Threshers celebrate 25 years in the Minors
All 25 seasons, the Class A Advanced team has been affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Beginning in 1985, the Florida State League team played as the Clearwater Phillies at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium. The Clearwater Phillies won the Florida State league title in 1993.
In 2004, the franchise started a new chapter as they moved into brand new Bright House Field. The same year, the team was rebranded into the Clearwater Threshers. Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt managed the Threshers during the inaugural season.
During the 2007 season, Clearwater once again won the Florida State League championship with an 88-59 record. Manager Dave Huppert's squad won the 2nd half division championship and then defeated Sarasota and Brevard County in the playoffs for the title.
In 2009, Clearwater will honor the 25th season of minor league baseball in conjunction with the Phillies World Series Championship. Many of the Phillies players, who won the World Series this past year, played for Clearwater during their minor league careers. MVP's Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard lead the way, along with Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, Ryan Madsen, Kyle Kendrick, and World Series MVP Cole Hamels.
Throughout the 2009 season, the Clearwater Threshers will have a bobblehead giveaway promotion with the Phillies World Series starting lineup. The 9 bobbleheads will include the starters, plus the dual player bobblehead replicating the final out celebration between closer Brad Lidge and catcher Carlos Ruiz. The bobbleheads will be available during each of the planned nights and will be limited to the first 1,000 fans entering the ballpark that night.
The 2009 Clearwater Threshers season starts on Thursday April 9th against the Dunedin Blue Jays. Season tickets are available for just $225 and include tickets to 70 home games, a free parking pass, admission to all Threshers road games and many other perks. In addition, the entire bobblehead collection is guaranteed to all season ticket holders.
Local Clearwater supporters, Phillies faithful in the Pennsylvania area or baseball fans in general can gets this once in a lifetime collection by purchasing Clearwater Threshers season tickets. Look for more information on the 25th season celebration and the release dates for bobblehead giveaway soon.
For more information call (727) GO-PHILS or visit www.threshersbaseball.com.