but don’t forget sunscreen – we don’t want you returning to Philly looking lobster-like! Golfers can hit the green, adventurers can hop aboard Tanks-A-Lot Clearwater and get their scuba dive on, amusement ride enthusiasts can hit up Pier 60 and everyone can end the day with cocktails and dinner at the many great restaurants in the area.  Clearwater is truly a destination in itself, making it not only great for the sports fan but also families and kids of all ages.

So what are you waiting for? Stop those winter blues by planning your getaway to Phillies Spring Training today!

Tweet of the Week

Here’s our favorite player tweet from the week. We’ll do this when one of the guys makes us laugh (more than usual), makes us slightly jealous or just mildly intrigued by his social outreach. And we’re going to relive them with you!

Domonic Brown made us incredibly jealous by not only being in beautiful Cancun, Mexico on the Phillies Phancation this past week. That’s a given. But he looked like he had a good time too, and for that we are extremely jealous we didn’t sneak into the Phanatic’s suitcase. Check out his Instagram collage of awesome-ness below.

I just want to thank @phillies and the fans for an amazing trip #goodtimes #cancun #mexico#philliesnation #phancation

http://instagram.com/p/i6vhCnuCmZ/

His close encounter with the best mascot in all of sports really put us over the top.

Welcome, welcome 2014! The New Year is all about fresh starts and new beginnings. We couldn’t be more excited to start off a new year with our manager, coaching staff and team for a brand new baseball season. Here’s to health, happiness and a prosperous start to this beauty of a year!

The New Year subsequently means New Year’s resolutions. These go way back, we’re talking Babylonians and Romans, people. Let’s keep the tradition going and make some now – new year means a new you! Now, if you’re like most Americans, you’re either starting off with a bang, off the wagon already or still thinking of what yours might be. If you’re still forming them or need to reboot your resolve, today is your lucky day – we have a couple ideas that will help bring you to a better you this year.

New Year, New You

So, now that the holidays are officially over, the “best time of the year” may have left you with some ill-fitting pants from one too many cookies, glasses of egg nog, etc. This predicament ultimately leads to wearing stretch pants over the course of the winter months. What better time to get started on the very popular resolution of losing weight and getting fit than right now?

Join the movement to get moving! Check out Phillies Phitness, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, for tips to get you started and get into gear in 2014. Stretching, working out and eating healthy like a professional athlete sounds like a pretty awesome way to get fit, right? If you’re a physical education teacher, sign up for the program while you’re visiting the site and get your students involved too!

If you need a little more motivation, sometimes it’s helpful to work toward a fitness goal like running in an organized race. The Phillies thought of that too and are holding the 4th annual Phillies Charities 5K at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, March 22nd! Registration opens on Monday, January 13th at 9:00 a.m. on phillies.com. The event has sold out in year’s past so make sure you sign up early to ensure your spot!

Lace up those sneakers and get going!

Resolve That Stress

All the yoga and deep breathing in the world just isn’t cutting it and you need to resolve to reduce stress in your life?

How does a nice getaway sound? We know, it sounds great. The big question: Where should your destination be? Well, come along with Phillies Vacations for Spring Training in Clearwater and then all over the US during the regular season! We love a good road trip.

Close your eyes – after you finish reading this blog post, of course – and imagine yourself on Clearwater Beach, catching some rays while laying on the white sand before you head over to Bright House Field to see the Phillies play and then hit up the Tiki Bar postgame. Sounds good, we know. If you haven’t been to spring training, you need to go – it’s an all-around good time. But don’t take our word for it – go book your trip to get on your way to relaxation and sunshine.

But you’re the travelling, adventure type, aren’t you? De-stressing to you means exploring a new city. We have you covered on this one too. Ever been on a Phillies’ road trip? No? Get ready to pack your bags and head to San Francisco with Greg “The Bull” Luzinski and Scott Palmer along with fellow Phillies fans to see the Fightins play at AT&T Park.

Grab some garlic fries while you’re at the park too – so delicious. Remember to bring your camera for the excursion to Alcatraz where the ferry ride gives you bonus views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Really, the views all over San Francisco are truly breathtaking, especially from your seats watching a Phils win!

The Phillies also head to the city that never sleeps, good old NYC, as well as the place where french fries are a salad topping aka Pittsburgh in 2014, bringing all the excitement the Big Apple has to offer and the Steel City in all its splendor. Side note: The Pirates home turf is known as having one of the most beautiful ballpark views in all of Major League Baseball – aside from CBP, obviously. So head over to phillies.com to get all the info and book your trip today! Space is limited so resolve to quit procrastinating while you’re at it and do it immediately. Seriously, don’t miss out.

We do hope you’ll give these resolutions a try. You’ll feel better doing it and being a brand new you this year, we promise!

So did the Phillies! Here are the top holiday-inspired tweets shared by your Fightin’s:

1. Jake being his own Santa, while Cameron was waiting for Santa to arrive.

2. Cody gave a simple, factual observation and a very heartfelt one too.

3. Some tweets may have made us slightly jealous – thanks Kevin and JP.

https://twitter.com/KevinFrandsen/status/415995367415500800

4. And this one was seriously adorable, Jon.

https://twitter.com/Jon_Pettibone/status/415975438171652096

5. Pic of an Ugly Christmas Sweater which also happens to be a onesie? Yes, please.

6. Dom was busy cooking with family for Christmas celebrations and donating his time for good causes…

https://twitter.com/dom9brown/status/415880501799702528

http://instagram.com/p/iWd4mpOCuY/

7. While Ben may have been busy watching this classic holiday movie for a full day…

https://twitter.com/BenRevere9/status/415593923612913664

8. As well as decorating his Ben-sized tree.

https://twitter.com/BenRevere9/status/415295038663720960

http://instagram.com/p/iSULuSrn4T/

9. This heartfelt message to fans from The Hamels Foundation was really nice.

10. And, finally, some may need to get their New Year’s Resolutions in order…just sayin’!

http://instagram.com/p/iXenlarn90/

https://twitter.com/JustinDeFratus/status/416352163640512512

We do hope you had a wonderful holiday and look forward to seeing you in 2014!

Merry, merry!