2014 Phillies Alumni Weekend
Always a busy time for Phillies collectors, Alumni Weekend is fast approaching! I thought we could use a single page to reference to keep track of events - and event details as they are announced.
Friday, August 8th - Roy Halladay Night
The Phils will welcome back Roy Halladay, as the two-time Cy Young Award Winner will be honored for his contributions with the team. There will be an on-field, pre-game ceremony and all fans receive a Roy Halladay bobble head. *Note: There are no alumni signings on the concourse scheduled for Friday
Saturday, August 9th - Wall of Fame Night
Another familiar face will be back as an honoree: Former Phils skipper, Charlie Manuel. Manuel will be the 2014 Phillies Wall of Fame inductee. 15 Wall of Famers, including Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton and Jim Bunning will be on-hand for a special pre-game ceremony. Fans attending the game will receive a Charlie Manuel print. Rumor has it - Jim Thome will be back for the ceremony... perhaps, as the "mystery player" who will unveil Cholly's plaque. **UPDATE - Phillies have announced a Twitter chat with Jim Thome - 5 PM on Saturday, August 9th #ThomeChat. This all but confirms the big guy will be on hand!***
Gates open at 5:35 PM - Alumni signers will be positioned around the concourse pre-game. As of today, Friday August 8th, no details of who/when/where have been made available by the Phillies. UPDATE (8/9) - In conversation with Phillies personnel this morning, I found out that Alumni will be around the concourse, as expected. In a slight change from the past season or two, they will not be a booths - but, instead be "walking around, meeting fans." From my previous experience with this method - it's mob rules. It's not the ideal setup, but guess that's not my call. On a side-note, they are still not providing names of signers.
Also scheduled for Saturday is the annual Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge. The event takes place from 4 PM - 7 PM on Citizens Bank Way. Typically Maddox and his 1980 teammate, Greg Luzinski sign autographs in exchange for "BBQ tasting tickets." Tickets are sold on site and can be used at a number of booths other than those operated by the former Phils. Good time... More info on the BBQ Challenge
Sunday, August 10th - Alumni Day
More than 40 Alumni will be introduced during an on-field, pre-game ceremony. I'm looking forward to seeing what names from season's past will be returning to town!
Gates open at 11:35 AM - Alumni signers will be positioned around the concourse pre-game. As of today, Friday August 8th, no details of who/when/where have been made available by the Phillies.
Monday, August 11th - Alumni Surprises
The long weekend concludes with a day game on Monday - and the Phillies are promising more "alumni surprises" around the ballpark. On a side note, fans will also receive this season's Pride of the Phillies print - which features Jimmy Rollins.
Gates open at 11:35 AM - Alumni signers will be positioned around the concourse pre-game. As of today, Friday August 8th, no details of who/when/where have been made available by the Phillies. We do know Aaron Rowand will be throwing out the first pitch - assuming he'll be signing "CBP Saturday's"-style before the game.