R-Phils Remember the Greats During Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club. While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great
In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.
While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”
Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Reading Phillies and Fightin Phils. This is by no means a complete list of the best, just some great names to look back on.
Ryan Howard spent his entire 13-year Major League career with the Philadelphia Phillies. He was originally taken by the Phils in the 5th round in 2001. Howard, a top-ranked prospect, skyrocketed after the 2004 season when he spent the majority of his time in Reading. With the R-Phils, he batted .297 in 103 games while driving in a team-high 102 runs. He also hit 37 home runs to break the R-Phils record and was named the Eastern League MVP. He went on to hit 46 homers in total that season between Double-A, Triple-A and the Major Leagues. Nicknamed “The Big Piece”, he not only led the National League in homers (48) and RBI (146) in 2008, he also helped to lead the Phillies’ to their first World Series Championship in 28 years. The first-baseman was a three-time All-Star, was named the MVP of the NL Championship Series in 2009, and won an exciting home run derby in 2006. Howard is one of only four players, along with Cal Ripken Jr., Dustin Pedroia and Kris Bryant, to win an MVP Award (2006) the year after having won the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award (2005). The R-Phils honored Howard with an induction into the Baseballtown Hall of Fame in 2018.
Jimmy Rollins joined the farm system after being drafted in the 2nd round in 1996. Just three years later Rollins made his debut in Baseballtown, where he developed into an all-around hitter and fulltime shortstop. He recorded 145 hits, including 21 doubles, eight triples, and 11 home runs. The speedster also stole 24 bases. But most impressively, Rollins walked (51) more times than he struck out (47). Howard’s teammate on the 2008 World Series champion Phillies, Rollins took MVP honors the previous season. In a 17-season career that also included time with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox, Rollins amassed 2,455 hits and 470 stolen bases. He was a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner and still stands as the Phillies all-time hits leader. Rollins entered Reading’s Hall of Fame in 2019.
Outfielder Marlon Byrd went around the block in the Major Leagues. Originally drafted by Philadelphia in 1999, he also spent time with the Nationals, Rangers, Cubs, Red Sox, Mets, Pirates, Reds, Giants, and Indians. Byrd spent 2001 in Reading in addition to three games in 2003 as a part of a rehab stint. In an incredible campaign, he finished with a .316 batting average, leading the team in home runs (28), RBI (89), triples (8), hits (161), runs scored (108), and stolen bases (32). Rightfully so, Byrd was named the Eastern League MVP, Rookie of the Year, and post-season All-Star. He led his team to the Championship Series which was ultimately cancelled due to 9/11. The following year he was selected to the Futures Game for top prospects. In his rookie season with Philadelphia (’03), he drove in 45 runs on 150 hits. With a stellar .303 BA, he finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting. After a career spanning fifteen years in the majors, Byrd ended with a .275 batting average, 159 home runs, 710 runs batted in, and one All-Star game appearance.
Marlon Anderson spent a season and a half in Baseballtown and made his mark in the history books. He joined the farm system in 1995 after being drafted in the second round. In 1997, his full summer, he led the R-Phils in triples (6), hits (147), runs (88), stolen bases (27), and sac bunts (9). Anderson made an impressive debut as a Major Leaguer by hitting a pinch-hit home run. After his time with the Phillies, he also played with the Devil Rays, Cardinals, Mets, Nationals, and Dodgers. On June 11, 2005, Anderson hit an inside-the-park home run at Shea Stadium in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game. He will forever be known for his clutch hitting and utility defense.
Michael Bourn was drafted by the Phillies in the fourth round of the 2003 draft. He worked his way up the system, skipping Clearwater to join Reading in 2005 and 2006 as an outfielder. He was a fiend on the basepaths, leading the team with 68 stolen bases in 215 games. He also led in triples (’05, 8; ’06, 6), runs scored (’06, 62), and walks (’05, 63). Bourn earned the reputation as a windshield-wiper type outfielder for his ability to cover a lot of turf by throwing out 21 base runners from the outfield. After parts of two seasons with Philadelphia, he was traded with Geoff Geary and Mike Costanzo to the Houston Astros in exchange for Brad Lidge and Eric Bruntlett. Bourn also spent part of his career with the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Baltimore Orioles. Throughout his eleven-year career, he received two Gold Gloves, was named to the NL All-Star team twice, and was a three-time National League stolen base leader.
Like the Copa de la Diversion initiative that brought about Los Luchadores de Reading and Fiesta Friday’s, Minor League Baseball is working towards greater inclusivity with the introduction of The Nine, the first Black-centric outreach program in MiLB’s storied history. “Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect Clubs’ local market efforts in a coordinated and centralized campaign that authentically engages and welcomes Black fans, businesses, schools, and civic leaders into MiLB’s fun-filled experiences, both in the ballpark and in the community.” The Reading Fightin Phils are a community-oriented organization that is dedicated to providing an inclusive experience for all different kinds of fans. America’s Classic Ballpark is a safe, family-friendly place to gather, celebrate, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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 via www.facebook.com/fightins for all information.
Fightin Phils Comeback in Ninth, Beat SeaWolves 5-4 on Walk-Off Wild Pitch
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (18-29) defeated the Erie SeaWolves (32-17) 5-4 Friday, coming back from a 4-3 deficit in the ninth to win on a walk-off wild pitch. The win ties the series at 2-2. Of the nine starters in the Fightin Phils lineup, only
‘The Best of Both Worlds’: R-Phils Tasting Festival Allows Fans to Enjoy Beer, Baseball
(Reading, PA) — Perusing through FirstEnergy Stadium’s left field deck Thursday night, tasteful aromas filled the air. Sweet and savory. Fruity or bitter. Look past the beverages gracing the high-top tables, and it wasn’t the back of your typical bar. What appeared was green grass and a baseball game. “It’s
Fightin Phils Swept by SeaWolves in Thursday Doubleheader
BOX SCORE GAME ONE BOX SCORE GAME TWO (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (17-28) dropped both games of its doubleheader Thursday to the Erie SeaWolves (31-16), falling behind 2-1 in the series after winning the opener Tuesday morning. Game One: Chuck King — who entered off a career-best
Reading and Erie to Play Doubleheader Thursday May 29
(Reading, PA) - Following Wednesday's rain out, the Reading Fightin Phils and Erie SeaWolves will play a doubleheader on Thursday, May 29, with game one beginning at 4:45 p.m. Both games will be seven innings, and game two will begin approximately 30 minutes following game one, but not before 6:45
May 28 Reading Fightin Phils game has been officially postponed due to rain.
Tonight’s Reading Fightin Phils game has been officially postponed due to rain. Those with regularly purchased tickets dated for May 28, 2025 may exchange their tickets for seating of equal or lesser value for any remaining 2025 R-Phils regular season home game, based on availability. Exchanges of tickets can be
Fightin Phils Ride Stellar Pitching to Shutout Victory over SeaWolves in Series Opener
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (17-27) defeated the Erie SeaWolves (30-16) 1-0 Tuesday, taking the first of a six-game set. Reading’s pitching allowed just two hits — tying its least all season on April 9 — while recording its first shutout of the season. The SeaWolves
Reading Fightin Phils Welcome Erie SeaWolves to Town for Next Series
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, return home to take on the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The six game series kicks off on Tuesday, May 27 at 11:00 a.m. and goes through Sunday, June 1. Tuesday, May 27 is
Ninth Inning Comeback Earns Series Finale Win for Fightin Phils
BOX SCORE (Portland, ME) - A 3-1 deficit in the ninth inning did not stop a late comeback for the Reading Fightin Phils (16-27) that earned them a 5-3 win in their series finale against the Portland Sea Dogs (24-18). In similar fashion to previous games in the series, the
Miller Extends Hit Streak to 10 Games as Reading Falls to Portland
BOX SCORE (Portland, ME) - The Reading Fightin Phils (15-27) fell to the Portland Sea Dogs (24-17) 4-1 during Saturday’s game in Delta Dental Park. The Portland Sea Dogs took the early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Zach Ehrhard walked, Max Ferguson singled and Blaze Jordan followed
Fightin Phils Blanked Friday Night in Portland
BOX SCORE (Portland, ME) - The Reading Fightin Phils (15-26) fell to the Portland Sea Dogs (23-17) 6-0 after a strong fifth inning by the Sea Dogs in game five of the series. Portland got themselves on the board first in the bottom of the first thanks to an RBI
Reading Falls to Portland in High Hitting Affair
BOX SCORE (Portland, ME) - While the Reading Fightin Phils (15-25) out-hit the the Portland Sea Dogs (22-17) during the fourth game of the series, it was not enough as the Sea Dogs got themselves the win on Thursday afternoon, 6-3. The Portland Sea Dogs took the early lead in
Strong Pitching and Timely Hits lead Reading to Doubleheader Sweep over Portland
BOX SCORE GAME ONE BOX SCORE GAME TWO (Portland, ME) - Dominant pitching and timely hits propelled the Reading Fightin Phils (15-24) to a doubleheader sweep over the Portland Sea Dogs (21-17) on Wednesday night from Delta Dental Park. Game One It was another strong outing on the mound for
Reading Falls to Portland in Game One Despite Outhitting Sea Dogs
BOX SCORE (Portland, ME) - A late rally wasn't enough for the Reading Fightin Phils (13-24), as they fell to the Portland Sea Dogs (21-15) 4-3 on Tuesday night at Delta Dental Park. Reading outhit Portland 9-3, but were unable to come away with the game-one victory. All the scoring
The Fightin Phils Earn First Series Win in Victory Over Fisher Cats
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (13-23) grabbed their first series win of the season after taking down the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (16-22) 6-5 in the sixth game of this weeks' series. The first inning started in very similar fashion to the previous games in this
Reading Fightin Phils Achieve Highest Single Game Attendance Since 2018 Season
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to share that the official attendance of 9,691 fans on Saturday night is the largest single-game attendance at America's Classic Ballpark since the 2018 season. The last time a crowd larger than Saturday night's filled
Reading Winning Streak Snapped in Doubleheader Sweep
BOX SCORE GAME ONE BOX SCORE GAME TWO (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils’ (12-23) win streak came to an end on Saturday night as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (16-21) won both games of the doubleheader. The first game ended in a score 8-7 and the second came
Miller Homers and Moser Deals as Reading Wins Fourth Straight
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The winning streak for Reading Fightin Phils (12-21) extended to four after their win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (14-21) 3-2. It was all Reading in the first inning. Aidan Miller doubled and Hendry Mendez followed with a two-run home run which put the
Reading Rallies for Third Straight Win in Walk Off Fashion
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - It was a high-scoring affair as the Reading Fightin Phils (11-21) won it over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (14-20) 11-10 in their second walk off win of the season. The Fightin Phils came out swinging in the bottom of the first. Trent Farquhar started
Late Rally Fuels Fightin Phils to Series Opening Victory
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - A late comeback by the Reading Fightin Phils (10-21) pushed them to victory over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (15-18) 2-1 in the first game of the series. Yohendrick Pinango hit a lead-off home run on the first pitch to give the Fisher Cats the
Reading and New Hampshire to Play Doubleheader Saturday
(Reading, PA) - Following Tuesday's rain out between Reading and New Hampshire, the game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, May 17, beginning at 4:45 p.m. Both games will be seven innings in length. Game two will begin approximately 30 minutes after game one, but
May 13 Reading Fightin Phils game has been officially postponed due to rain.
Today’s Reading Fightin Phils game has been officially postponed due to rain. Those with regularly purchased tickets dated for May 13, 2025 may exchange their tickets for seating of equal or lesser value for any remaining 2025 R-Phils regular season home game, based on availability. Exchanges of tickets can be
Reading Fightin Phils Take on New Hampshire as Fisher Cats Come to Town
(Reading, PA)- The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, for their first meeting of the 2025 season. Game one is set for Tuesday, May 13 at 12 p.m. and kicks off the six
Strong Days from Miller and Anthony Lead Reading to Sunday Win
BOX SCORE (Binghamton, NY) - It was a strong outing on the mound as the series between the Reading Fightin Phils (9-21) and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (18-13) came to a close with the Figthin Phils taking the last game 3-2. The Rumble Ponies ended the series on top 3-2.
FirstEnergy Stadium Hosting BCIAA Baseball Semifinals Monday
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, and FirstEnergy Stadium, are excited to host the 2025 BCIAA Baseball Semifinals on Monday, May 12, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The semifinal matchups will showcase Governor Mifflin and Exeter, and the other matchup will be Wyomissing and Berks Catholic. Tickets to the game
Reading and Binghamton Split Doubleheader on Saturday
BOX SCORE 1 BOX SCORE 2 (Binghamton, NY) - The Reading Fightin Phils (8-21) split Saturday's doubleheader to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (18-12) at Mirabito Stadium. Reading won the first game 7-5, thanks to home runs from Trent Farquhar and Hendry Mendez. In the second game, Binghamton tossed a perfect