EL1 Reading Fightin Phils

R-Phils to host "Fantasy Day" with John Kruk and friends to benefit United Way

Published on July 24, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


Reading, PA - Former Major Leaguers John Kruk, Garry Maddox, Greg Gross, Ricky Botallico and Eric Valent will be at FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday, September 11 to serve as guest coaches/players during Fantasy Day. Individuals participating in the special event will live the life of a professional ballplayer for the day and are making a significant commitment to the community as proceeds will benefit United Way of Berks County. White Star Travel Center is the event's presenting sponsor.

Fantasy Players will go through a typical ballplayers' day from team meetings, to batting practice, through the game to the post-game party. Along the way they'll be sure to enjoy the camaraderie with their teammates and the many stories they'll hear from the guest former Major Leaguers. The day will leave the players with memories that'll last a lifetime, while also helping United Way.

In addition to the time spent with the guest Major League alumni, the experience for fantasy players includes: a personalized R-Phils uniform, R-Phils pullover jacket, autographed baseballs, personalized wooden bat, team photo, personalized baseball cards, catered lunch, catered pre-game meal, batting and infield practice, All-Star style introduction prior to the national anthem, photo on the video board during their at-bats during the game, a post-game party with a live band, 15 tickets on the "players pass list" for friends and family to enjoy the game and post-game party and a DVD to capture the memories for a lifetime.

The day begins for Fantasy Players at 11:30 AM and the Fantasy Game is set for 5:30 PM (Gates open at 4:30). The post-game party is expected to conclude around 11:00 PM.

"We're grateful to the R-Phils organization for creating and coordinating this very innovative special event in support of the 2008 United Way campaign. We know that the current economic conditions may present challenges to this year's campaign, and during these tougher times, we really appreciate the R-Phils coming up with a truly unique event. Their strong support is valued. The event promises to be great fun, and we thank the R-Phils and their leadership team, as well as the generous individuals participating in the event. They are all making a tremendous difference by supporting both United Way and the community," says Karen A. Rightmire, president of United Way of Berks County

For those interested in helping United Way but not participating as a Fantasy Player, tickets to attend the game and the post-game party, including free food and drink throughout the event, are available for $50 each through the Reading Phillies Ticket Office at 610-375-8469 and must be purchased in advance.

Kruk, currently a popular analyst on ESPN's Baseball Tonight, played in the Majors from 1986-1995, including 1989-1994 with the Phillies. A career .300 hitter, Kruk was instrumental in the Phillies winning the 1993 National League Pennant. An All-Star in the Majors for the Phillies (1991-1993), he was a coach for the R-Phils in 2001.

Maddox played in the Majors from 1972-1986. He began his career with San Francisco but played for the Phillies from 1975 on. Known as the Secretary of Defense, Maddox was the center fielder for the 1980 World Champion Phillies and an eight-time Gold Glove winner.

Gross played in the Majors from 1973-1989, including time with the Phillies from 1979-1988. A pinch-hitter extraordinaire, Gross was an integral part of the 1980 Phillies. He had three clutch pinch-hits in the World Series. He is 4th all-time in Major League history with 143 pinch hits. Gross was the R-Phils hitting coach in 2007 and currently serves in the same role for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Phillies AAA).

Botallico played in the Majors from 1994-2005. Seven of his big league seasons were with the Phillies, including 1996 when he was an All-Star. The right-hander saved 116 games with a 3.99 ERA in the Majors. Botallcio is currently the color analyst for televised IronPigs home games.

Valent played in the Majors during parts of the 2001-2005 seasons intertwined with a very successful Minor League career that saw him earn R-Phils team MVP honors in 2000. He spent the entire 2004 season with the New York Mets and hit for the cycle that summer. He is currently the hitting coach for the Phillies Short-Season Class-A affiliate in Williamsport.

To be a Fantasy Player, and help United Way of Berks County, contact Chris Spanier at 610-685-4588 or CHRISS@uwberks.org.

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Eastern League Stories from July 24, 2008


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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