Reading Fightins Owner Craig Stein Honored

Reading Fightin Phils owner Craig Stein was recognized before the first-ever Phillies Futures Game on Thursday with a bronze plaque that will be hung in perpetuity outside of FirstEnergy Stadium along with other plaques that have been placed there over the past fifty years. Stein will join former owner Joe Buzas, former Mayor Warren Haggerty, and eight others who have contributed mightily to the rich history of Reading Professional Baseball.

Since purchasing the franchise in 1986, the Reading franchise has received numerous Eastern League awards and has been recognized nationally on several occasions for excellence in operation.

In 1991, the club was presented the Bob Freitas Award by Baseball America, given annually to the best operation at each level. Three years later, Reading was presented the Larry MacPhail Trophy by Minor League Baseball as the Best Promotional Team in baseball. They were awarded their second MacPhail award in 1999, making it the second time in five years the team was recognized, and their second Freitas Award in 2000. For all of their success, Reading was also awarded the Bob Freitas Decade Award by Baseball America as the top Double-A franchise of the 1990s.

Stein and the franchise reached another milestone in 2003 when they were presented with the John H. Johnson President's Trophy, the top honor given by Minor League Baseball.

Stein's leadership and commitment to improving the stadium and the fan experience has made the Fightin Phils one of the most respected franchises in Minor League Baseball.

Over his 30 years of ownership, Stein has invested millions of dollars in to America's Classic Ballpark, starting with replacing the wooden bench seating with individual seating in the main grandstand as well as adding a roof over the area. He continued to make numerous renovations over the years including the addition of three picnic areas, a swimming pool in right field, and a major ballpark renovation in 2011 among other continued improvements to the 66-year old ballpark, including the new first base Dugout Suite this season.

Single game ticket for the Fightin Phils 50th season affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies are available now by visiting Fightins.com, by calling 610-370-BALL, or by stopping by the Fightins Ticket Office located at FirstEnergy Stadium. The 2016 season opens up with the Phillies Futures Game between the Phillies and top prospects in the organization on March 31st in Baseballtown.