Collectible of the Week: 1981 Phanatic Puzzle SGA
On May 3, 1981 the Phillies celebrated the Phanatic's third birthday at Veterans Stadium. Since being introduced in April 1978, the green mascot had become a favorite of fans young and old - and his annual birthday promotion was already drawing large crowds. This day 41,283 fans entered the stadium to watch the Phils defeat the Giants 7-5.
The jigsaw puzzle handed out to children 14 years and younger is made of typical cardboard material, measures 8"x10" and includes 35 pieces. Through a series of six mini drawings the Phanatic is on the search for his birthday gifts. Unable to find them, he is sad - only to be surprised by a pile of gifts waiting at his locker after the game. The Harrison/Erickson copyright mark in the bottom right-hand corner is typical for the period. The maker's of the Phanatic (Harrison/Erickson) owned the copyright for his likeness until 1982 - a good thing to know when trying to date Phanatic pieces.