EL1 Reading Fightin Phils

Seven Game Homestand Continues Tonight

Published on April 12, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


Reading, PA - The R-Phils continue their exhilarating seven-game homestand tonight at 6:35 p.m. as they begin a three-game series with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays). The three-game series features two R-Phils All-Decade Team Photo giveaways, "Wiping Out Graffiti" night, and the return of former R-Phils starter Kyle Drabek, who makes a start in Baseballtown on Wednesday, April 12 against Philadelphia prospect Phillippe Aumont.

Coming off a solid three out of four-win performance and an impressive Opening weekend attendance of 24,573 (tops in the Eastern league), the R-Phils are set to host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats tonight in game one, with a three-game win streak on the line. All fans in attendance for the final three games of this homestand will be treated to history in the making, as well as a chance to receive some great collectible items.

In game one tonight, the first 500 adults will receive an R-Phils All-Decade Team Player Photo #1 -- outfielder Gary Burnham. Burnham played for Reading in parts of three seasons over the decade, and hit more homers and drove in more runs than any other R-Phil in the 2000s. He led the 2001 R-Phils with a .318 batting average and was second on the team in homers and RBIs, earning him a spot on the Eastern League's post season All-Star team. In just 80 games in 2006, Burnham hit .341 with 16 homers and 60 RBIs, and in the process set the all-time franchise record for home runs, finishing with 56.

Monday's game features RHP Drew Naylor on the hill for the R-Phils as he makes his 2010 season debut. Naylor, a native of Australia, spent the 2009 season with Clearwater (A), where he went 8-11 with a 4.22 ERA. A member of the Philadelphia Phillies 40-man roster, Naylor, 23, was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent on March 2, 2004 by Philadelphia. The Fisher Cats will send RHP Bobby Bell to the hill, as he makes his first start of the 2010 season. All gates open at 5:30 p.m., with first pitch set for 6:35 p.m.

On Tuesday, April 13, the R-Phils will continue their series with New Hampshire, as they meet in game two of their three-game set. The first 500 fans who enter FirstEnergy Stadium will receive an R-Phils All-Decade Team Player Photo #2 -- outfielder Michael Bourn. Bourn, who spent the better part of two years at FirstEnergy Stadium, garnered Eastern League All-Star honors in both seasons. During his time in Baseballtown, Bourn combined to hit .270 with 14 triples, 68 stolen bases and 142 runs scored over his 215 games and garnered a reputation as a phenomenal defensive outfielder, leading the EL with a .997 fielding percentage and 21 assists in 2005.

Every Tuesday is also Ballpark Bingo, courtesy of Maidencreek Banquet Hall and all fans can buy a bingo card and have the chance to win exciting R-Phils prizes. Fans of all ages can take part in Bingo -- giving each fan a chance to enjoy an electrifying baseball game, while also having a chance to win an R-Phils prize right from their seat.

Also on Tuesday, all Genesis HealthCare R-Phils Senior Club members and active and veteran military members can receive $3 off yellow box seats for the game. The Genesis HealthCare Senior Club, presented by Genesis HealthCare Assisted Livings is open to anyone 62 years or older, and is free to join. As part of this exciting club, all members can take part in five exclusive Senior Club events. More info on the Genesis HealthCare R-Phils Senior Club can be found at www.readingphillies.com.

Taking the mound for the R-Phils on Tuesday evening will be Opening Night starter RHP Vance Worley (0-1, 8.31). In the opening game of the 2010 season, Worley, 22, allowed four runs on five hits over 4.1 innings pitched, and was saddled with the loss. A native of Sacramento, Worley was 7-12 with a 5.34 ERA over 27 games last season for the R-Phils. Originally selected by the Phillies in the third round of the 2008 amateur draft, Worley was a 2009 Eastern league Mid-Season All-Star.

On the mound for the Fisher Cats on Tuesday will be LHP Luis Perez (0-0, 0.00). Perez, a native of Guayubin, Dominican Republic, tossed three shutout innings out of the 'pen for the Fisher Cats on April 8. The 25-year-old fanned five batters, and held the Rock Cats hitless over his marvelous three frames.

On Wednesday, April 14, the exciting homestand concludes, with a matchup for the ages, as former R-Phils starter Kyle Drabek (1-0, 5.40) makes his much anticipated return to the mound at FirstEnergy Stadium, facing-off against R-Phils newcomer and a top Phillies prospect -- Phillippe Aumont. Perhaps the intrigue behind this explosive matchup is the fact that during this past offseason each player was traded as part of the Roy Halladay for Cliff Lee three-team swap - and now they will face-off right here in Baseballtown, for the first-time ever.

Drabek, who made his 2010 debut last week for New Hampshire, tossed five innings, and allowed four runs (three earned), and two walks, while fanning eight batters on April 8. The son of former Major Leaguer Doug Drabek, Kyle, 22, went 8-2 last season with a 3.64 ERA for the R-Phils. Ranked as the number two prospect in the Philadelphia organization by Baseball America, Drabek was a key piece in the trade to acquire Roy Halladay this past offseason. Now, as a member of the Fisher Cats, the Texas native figures to be a key cog in the Jays' youth movement, and perhaps someday, become a Cy-Young Award winner - much like his dad, who won the award in 1990.

Aumont (0-0, 7.20) makes his second start of the 2010 season after taking the hill for the first time on April 9. A native of Gatineau, Quebec, Aumont allowed four runs on seven hits over five innings to earn a no-decision. Last season, as a member of the Seattle organization, the Quebec native went 1-4 with a 5.09 ERA for West Tennessee (AA) as a reliever. Now a starter, Aumont, who was ranked as the number four-prospect in the Seattle organization by Baseball America before being dealt to the Philadelphia organization this past offseason, was originally taken by Seattle as the 11th overall pick in the 2007 draft. Aumont, a 6'7" 254 pound hard-thrower, has already received attention from the Canadian media, as they have been in Reading to speak to him on Media Day, and in attendance for his first start last Friday night.

All fans coming out to see this intriguing matchup of two top prospects will also get to be on-hand for Wednesday's "Wiping Out Graffiti" night. All gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the exciting 6:35 p.m. contest. After the game the R-Phils will travel to Richmond, as they will face the Flying Squirrels for a four-game series beginning on Thursday.

Single-game tickets for the 2010 season, presented by Pepsi, are on sale now and can be purchased in person at FirstEnergy Stadium, by calling (610) 375-8469 or by visiting www.readingphillies.com. Fans can also add the all-you-can-eat Deck Buffet to any ticket for only $11. "Bring the Fam to America's Classic Ballpark."

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Eastern League Stories from April 12, 2010


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