PHILADELPHIA -- The word was that the Phillie Phanatic had not parachuted into a ballpark since 1993. That season ended up being a pretty solid one for the Phillies, who won the National League pennant.

So maybe it was time to try again, especially for a franchise that has not reached the postseason in 11 years. The Phanatic parachuted into Citizens Bank Park minutes before first pitch on Opening Day on Friday afternoon.

It was a bit of a rough landing. The Phanatic touched the ground with his feet but then fell over nose first. Resilient as ever, he got up and soldiered on.

Bryce Harper must have been happy to see that. He had custom Phanatic spikes made for Opening Day, just like he had in his first three season openers with the Phillies.