Phillie Phanatics: The Fans That Make The Team

Philadelphia Phillies Logo 

PHILLIE 

PHANATICS 

The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball and have a rich history and a passionate fan base. Known for their red and white colors, the Phillies have developed success in numerous ways including World Series, Hall of Fame members, Great Players, and of course a fantastic fan base. Although some sports teams don’t like them, the Philie Phanatic’s create a unique atmosphere in Citizen Bank Park which is constantly energizing the team. 

Rally Towels:

Crowd with the Rally Towels 

With their spirit in CBP, the Phillie Phanatic’s rally towels are a key part of the Phillies’ playoff atmosphere. When the Phillies make the postseason which they call Red October, the rally towels are used to elevate the mood and spirit of the game. The Philadelphia Phillies give back to the fans that come to the game, by providing fans with a towel each postseason. Many times, in the post season they are red to match their pinstripe uniforms and are seen being waved when members are up to bat, or the inning is about to end. These rally towels have proven that the fans give such liveliness to the Bank and help the fans, and the franchise connect more than ever. 

PSG:

Philly Sports Guy, Jamie Pagliei 

Phillies fans are dedicated and love the baseball team through and through. Jamie Pagliei is a great example of this, as he has titled himself PSG, also known as Philly Sports Guy. PSG, represents the city of Philadelphia and the Phillie Phanatic’s well as he shows his dedication through dressing up as the players and painting his face to match the uniform of the game. A special moment in MLB franchise is when teams are a part of the MLB World Tour, which the Phillies were given the opportunity to play in London this past summer. Ironically enough, PSG made his way there and the Phillie Phanatic’s vicariously lived these special games through his trip. He shares his games and trips through his Instagram page with over one hundred thousand followers. Although fans cannot participate in each game, PSG makes sure he can represent them at every game with his support. 

Trea Turner Moment

As for the 2023 season, Trea Turner signed a 300-million-dollar, 11-year contract to the Philadelphia Phillies. In the past, Turner had been batting a .300 average which is high for Major League Baseball, but for some reason, entering his welcoming to the Phillies his batting average was struggling with a rough .235. When the Phillie Phanatic’s heard about this a certain fan decide to do something about it. A specific fan named Jon McCann got onto social media and stated that the fans should give him a standing ovation with applause rather than a booing, that he had previously been getting at most games. Later in an interview, McCann stated that “he felt, in that moment Turner needed positive reinforcement as opposed to being booed” (Postins.) After spreading the word, he led the 42,000 fans in attendance to give him a standing ovation. When Turner was up to bat, the whole Bank stood and applauded Turner as if he had just hit a home run. Turner’s season quickly turned around after this as his batting average began to skyrocket and he sent the team to the postseason. In an interview with Charlie Manuel after the game, Turner proudly stated: “They had my back. They showed up for me. I don’t think ‘ease my mind’ is the right way to say it. But, like I said, I thought it was really cool. And I appreciated it for sure (Hagen.)” With just one simple gesture through the fanbase, the energy was immediately shifted and the players recognized it. Not only at this moment, but the players also mention how they feed off the energy of the crowd, and it gives them motivation to represent Philly in their games. Watching that moment on T.V. was memorable, good thing you can rewatch it!

The energy of the fans at Citizens Bank Park is what truly fills the stadium, which creates the electric atmosphere every game. Their support, passion, enthusiastic cheers, and involvement with the team at a game or not, are recognized time after time by the players, franchise and even other teams. The Phillie Phanatic fanbase’s connection with the team and each other increases the spirit of the game and ensures that every special event is filled with excitement and unity. 

Phillie Phanatics outside of Citizens Bank Park 

Work Cited 

Hagen, Paul. ““They Showed up for Me” — Turner Reflects on Night of Appreciation from Fans.” NBC Sports Philadelphia, 5 Aug. 2023, www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-royals-trea-turner-appreciate-fans-standing-ovation/531209/.

Postins, Matthew. “Viral Philadelphia Phillies, Trea Turner Moment Focus of New Documentary.” Philadelphia Phillies on SI, Sports Illustrated, 31 Aug. 2024, www.si.com/mlb/phillies/news/viral-philadelphia-phillies-trea-turner-moment-focus-new-documentary. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.