Jackie Robinson Salute to Honor ‘Pioneers in Pinstripes’: Ted Washington and Chuck Randall
Plus, Weekend to Feature Cavity Busters Kids Opening Day
and Citizens Phanatic Birthday with Illusionist Wayne Hoffman
Also, sign the Citizens Phanatic birthday card at the Citizens kiosk in Ashburn Alley!
Come cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies as they host the Colorado Rockies on Thurs., April 20, to Sun., April 22, at Citizens Bank Park! Throughout the series, take photos with the 2022 NL Championship Trophy at the First Base Plaza until the 6th inning, as well as check out what’s new in food, fan gear and more. Here’s a look at some of the fan highlights surrounding the games:
1. The series begins with the team’s Jackie Robinson Salute on Thurs., April 20, at that night’s 6:40 p.m. game. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:20 p.m. as the Phillies recognize two Pioneers in Pinstripes, Chuck Randall and the late Theodore “Ted” Washington, during a special on-field ceremony. Washington, a baseball and football star at Camden High School in NJ and member of the 1951-52 Philadelphia Stars, was the first Black player to be signed by the Phillies on Sept. 16, 1952. Randall, an infielder from Glassboro High School in NJ, was among the first Black players in the Phillies minor league system when he debuted in 1955.Randall and Washington’s son, Terry Washington, will take part in the event. Plus, there will be a video tribute, narrated by Phillies Ambassador Milt Thompson.
- The club will also honor the 2023 Jackie Robinson Foundation scholar, Joseph Nash, and Phillies Charities, Inc. grant recipient and RBI scholar Naila Valdez from the Feliz Filadelphia Recreation Center.
- A portion of that night’s 50/50 Phillies Charities, Inc. drawing will benefit the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
- Plus, there will be a Jackie Robinson storyteller who will share stories of Robinson in The Yard.
- The national anthem will be performed by the Hollis Sisters.
- In honor of the day, adjustable side patch caps with the No. 42 logo will be available at the New Era Phillies Team Store
2. On Fri., April 21, the club will recognize six of its Urban Youth Academy teams before the 7:05 p.m. game. Also happening, former Phillie Brad Hand will be presented with his 2022 NL Championship ring by Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer John Middleton and President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski. Plus, it’s Scout’s Night and the chance to sign the Citizens Phanatic birthday card!
- The Phillies UYA teams being recognized on-field represented the club year-round in tournaments, showcases and off-field programming. Select members of these teams also represented the Phillies in MLB’s Commissioner’s Cup and Jennie Finch Classic at the All-Star Game in Los Angeles, CA last summer. Among those being recognized are the UYA 15U, 16U and 17U baseball teams and the 14U, 16U and 18U softball teams, as well as Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy Member of the Year, Naila Valdez, and the Jennie Finch Empowerment Award Winner, Maritza Lopez.
- Also featured is Scouts Night I at the ballpark, a special Theme Night for members of local boy and girl scout troops! Local scouts in uniform can receive a Phillies Scout Night Patch and some scouts will have the honor of dancing with the Phanatic in the seventh inning.
- Fans are invited to stop by the Citizens Kiosk in Ashburn Alley and sign the Citizens Birthday Card for the Phanatic throughout the game.
3. Lots of activities for youngsters at the sold-out Cavity Busters Kids Opening Day at the 4:05 p.m. game on Sat., April 22, with kids taking part in honorary pregame activities! Plus, have fun at the pregame Block Party at the Budweiser Batter’s Eye Bar featuring DJ HBK.
- Kids are taking over the ballpark! On Cavity Busters Kids Opening Day, youngsters are invited to join all the pre-game and in-game fun. Be on the lookout for kids announcing the lineups with Dan Baker, a special starting nine, and more.
- All children 14 and under receive a Cavity Busters Kids Opening Day Knit Hat.
- Plus, moms at the ballpark will also have access to the new Cavity Busters Nursing Mother’s Lounge, a private area for nursing mothers and babies located on the Main Concourse behind Section 125.
- Fans are invited to stop by the Citizens Kiosk in Ashburn Alley and sign the Citizens Birthday Card for the Phanatic throughout the game.
4. See “into the future” at a magical Citizens Phanatic Birthday on Sun., April 23! Be in your seats by 11:30 a.m. to enjoy the show featuring multi-award-winning illusionist Wayne Hoffman who will be performing in honor of the Phanatic’s big day.
- Get ready for lots of Phanatic fun as the best mascot in sports takes the field during a spectacular birthday bash featuring magic-act surprises! Special guests include the Phanatic’s mascot friends and family including Phoebe Phanatic, the Galapagos Gang, Swoop, Phang and more.
- The entire ballpark is invited to sing happy birthday as a birthday cake, compliments of The GIANT Company, will be delivered to the Phanatic along with a Citizens Birthday Card signed by fans.
- All children 14 and under will receive a Citizens Phanatic T-Shirt.
- The College Cuber will be creating an interactive mosaic of the Phanatic out of Rubik's Cubes at the Third Base Plaza when gates open through the 5th
5. It’s also the final chance to bid on Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber autographed items and more in the Phillies Charities, Inc. Auction, open until 6:00 p.m. on Fri., April 21, at com/auctions.
More Need-to-Know Information
- Gate Openings: For 2023 regular season home games being played Monday through Thursday at 6:40 p.m., all gates open at 5:35 p.m. For all remaining regular season home games (weekend and other), all gates open 90 minutes prior to game time.
- Access Tickets & More: Use the free MLB Ballpark app for your guide to Citizens Bank Park and to access tickets (including Sports Complex parking), forward tickets to friends, use the interactive concourse maps and enjoy games.
- Parking: Please click here for a parking map. Parking for Phillies games is cashless. Methods of payment include credit/debit cards and mobile payment (Apple Pay and Google Pay). To expedite entry, pre-paid parking passes may also be purchased prior to the game.
- Public Transportation: Transit services are also available; for a SEPTA schedule, please visit septa.org.
- Traffic: Log on to 511pa.com, www.511nj.orgor call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions.
- Broadcast: The game on 4/20 will be broadcast on NBCSP+ and MLBN, the 4/21 game will be broadcast on NBCSP, the 4/22 game will be broadcast on NBCSP+, and the 4/23 game will be broadcast on Peacock. The games on 4/20-22 will also be available on nbcsportsphiladelphia.com and the NBC Sports app. All games will also broadcast on 94 WIP and WTTM 1680.
- Stay informed! Follow @PhilliesCBP on Twitter and like the official Citizens Bank Park Facebook page.