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Baseballtown Home Run Derby Details Released

Interactive video explains the zany festivities
January 19, 2012
New Page 1

(Reading, PA)---The Reading Phillies, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have released an interactive video today that explains additional information about the fun-filled Baseballtown Home Run Derby and Autograph Session to benefit the United Way of Berks County on Tuesday, July 10. 

"You almost have to watch this video to have any idea what we are planning for this thrilling hitting challenge," said R-Phils general manager Scott Hunsicker. "Hopefully after watching this video, fans will better understand what our creative staff has dreamt up. It's exciting." 

The Baseballtown All-Star Classic is presented by Van Bennett Food Company, All-Star Distributing, Susquehanna Bank, The Reading Crowne Plaza Hotel, Service Electric, and The Works/Building 24.

As part of the event, Eastern League All-Stars will be paired with United Way partner as they compete in the on-field hitting challenge. Prior to the hitting challenge, the players will be signing autographs at the tables of their respective partner agencies in the VIST Financial Plaza. Courtesy of Penske Truck Leasing, each partner agency will also receive a block of tickets in the left and right field grandstands. Penske's generosity will allow the United Way partner agencies to reward valuable volunteers, raise funds, and entertain those they service. 

"The Baseballtown All-Star Home Run Derby will create a lot of fun and excitement for our community," said Tammy White, president of the United Way of Berks County. "We are grateful to the Reading Phillies for generously supporting United Way's work as part of this unique event, as it provides our organizations and agency partners to highlight our programs centered on our focus areas of education, health, income and safety net services." 

During this unique hitting challenge, players will be trying to hit select targets around the field to earn points. As seen in the video, targets include outfield dunk tanks, R-Phils fanatics jumping on a trampoline, and pink flamingo yard ornaments sprinkled around the outfield. 

Conversely, there will be obstacles hitters will want to avoid in order to not lose points. The Reading Phillies mascots will be scattered around the field, trying to snag balls hit by the all-stars. For each ball the mascots catch, the hitter will be penalized with negative points. 

While the hitting challenge is going on, an exclusive VIP party will actually take place right on the infield. These VIP quests will be protected by a net as they party away with homerun balls sailing over their heads. The VIP Infield Party will connect with the Fairgrounds Square Mall Third Base Picnic Area and accommodate a limited total of 500 people. 

On the field, the VIP guests will partake in a special "Food Show" with food stations provided by Adelphia Seafood, Berks Packing, Panevino, and Pepsi, with All-Star Distributing hosting an open bar. At the picnic area, there will be a buffet consisting of barbecued ribs, barbecued chicken, hot dogs, baked ziti, BBQ sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, pasta and potato salad, lemonade, iced tea, and Pepsi products. 

Grammy Award-winning musician and Berks County resident David Cullen will also be performing uncomfortably close to the pitcher's mound in a protected area as he entertains fans and all-stars in attendance. 

"Whether you're participating in the Infield VIP Party, on the deck trying to snap a homerun ball, or in the main grandstand laughing at the funny targets, this event promises to be one you and your family will remember forever," added Hunsicker. "And the best part is, it all benefits the United Way of Berks County and their partner agencies. I can't wait for July 10th!"

VIP tickets for the Baseballtown Home Run Derby and Autograph Party cost $75 and include access to both the Fairgrounds Square Mall Third Base Picnic Area and the infield party. Businesses can also purchase a sponsorship package that includes a 6'x6' outfield target and 20 tickets of their choice for either the Infield VIP Party or the Baseballtown All-Star Gala later that evening at Building 24. Sponsors can use the 20 tickets in whichever combination they desire. That package costs $2,000. 

Those looking to purchase VIP tickets to the event can do so by clicking here, calling 610-370-BALL, or in person at the R-Phils Ticket Office located at FirstEnergy Stadium. For those who are interested in the sponsorship package, contact Joe Bialek at 610-370-BALL x.203 or via e-mail at [email protected]

The only way for fans to guarantee tickets to both the 2012 Baseballtown All-Star Classic and the Baseballtown All-Star Home Run Derby & Autograph Session is with the special 6 for $66 ticket package. With the new mini-plan, fans will receive a yellow box ticket to both events and the Opening Night doubleheader featuring the Ryan Howard/Crazy Hot Dog Vendor double bobblehead. They will also be able to select three additional regular season home games of their choice to complete the six-game plan.

At this time, fans interested in the All-Star Home Run Derby that want to get a ticket NOW can either purchase the 6 for $66 plan, or a $75 Infield VIP Party Ticket. All other individual All-Star Classic event tickets will go on sale February 16th. 

Any fan that purchases a mini-plan, including the 6 for $66 plan, or season ticket plan also has the opportunity to purchase additional tickets to any of the Baseballtown All-Star Classic events. Each package also comes with a free 2012 Baseballtown All-Star Classic pint glass per ticket plan purchased.

The Reading Phillies will kick off the 2012 season with a doubleheader on Thursday, April 5th at FirstEnergy Stadium against the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox). 2012 Season Tickets and Mini-Plans, as well as the brand-new 6 for $66 plan are available by phone at 610-370-BALL, online at www.readingphillies.com, or in-person at the R-Phils Ticket Office located at FirstEnergy Stadium. Purchase your 2012 R-Phils Season Ticket or Mini-Plan now and get as many tickets as you want for all Baseballtown All-Star Classic events before they go on-sale to the general public.