R-Phils Ambassador Program is One-of-a-Kind

READING, PA – The Reading Fightin Phils pride themselves in having a dedicated, well rounded fan base. Those who are baseball fanatics, those who love the entertainment, new fans and those who have been here from the start flock to FirstEnergy Stadium every season. But there are a select few who after retiring from their full-time careers, turned their passion of the team into a summer job. These dedicated employees love working with fans and players alike and promoting the organization. They represent the family, fun atmosphere the R-Phils strive for every day. Three retired devotees who spend their summer working at America’s Classic Ballpark joined the front office this offseason. Now they help advocate for and share what Baseballtown is all about.

Al Edlund manages the parking lots prior to the game, guiding traffic and providing a smooth and efficient arrival for fans. He will help make sure you have a good parking spot and can walk safely to the main entrance. As the head of security for the stadium, his main role is to make sure everyone is safe and having a good experience. Al, or Big Al, as he is known by friends, enjoys the friendly atmosphere of America’s Classic Ballpark. A retired Police Officer, his favorite theme nights are First Responders and Military Appreciation night. In the offseason, Al has helped sell ticket packages and made calls to local businesses in the community to become involved with the R-Phils. His cheery demeanor is the one fans meet upon arrival to the front office.

Fran Kelly is the first person you meet when you walk through the main entrance to FirstEnergy Stadium. His big smile and vivacious personality greet you as he takes your ticket. He’s been welcoming fans since 2014. Fans can also find Fran as a volunteer at the Savage 61 Dream League field where he performs the in-game announcing. Fran began his career as a public-school administrator and Dean of Students until he transitioned to owning his own niche market insurance office. A graduate of Albright College, Fran knows everyone. Everyone. He currently resides in Mt. Penn but you can find him in the ballpark this summer enjoying the upbeat environment and the Bark in the Park days. This winter, Fran assisted in the ticket office selling mini plans and organizing R-Phils Town Nights.

Cheryll Oestreich is who fans meet as they walk up the ramps to find their seats in the seating bowl. Rain or shine she can be found at the base of the main grandstand to help you find your section and row, answer any questions you have, and point you in the right spot for player autographs. A former Elementary Teacher in the Exeter School District, for 39 Years, and graduate of Kutztown University, Cheryll joined the front office to establish relationships with local schools and provide awareness about the R-Phils educational field trip games. She has been influential in growing the program and relaying what a great experience the ballpark can be for students and teachers. Cheryll is part of a family affair here at the R-Phils as her son Ryan used to work for the team, her daughter Amy is the Supervisor of the Diamond Girls, and her granddaughter Kaylee is a big fan. Cheryll’s been an usher at the ballpark for 23 years. Her favorite part is meeting and interacting with the fans. She also loves creating friendships with the players and their families and watching them work towards her dreams.

Al, Cheryll, and Fran have become an influential part of the Front Office this winter. Their life experiences, customer service prowess, and all-around joy has made a great difference among front office staff and interns. Plus, their love of the R-Phils and familiarity of America’s Classic Ballpark have made them wonderful and positive additions to the staff. For years, Baseballtown has done things differently. The organization knows its surroundings very well. From community outreach to amazing memories, the R-Phils have made their mark throughout the region. Young and old can find their place here in Baseballtown and it has come to be known that there is something for everyone in this extraordinary minor league town. The inclusive environment extends to all. The team has been the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1967, the longest partnership in baseball.

The R-Phils are excited to continue this ambassador program, along with its renowned internship program. As always, Baseballtown is looking for game-day staff in numerous departments. If this atmosphere seems like a good fit for you or someone you know, please email [email protected] or rphils.com/jobs for more information.

All single game tickets and ticket packages are on sale now at the Weidenhammer Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium. For information visit rphils.com or call 610-370-BALL. Please check rphils.com/tickets for the full promotion schedule as it is updated and to purchase tickets for the upcoming season. The Fightins are happy to announce that ticket prices will stay the same as last season!

America's Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania's Americana Region and was voted the #1 stadium in all of Double-A by MiLB's Ben Hill. Follow the R-Phils at rphils.com, on Twitter and TikTok at @ReadingFightins, on Instagram @fightins, and like them on Facebook viawww.facebook.com/fightinsfor all information.