The Phillies are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2008 World Champion Phillies as they host Toyota Phillies Alumni Weekend during a four-game series against the Miami Marlins (August 2-5). Below is what's planned at Citizens Bank Park, including special tributes and photo opportunities with former Phillies players.
On Thursday, August 2, join the Phillies for Throwback Thursday at the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game. Phillies players will sport 1980s era powder blue uniforms and organist George Akerley will be adding organ music and flavor throughout the game including a live performance of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch.
Starting Thursday, fans can join in on the alumni weekend fun with a Theme Night Ticket offer featuring a t-shirt commemorating the team's historic parade down Broad Street. Limited tickets are still available for this #TBT 2008 T-Shirt Game package.
Plus, an official Phillies publication highlighting the 2008 World Champions will be available to fans for the first time. This 88-page book ($10) featuring a look back at the season through the eyes of Brad Lidge will be sold at the Majestic Clubhouse Store, through Program Vendors and at Phillies.com/shop.
On Friday, August 3, Phillies legend Shane Victorino will retire as a Phillie. Fans are encouraged to dress in their Hawaiian best and be in their seats by 6:30 p.m. as Victorino throws out a specially-delivered ceremonial first pitch prior to the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game.
In honor of the Flyin' Hawaiian, all fans will receive a Toyota Shane Victorino Big Head Collectible Print and hula dancers will dance with the Phanatic on-field in the fifth inning.
Also making a ceremonial first pitch that evening, and representing Toyota, is Katie Spencer from Special Olympics Montgomery County. Spencer is a six-sport Special Olympics Athlete, Best Buddies Ambassador and Presidential Volunteer Service Award Winner; Toyota is also donating their suite to Spencer and other members of Special Olympics Montgomery County.
Before Saturday's game, fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:30 p.m. as legends Roy Halladay and Pat Gillick are inducted into the Toyota Phillies Wall of Fame. Taking part in the dual induction ceremony will be Pat Gillick, along with Halladay's wife, Brandy, and sons, Braden and Ryan, as well as several Wall of Famers. All fans will receive a Toyota Commemorative Print of Pat Gillick & Roy Halladay.
Other pre-game highlights include a 2008 World Champions' Home Run Derby WIFFLE Ball Challenge at the Yard, where members of the 2008 team will compete. The winners of the Derby will advance to the championship round before Sunday's Toyota Phillies Alumni Day game.
Plus, representing Toyota for a ceremonial first pitch before the game is Marcus Allen, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region. Then in the third inning, Little Brother Tyrice Smith will make the Toyota base change as his Big Brother Brian Sloan cheers him on. Toyota is also donating their pregame Coaches Clinic and suite to Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region.
Saturday is also Bud & Burger Night! Fans 21+ are invited to enjoy specials on Budweiser throughout the ballpark. Plus, discounts on Bud & Burgers will be available at the Hatfield grill stands at Sections 106, 120, 135, 136 and the Boardwalk Eats Burger stand in left field.
Sunday is Toyota Phillies Alumni Day; all fans will receive a Toyota Brad Lidge Bobble Figurine at the 1:35 p.m. Phillies game. Fans should be on the lookout for the 2008 World Champions around the ballpark as festivities begin at 12:00 p.m. at The Yard, with the '08 Phillies competing in the final round of the World Champions' Home Run Derby WIFFLE Ball Challenge.
Following the derby, fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1:00 p.m. to join the club as they honor alumni including National League and World Series Champions, Hall of Famers, Wall of Famers and the '08 legends. More than two dozen 2008 World Champion Phillies will be recognized on the field, listed here. Plus, Brad Lidge will throw out a ceremonial first pitch, caught by teammate Carlos Ruiz.
Also, representing Toyota from the U.S. Army, Major Nick Liermann, founder of Team Foster, will throw out a ceremonial first pitch before the game. Toyota is also donating their suite to Team Foster; during the game, Sgt. Mike Geib will make a Toyota base change in the third inning accompanied by his service dog, Cookie Dough.
Additionally, the John Vukovich Award will be presented by his children, Vincent Vukovich and Nikki Stolarick, to Rafael DeLima, hitting coach of the Gulf Coast League East Phillies. The award is presented annually to an instructor in the Phillies organization who embodies the characteristics of the late John Vukovich, the longest-tenured coach in team history.
Gate Openings: Ashburn Alley opens two hours prior to game time; all other gates open one and a half hours prior to game time.
Fandom: Check-in using Ballpark, Citizens Bank Park's official mobile app, to receive special offers for retail, concessions and more. Also, follow the action via @Phillies on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.
Broadcast: For the most up-to-date TV broadcast schedule, please go to Phillies.com. MLB.TV and SportsRadio 94WIP will carry all games during the season and fans can tune into Spanish radio on 1680 WTTM.
Traffic: Log on to www.511pa.com, www.511nj.org or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions. Transit services are also available, for a SEPTA schedule please visit www.septa.org.