On the anniversary of the Phillie Phanatic's debut, here's Tommy Lasorda beating him up

Everyone knows that April 25th is the perfect date: not too hot, not too cold, and all you need is a light jacket.

But did you know that it also marks the anniversary of the Phillie Phanatic's official debut? The weird, green being from the Galapagos Islands made his first official appearance at Veterans Stadium on April 25, 1978 as the Phillies took on the Chicago Cubs.

Now, 36 years later, the Phanatic's ATV and hot dog gun are as much a part of baseball culture as the hit-and-run or the two-seam fastball. The Phanatic's antics have entrenched him in baseball lore as he's antagonized opposing players and managers, other mascots and umpires, much to the delight of baseball fans in Philadelphia and beyond.

To celebrate, we hope you thoroughly enjoy the above video of that 1988 day when Dogers manager Tommy Lasorda snapped and went after the Phanatic. Happy Friday, everybody.