Fans Choose Bunbino for New Character

(Reading, Pa.)—The fans have spoken and they have selected Bunbino as the name of the Baseballtown Hot Dog Guy character. The name was announced at the Dog Days of Winter season ticket holder event held on Monday, February 13 at the Crowne Plaza Reading.

Fleetwood resident Taylor Reed, 11, submitted the winning name as part of the contest organized through the Reading Eagle’s website and the Reading Phillies.

“Bunbino epitomizes this new era in Baseballtown history,” said President of Baseballtown Charities Chuck Domino. “What better way to celebrate Baseballtown than with a logo recognizing one of the most traditional ballpark foods that has had a lasting presence at FirstEnergy Stadium with the Reading Phillies.”

Since she selected the winning name, Reed received a 20-person picnic at the Reading Eagle Pool Pavilion and first pitch at the April 3rd Baseballtown 222 Showcase, new Baseballtown merchandise, four box seats to the Baseballtown All-Star Home Run Derby and Autograph Session, four box seats to the Baseballtown All-Star Classic, and a box of 100 delicious hot dogs courtesy of Berks Packing.

Bunbino was selected through a voting process over Homer, Brutis, Dinger, and Phrankey. Fans were able to vote online from Tuesday, February 7 through Monday, February 13.

The Baseballtown logo featuring Bunbino will play an important role during this summer's Baseballtown All-Star Classic, with players from each team wearing jerseys honoring the baseball tradition of Reading.

The name Bunbino holds a special place in Baseballtown lore as The Great Bambino, Babe Ruth, played during a barnstorming tour at Reading’s Lauer’s Park in 1928 along with fellow Hall of Famers Lou Gehrig and Jimmie Foxx. Lauer’s Park is now home to Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, a ballpark built from charitable contributions to Baseballtown Charities.

Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity, was launched in 2002 in association with the Reading Phillies in order to keep baseball alive in Reading through charitable donations to underprivileged youth, who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to play baseball. The organization was also founded to pay tribute to Reading's rich baseball history.

Since its inception ten years ago, the Baseballtown trademark has played a necessary part in the baseball community of Berks County. Under the Baseballtown namesake, FirstEnergy Stadium has played host to the High School All-Star Game and the Olivet's Boy's and Girl's Club Championship. Each year, the organization crowns the King or Queen of Baseballtown to honor the past by recognizing that individual's accomplishments and contributions to baseball/softball.