Phillies Pheatures #4: Outstanding July Passes By

As the R-Phils continue their series in Akron tonight, it's time to look back on the fond memories made at FirstEnergy Stadium in the month of July. It's amazing that the season is flying by, and even more incredible that despite having just twelve home games, July felt as jam-packed and fun as ever.

The month began with a four-game set against the Western Division leading Altoona Curve. Adults in attendance in the series opener were treated to a throwback 1909 Reading Dutchmen Hat as the R-Phils celebrated a tribute to the Pennsylvania Dutch. The remaining three games in the series were all amazing fireworks displays high above FirstEnergy Stadium, much to the delight of huge crowds here at America's Classic Ballpark. 

On July 2nd, with a limousine on the field and ready to ride to Pittsburgh, the R-Phils also gave away an Instant Vacation to the Phillies versus Pirates series at PNC Park. Fans were also able to sample a number of delicious adult beverages during the 7th Annual Beer Tasting Festival #4, as well as paying their respects to the 1925 NFL Champion Pottsville Maroons. 

The third game of the series got off to a rockin' start with another tremendous performance from the R-Phils Mascot Band in the Classic Café. In the series finale on Independence Day, after a brilliant and patriotic fireworks show, the homestand concluded with post-game run the bases.

Reading enjoyed a highly successful road trip to New Britain, sweeping a four-game series with the Rock Cats before returning home to Baseballtown for the second homestand of the month - this time, with in-state rival Harrisburg. Besides being another awesome fireworks show, Friday, July 9th was a Tribute to the Boy Scouts 100th Anniversary, with a sleepover in the outfield after the game. 

Following another Saturday night performance from the Mascot Band, it was time to get "crazy" during Sunday's matinee game. The first 2,000 kids in attendance that day received a Crazy Hot Dog Vendor realistic look-a-like t-shirt, while R-Phils Kids Club Members got the opportunity to perform pre-game with the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor himself after a question and answer session. The R-Phils players even wore Crazy Hot Dog Vendor jerseys in their game with the Senators.

As this season has rolled along, the weather has gotten hotter and hotter, and July was certainly as steamy as it gets. During the special 12:05 p.m. start time in the series finale on Monday the 12th, sections in left field were designated "splash zone" areas. R-Phils fans cooled off every inning as they were sprayed down with cool water thanks to the Reading Fire Department.

The fans and players got a few days off in the middle of the month during the Eastern League All-Star Game in Harrisburg. Tagg Bozied, Freddy Galvis, Kevin Mahar, Drew Naylor, Matt Rizzotti, Michael Schwimer, and Vance Worley were all selected to the Eastern Division All-Star team, although Michael Schwimer was unable to participate due to being promoted to Lehigh Valley (AAA) a few days prior to the event.

The second half of the season began in Trenton and the R-Phils stumbled a bit coming out of the break. However, the team rebounded as it had all year, taking their series with the Erie SeaWolves before coming home for the third and final homestand in the month of July.

The Akron Aeros came into town for a four-game set at FirstEnergy Stadium starting on a busy Thursday, July 22nd. All the action was again focused in the right field food court during the pre-game periods, as the R-Phils presented the 3rd Annual Wing Fest. Restaurants, bars, and other establishments from across Berks County competed for hottest wing, most unique wing, and other honors. Judging from the amount of fans scooping up all that was there to offer, it's safe to say it was a huge success.

Friday and Saturday of the homestand were two more nights of fantastic fireworks here in Baseballtown, as well as a Tribute to Yuengling, another 4 for $48 Family Night, exciting Happy Hours, and great Kids Club Happy Half Hours. The series concluded with giveaways for fans of all ages on Sunday. The first 2,000 adults in attendance got a free loaf of Stroehmann's bread, while the first 2,000 kids received a Jimmy Rollins soft toss baseball. 

Following Sunday's game, the R-Phils took to the road once again, and left their fans and FirstEnergy Stadium with plenty of memories both on and off the field. Just like every other month this year, there were giveaways, events, celebrations and tributes for every occasion one could think of, and it was all a huge hit. August will be the final full month of baseball in the 2010 season, and we hope to see you here at America's Classic Ballpark to make a memory of your own.