Local Talent Jim Haley Fulfills Longtime Childhood Dream

(Reading, PA) - R-Phils utility player, Jim Haley is a Pennsylvania native through and through. Growing up in Lansdowne, PA in Delaware County, he was raised a Phillies fan in the “glory days” of the last era of Phillies baseball. As a shortstop, Haley grew up watching Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard who helped him understand the fundamentals of the game. Little did he know that years later, he would one day fulfill his childhood dream of playing in the Phillies organization.

Haley attended Bonner-Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill, PA, and was named the Philadelphia Catholic League MVP in 2013. He continued his athletic career at Penn State University where he was a three-year starting shortstop. After college, Haley was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 19th round of the 2016 MLB draft. After spending six seasons in the Rays system, the Phillies signed Haley as a free agent to a minor league contract on December 21, 2022.

“It’s definitely a childhood dream growing up. You finally get to do it,” said Haley. “But really cool experience, I’m super grateful I’ve been granted the opportunity to do it, so I’m just looking to make the most of it every day and have some fun with it.”

Haley joins the R-Phils after spending the 2023 season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He appeared in 108 games last season and hit .253 with 62 runs scored, 92 hits, 11 home runs, 58 RBI, and 18 stolen bases. Haley also served as a super-utility guy for the Iron Pigs last season and appeared at every infield position. For Reading, Haley has played at third base and left field in 2024.

Key traits of a strong baseball player are adaptability and reliability wherever your team sees fit. Haley embodies these characteristics and looks to learn and grow daily as a player.

“Being this old, you never stop learning, you’re always trying to find a way to get better… I’ve gotten myself to a point where I feel comfortable. I’m just looking to continue to build off what I did in the spring and coming up here in the next couple of weeks, so I feel good.”

In the Fightins home-opening series against the Portland Sea Dogs, Haley showed off his defensive ability after making an outfield assist in the first play of the game. Red Sox #2 prospect, Roman Anthony hit a ball off the face of the left field wall. Jim Haley got to the ball quickly and threw a strike to second base, as Anthony was caught stretching.

Haley spoke about his positive experience so far in Reading and credited his excitement to the brand-new player development facility in Redner’s event center. This includes a new home clubhouse, female locker rooms, a weight room, dining areas, kitchens, and training room facilities.

“A lot of history at this ballpark and in this organization,” said Haley. “Just built a new player development facility out in center field, which is top of the line, probably the nicest I’ve been in in my professional career. So it’s really nice to have that for the guys, it makes coming to the ballpark a lot more enjoyable.”

Reading returns home from Tuesday, April 23, through Sunday, April 28, as the Fightin Phils welcome the Somerset Patriots (New York Yankees) to FirstEnergy Stadium. Tuesday and Thursday are Unused Ticket Games, thanks to Rip It Baseballtown Charities. Wednesday is a special Business Person Special, presented by Stratix Systems. Friday and Saturday feature fireworks. Friday's show is sponsored by Savage Auto Group and Saturday's show by PA Virtual Charter School, Alvernia University, Crime Alert Berks County, Reading Truck and Penn Medicine. The series finishes Sunday with a Phillie Phanatic Appearance, presented by Penske.

Tickets to all games are on sale, but going fast. To buy tickets, call 610-370-BALL, go to rphils.com/tickets or in-person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office. The Fightin Phils Brentwood Industries Team Store is open both in-person or online 24/7 at rphils.com/shop.

The 2024 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.