Scarcella Returns to Baseballtown

(Reading, PA) - The Reading Phillies, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have announced the hiring of Eric Scarcella as the Director of Public Relations/Media Relations. The team has also promoted Chris McConney to Director of Communications.

Scarcella, 24, is no stranger to the R-Phils family. The Schuylkill Valley High School graduate started with the team as a customer service associate under Director of Sales Joe Bialek in 2003. Since then, he has completed four full-time internships in the front office, with the last one coming during the 2010 season. R-Phils fans may know Scarcella better for his vocal talents, singing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" as Rico the Deck Head during the seventh inning at home games.

"We are just so excited to welcome Rico (Eric) back to the R-Phils family," said General Manager Scott Hunsicker. "He has really been preparing for this role with us since he was kid attending games here at America's Classic Ballpark with his family. He was the most qualified, and most passionate candidate for this important role within our organization. We feel blessed to have Eric back with us."

Prior to his new position, Scarcella was a Personal Ticket Consultant with the Reading Royals Hockey Club (ECHL). A 2009 graduate of Penn State University, he worked in the Penn State Athletic Communications office as a student assistant for four years, assisting with football, basketball, and other sporting events. He also completed a marketing internship with the State College Spikes in 2009. 

With the hiring of Scarcella, a remarkable 18 of the 22 R-Phils front office members were Reading Phillies interns prior to becoming full-time employees.

Eric Scarcella makes a grand entrance to his high school prom with the R-Phils mascots in 2005.

"The icing on the cake is that his (Scarcella) journey mirrors the story of so many of our great front office members; attend games here as a youngsters and fall in love with the R-Phils, work here on the game staff, study at a great university, complete an R-Phils internship, and make a career here as integral part of the Reading Phillies team," added Hunsicker.

McConney, 29, is entering his eighth season working for the R-Phils, formerly holding the position of Director of Fan Development and Staffing. With his new title, McConney will be responsible for managing the team's digital media, including websites, newsletters, and social media. He will also be coordinating game production during home games.

"Chris wears so many hats here with the R-Phils already," said Hunsicker. "His new responsibilities will allow him, and the R-Phils to continue to grow. As electronic media becomes more and more a part of our society's everyday culture, it seemed only natural to capture those responsibilities under one umbrella with the goal of connecting with our fans more effectively and creatively."

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.