Gnome Sweet Gnome!

Gloria Thomas is a Reading Phillies fan, one that has been coming to FirstEnergy Stadium for many years. On Tuesday, she came out to America 's Classic Ballpark not only to watch an exciting doubleheader, but for an instant collectible -- one she says, she couldn't wait to receive.

"I'm going to put it on my mantle for everyone to see," said Thomas. "It's something I want to see everyday"

Thomas, of Sinking Spring , PA , was the first of thousands of fans who waited in line earlier today for the Ryan Howard Garden Gnome, presented by FirstEnergy.

Food court gates opened at 4:00 p.m. for the 6:05 p.m. doubleheader against Trenton , and Thomas was there at 12:20 p.m. in search of her gnome. She, along with many others brought chairs and blankets and "camped out" to guarantee a Ryan Howard Garden Gnome went home with them when they left.

"I took the day-off from work, said John Jarvee, who was among the next group of fans in line. "I have been planning on coming out for over two months".

Fans from Louisiana , Pittsburgh , New York , New Jersey and Sinking Spring , PA , flocked to FirstEnergy Stadium for the one-of-a-kind Ryan Howard collectible. And, when all was said and done, the first 2,500 adults happily took home the unique giveaway. The last one was handed-out at 5:07 p.m.

Whether it be on a mantle, in a display case, or in a garden somewhere, whatever the case may be, fans in Reading showed their appreciation for both Ryan Howard and garden gnomes today. As Thomas explained, "This is the first time I ever waited on line (for a giveaway)." She later added, "But nobody ever gave away a Howard gnome before!"