Phillies Legend Jim Bunning to be Celebrated on 6/12

Baseball Hall of Famer and Phillies great Senator Jim Bunning will be making his return to Baseballtown on Thursday, June 12 at 7:05 p.m. when the Reading Fightin Phils host a 50th Anniversary of Jim Bunning's Perfect Game & Reading Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The night will also feature a Jim Bunning Bobblehead giveaway to the first 2,500 adults compliments of Van Bennett Food Co. 

In addition to being in attendance, Bunning will also be on hand for a free autograph session for all fans.

Known for his illustrious 17-year MLB career, Bunning spent a season in Baseballtown a year after retired when he managed the Reading Phillies in 1972. His squad, who featured future major leaguers Jim Essian, Mac Scarce, and Bob Beall, went 70-69 in the Eastern League.

A nine-time all-star selection, Bunning became the seventh pitcher in MLB history to throw a perfect game on June 21, 1964, against the New York Mets. At the time, the historical game was the first perfect game thrown in the National League in 84 years. He is also one of just seven pitchers in MLB history to hold the distinction of throwing both a perfect game and no-hitter. 

Over his Hall of Fame career, Bunning went 224-184 with a 3.27 ERA in 591 games. He struck out 2,855 batters, ranking second all-time at the time of his retirement behind Walter Johnson. 

After his baseball days, Bunning turned his focus to public service and was elected to the city council of Fort Thomas, Kentucky in 1977. Nine years later, Bunning was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he spent 12 years in congress before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1999. He served two terms before stepping down in 2011. 

Tickets for this and the rest of the 2014 slate of games go on sale February 13th online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, or by stopping at the Fightin Phils Box Office at FirstEnergy Stadium.