EL1 Reading Fightin Phils

R-Phils presented two national awards at seminar

Published on September 29, 2006 under Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


Reading, PA -- Three new awards were presented at the 29th Annual Minor League Baseball Promotional Seminar held in Charlotte, NC September 27-29. The Reading Phillies are honored and feel very fortunate to return to Baseballtown with two of them.

Scott Hunsicker was presented with The MVP Award (Most Valuable Professional) given to the top Assistant General Manager in the Minor Leagues. Hunsicker was Reading's Asst. G.M. during the 1998-2006 seasons before his Sept. 5 promotion to General Manager.

The R-Phils were also honored with the Extra Innings Award for excellence in community service, particularly for the opening of Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer's Park.

"We're very grateful and appreciative for these two awards," said Chuck Domino, President of the Reading Phillies and Baseballtown Charities. "Scott has been one of the top professionals in our industry for a long time and we're glad to see him recognized. We'd like to dedicate the Extra Innings Award to the people of Greater Reading, the Citizens of Baseballtown, for without their support Gordon Hoodak Stadium would not have been possible."

The Closer Award, presented to the top sales person in Minor League Baseball went to Pete Laven of the Arkansas Travelers in the AA Texas League.

"General Managers have awards and get a lot of recognition in their communities but none of us would be successful without the very hard working members of our staff who do fantastic jobs and put in countless hours," said Steve DeSalvo. DeSalvo is a 25-year veteran front office executive in the Minor Leagues. He currently serves as the General Manager of the AA Mississippi Braves (Southern League) and chaired the committee that sought nominations and made the selections for these three new awards.

Hunsicker was singled out for his contributions to the overall success of the Reading franchise during his time as the Asst. G.M. He is well known for creating the outstanding game day atmosphere that has made FirstEnergy Stadium the place to be and has it buzzing from the second the gates open until well after the final out has been recorded. Pre and post-game concerts with local bands and the Reading Phillies Mascot Band, highly desired giveaways and unique pre-game festivities like Renew Your Wedding Vows and Grandparent/Grandchild Recognition Night are a few examples of how he's connected with fans.

The R-Phils were lauded for their community efforts due in large part to their charitable arm, Baseballtown Charities (Baseballtown.org), which opened Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer's Park this past summer. The Reading Phillies trademarked the name Baseballtown in 2002 then began Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity, in its name. Its goals are 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. Gordon Hoodak Stadium does both.

The new $850,000 youth ballpark is nestled in an inner-city neighborhood that is quickly returning to its glory days. It sits on the grounds of Lauer's Park Elementary School, named for the former stadium where Babe Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson both played. The original park housed several professional teams and hosted barnstorming tours from 1907-1941.

The stadium is the home field of the Olivet Boys and Girls Club's RBI leagues and the school. The RBI baseball and softball leagues have witnessed tremendous growth since Baseballtown Charities' inception. The Clubs operate out of neighborhood based facilities. Of the Club's 7,000+ members, 73% come from families that live at or below the poverty line.

In addition, the R-Phils, like all Minor League Baseball franchises, are heavily involved in other aspects of giving back to the community via donations, school programs, awareness campaigns, fundraising campaigns and volunteer work. Some noteworthy community partnerships include: PA Breast Cancer Coalition Mother's Day Pink Jerseys (awareness and funds), Literacy Council of Reading and Berks Day (awareness), Classic Harley-Davidson Bike Raffle for MDA (awareness/funds), Meals on Wheels (volunteer/awareness) and the Sovereign Bank Learning with Baseball school program.

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Eastern League Stories from September 29, 2006


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