Phillies getting ready to pack bags for Truck Day on Thursday
On Thursday, February 8, it’s the return of Phillies Truck Day presented by Citizens, where nearly two dozen front office staff members will pack thousands of needed items for Spring Training onto three giant, 28-foot trailers, before making its journey to BayCare Ballpark, home of Phillies spring training, in Clearwater, Fla.
“This is probably one of the biggest signs that Spring Training -- and Phillies baseball -- are just around the corner,” said Phillies Manager of Equipment & Umpire Services Dan O’Rourke. “Truck Day is always an exciting event, and this year, thanks to Citizens, our equipment truck will have a brand-new look, providing fun sightings for fans as it makes its 1,058-mile journey from Philadelphia to its final Spring Training destination.”
“We are proud to kick-off spring training with the Phillies and help bring Phans along the journey,” says Dan Fitzpatrick, President for Citizens’ Mid-Atlantic Region. “Our ballpark bankers are excited to wish the Phillies well and give them a great send off. We have an incredible history with this team and we're thrilled that this marks the 20th anniversary of Citizens Bank Park! When the trucks return, our Citizens' Ballpark Bankers will be ready to welcome Phans back to the ballpark and help them achieve their goals."
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Phillies spring training at BayCare Ballpark, and the team’s 78th spring training in Clearwater, Fla.
Journey Highlights: Phillies Truck Day Presented by Citizens, February 8
At 6:15 a.m., the Phillies spring training truck (and its trailers) will make its big arrival to Citizens Bank Park, where it will skillfully maneuver its way down the truck ramp toward the team’s clubhouse.
At 8:00 a.m., the truck and its trailers will then be loaded up with thousands of much-needed items for spring training, including 10,000 cups; 2,400 baseballs; 2,000 short-and-long sleeved shirts; 1,200 bats; 900 pairs of socks; 600 pairs of pants; 600 batting practice hats; 350 pairs of shorts; 300 batting gloves; 250 batting practice tops; 200 fleeces; 200 light jackets; 140 batting helmets; 125 leather and elastic belts; 75 pairs of assorted spike, plastic and turf shoes; 40 heavy jackets; 20 coolers; and several bikes.
Once packed, the truck will begin its spring training journey with a lunch time sendoff at 11:40 a.m. on Pattison Avenue, before it makes its way up Broad Street through Center City, with a final truck stop outside the Citizens branch on 18th and Market Streets, providing a noon photo opportunity for fans.
The truck will then travel 1,058 miles, passing through eight states, before being unloaded at its final destination of BayCare Ballpark on Sunday, February 11 – just three days before the first official workout for Phillies pitchers and catchers on Wednesday, February 14.