Phillies Announce Special Events to ‘Strike Out the Stigma’ in Support of Mental Health Awareness Month

Initiative kicks off Saturday as Phillies and minor league players to wear ‘Never Fightin’ Alone’ t-shirts, Sesame Street’s Elmo and Sesame Workshop join to help the team “Strike Out the Stigma,” and more!

6:06 PM UTC

Throughout May, the Phillies will continue their efforts to highlight the importance of mental health by hosting multiple Strike Out the Stigma events presented by Park Avenue Worldwide, both at the ballpark and in the community, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The Phillies Strike Out the Stigma program is focused on bringing important conversations to the forefront, promoting healthy habits, supporting those around us and helping remove the negative stigma surrounding mental health.

PHILLIES MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH EVENTS

Saturday, May 9

Players & Staff to Wear "Never Fightin' Alone" T-Shirts on Phillies Mental Health Awareness Night
Batting practice at Citizens Bank Park & Minor League Ballparks

  • During batting practice before that night’s game against the Colorado Rockies, Phillies players and coaches will wear “Never Fightin’ Alone” Strike Out the Stigma t-shirts to support the mental health awareness cause.
  • Players and staff from the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA), Reading Fightin’ Phils (AA), Jersey Shore BlueClaws (A+) and the Clearwater Threshers (A) will also wear the shirts to show unity across all levels of the organization.

Sesame Street’s Elmo and Sesame Workshop’s Dr. Rosemarie T. Truglio as Guest Speakers at Phillies Strike Out the Stigma **presented by Park Avenue Worldwide**
4:35–6:05 p.m., Media Room at Citizens Bank Park

  • The second sold-out Phillies Strike Out the Stigma event of the season, presented by Park Avenue Worldwide, will center around the topic of Mental Health Awareness Month and take place prior to Saturday’s 6:05 p.m. game against the Rockies.
  • The event will feature special guest speakers, including Sesame Street’s Elmo and Dr. Rosemarie T. Truglio, Sesame Workshop’s Senior Vice President of Global Education.
  • Phillies Director of Mental Health Dr. Deanna Nobleza will serve as program host.

Tuesday, May 12

Mental Health Heroes “Happiness Hour” Party
6:00–8:00 p.m., Philadelphia Insurance Club at Citizens Bank Park

  • The Phillies will welcome more than 300 healthcare heroes working in the mental health field to the ballpark for an appreciation party to give thanks for all their work in the community.
  • Guests will be treated to dinner and will enjoy games, special prizes and meet & greets with Phillies alumni.

Wednesday, May 13

Phillies Strike Out the Stigma Program to Receive Commendation Award from New Jersey Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma
2:45 p.m., The College of New Jersey, Brower Student Center Auditorium, 1900 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ 08628

  • At the Sing! for Mental Health Live Concert: Exploring Dimensions of Wellness event, the Phillies and Strike Out the Stigma will be presented with the NJGC Commendation Award by Debra Wentz, PhD.
  • Phillies Manager, Alumni Relations & Community Projects TJ Farrell, who oversees the Strike Out the Stigma program, will accept the award on behalf of the club.

Monday, May 18

Phillies Strike Out the Stigma Visit to Local School
9:30 a.m., MaST Charter School III, 1 Crown Way, Philadelphia, PA 19154

The team will bring the Strike Out the Stigma mental health awareness panel on the road to speak with more than 250 students, ages K-10, about the importance of proper mental health practices.