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The Philadelphia Phillies are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Citizen Banks Ballpark. To mark the occasion, the club invited former World Series champion Hunter Pence to throw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the game against the New York Yankees. Pence played with the Phillies for two seasons and helped them achieve the Fall Classic title in 2012.
Pence was in a Phillies jersey as he took to the mound to throw the first pitch to Phillies mascot Phanatic. He threw the first pitch with a sizzling move and then made the step in coordination with the mascot.
Citizen Bank Park marked its first tribute on April 12, 2024, with Randy Wolf throwing the ceremonial first pitch. The 20th-anniversary celebrations also took place on Citizens Businessperson’s Specials on May 8, May 23 and June 19.
“While 2024 marks our 20th anniversary at Citizens Bank Park, we are ready to make even more history at our world-class ballpark,” said Phillies Executive Vice President David Buck (via MLB.com).
“The excitement surrounding Phillies baseball has never been greater, and as we celebrate the start of the season at home, we look forward to our fans experiencing all the terrific new enhancements that are part of our game day experience.”
Hunter Pence also won the World Series with the San Francisco Giants in 2014. His career includes four All-Star selections and is a member of the Giants Wall of Fame.
Phillie Phanatic refuses to sign autograph for Gerrit Cole
The Phillie Phanatic has been a big part of the organization since debuting on April 25, 1978, at The Vet, when Philadelphia played the Chicago Cubs.
On Wednesday, Phanatic was enjoying time with Phillies fans during the innings break in front of the Yankees dugout. This got the attention of Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who wanted an autograph and threw him a pen.
Phanatic showed his loyalty by writing "No, Go Phillies" on the ball, and left it on the ground for Cole to collect. During the mid-innings, Cole picked up the ball, only to be disappointed.
As far as the game is concerned, the Yankees won the game 6-5, sweeping the Phillies in a three-game series on their own turf at Citizens Bank Ballpark. The 20th-anniversary celebration will continue on Toyota Phillies Alumni Day (August 18).
