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Reading Fightin Phils

2010 King Of Baseballtown Announced

December 23, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


Reading, PA - 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.

Mathias, a native of Bechtelsville, was a member of the 1957 Eastern League Champion Reading Indians, where he went 5-4 with a 3.35 ERA that season. Over two seasons in Reading, he compiled a 16-12 mark with a 3.94 ERA over 70 games (27 starts). In 1960, Mathias appeared in 7 games with the Cleveland Indians and compiled a 0-1 mark. Later that year, Mathias was drafted by the Washington Senators in the Expansion Draft, and pitched for the team in 1961 (0-1, 11.20 ERA). Before his professional baseball career, Mathias played for Oley Township H.S. (now Oley Valley H.S.) and Boyertown Legion. Nicknamed Stubby, Mathias tossed six no-hitters for the Oley Township High School Lynx and later coached Oley Legion baseball (1965-72). In 1954 he won the Berks County Northern Division basketball scoring title.

Earlier this week, the Phillies announced that general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and assistant general manager of player personnel Benny Looper, will be on hand for the event. As in previous years, the banquet will also feature Philadelphia Phillies players and Phillies front office members, as well as prizes, highlight videos, and more. Other Philadelphia Phillies players and speakers will be announced at a later date.

Tickets for the 8th annual King of Baseballtown fundraiser banquet are $65 each and $600 for a 10-person table. Proceeds benefit the Reading Phillies Baseballtown Charities, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping more children, who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity, play baseball. Complete registration and financial information of Baseballtown Charities can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State at 1-800-732-0999.

The Reading Phillies trademarked the name Baseballtown in 2002 and began programs in its name with goals to honor Reading's rich baseball history and secure its baseball future by giving more kids the opportunity to play and learn from the game's life lessons. For more please visit Baseballtown.org.

Mathias joins Reading native and Boston Red Sox icon, the late "Broadway" Charlie Wagner (2003); his former Reading Indian teammate and long-time Reading High coach Paul "Cooter" Jones (2004); former Major Leaguer, front office executive and scout Dick Gernert (2005); fast-pitch softball manager Rocky Santilli, who owns 2,000+ wins in local, national and international competition (2006); Francis "Ducky" Turner, longtime stadium improvement activist (2007); former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player Ruth Hartman (crowned "Queen" in 2008) and Reading native and Albright College professor emeritus, Dr. David Q. Voigt (2009).

In 2006 Baseballtown Charities realized a dream that accomplished both of its goals when Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer's Park opened in Reading. The $850,000 youth ballpark is located behind Lauer's Park Elementary School, which was named for the former stadium that housed several professional teams and hosted barnstorming tours from 1907-1941. Both Babe Ruth and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson played there. Gordon Hoodak is the principal of Lauer's Park Elementary School.

Gordon Hoodak Stadium is the home field of the Olivet Boys and Girls Club's RBI leagues (Revitalizing Baseball in the Inner City) and has rekindled interest in baseball among inner-city youth. In the ballpark's four years of existence, participation in the league has nearly doubled.

Full season and partial season ticket packages for the 2010 season, as well as tickets to the all-you-can-eat picnic buffet areas, are on sale now and can be purchased in person at FirstEnergy Stadium, by calling (610) 375-8469 or by visiting www.readingphillies.com. "Bring the Fam to America's Classic Ballpark."

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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