On a beautiful day in September, Phantasy Campers met up in Wilmington, DE for an evening of baseball.  After putting their gear down in the dugout, players walked onto the field of Frawley Stadium, home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks minor league baseball team, to get loose.  Everyone was split into two teams and after each team got a chance to meet and get reacquainted with each other the scrimmage began.  It didn’t take long for most to look like they were in mid-season form.  With a couple cracks of the bat and a few flashes of the leather it was clear that this was going to be a great day of baseball.

In-between innings, conversations about past and future Phantasy camps could be heard.  Vets shared stories and wisdom as rookies eagerly asked questions about the upcoming camp.  Regardless of the experience with Phantasy Camp, everyone’s spirits were high and laughter could be heard throughout the evening.

After the game ended, everyone made their way up into the Diamond Club for some post game hot dogs and hamburgers.  It was easy to see how everyone was getting excited for camp in January as the conversations and stories continued.  Overall, a good time was had by all and even if there was a little ice and Advil in the future for some, any day on the baseball field is a good day.

Click here for the entire gallery: Batting Practice in Wilmington

8/21/16 : A Day at the Park – Phantasy Camp Reunion
Written By – Steve Potter

Yesterday was one of the more memorable experiences of my baseball life.  As part of the Phantasy Camp experience from last January, we (my sons Dan, Nolan and son-in-law Matt) were invited to attend a full day at Citizens Bank Park experiencing on-the-field and behind-the-scenes activities of the stadium operations. There were about 25 of us who plan on also attending the 2017 camp experience that got to take part.

Our day started arriving at the ballpark at 9:30 AM and being greeted by Mike T. and Joanne, both of whom work for ESF, which is the partner company for the Phillies youth baseball camps and Phantasy Camp. We entered thru the executive office entrance of the stadium.  My son in laws dad Mercer, a lifelong friend of mine and a baseball teammate for over 40 years, also got to come along and enjoy the day with us – glad that he could! I gave Mike a copy of my 2008 book on the Phillies, he said he would read it on his vacation.

One of the greatest by-products of team sports is team spirit and friendship. Phantasy Camp is no different. When fellow teammates arrived we shook hands and did the “bro hugs” greetings associated with the bonds formed from a week of team competition and partnership.  Many campers become lifelong friends and keep in touch throughout the year.  Our team, “Team Schmitty” had seven guys participating in the day-long event and another three that came later for the game against the Cardinals.  My son Dan drove from the Washington DC area for the CBP experience and the Bergers’ drove all the way from Palm Harbor, FL to experience the day!

We were led down an elevator to the auxiliary locker rooms, they are locker spaces given to front office personnel who work for the team who want to shower and change before they depart work for the day. It is in a hall corridor just around the entrance to the home team dugout and the indoor batting cages.  We changed into our Phillies batting jerseys and uniforms — actually they changed, I came fully dressed already as I was pumped to go!

The Phillies had a breakfast spread out for us, various juices, water, muffins, fruits, etc.  We had about an hour before we would take the field and cages so it gave us a chance to catch up with fellow campers and staffers on what we have been doing the past six months or so. At 10:30 we went to the field to do stretches and exercises in right field.  Even with an empty stadium, being on the field in a Phillies uniform was a very cool experience. We formed lines and followed camp instructor Joe thru calisthenics and jogging to get loose. With 90-degree heat, it didn’t take much.

When you go to Phantasy Camp your team is assigned a team rep whose job is to support the team and its coaches with coordination and assistance in baseball activities like batting practice.  They are the BP pitchers, the activities directors, the support system, etc.  In essence they are vital to the success of the camp.  Our team’s rep is a fellow named Joe Moore who is excellent at all the things he is charged with doing.  Our group, which included six of us, was led by Joe to the indoor cages situated underneath the Diamond Club for our initial batting practice.  Joe threw to us for about an hour as we each took our hacks in the very same cages as players like the ‘Big Piece’ do daily.  That wasn’t lost on me as I stood in the left-handers batting box to take swings — pretty cool!

We then went back on the field for batting practice out there and to shag fly balls hit by our other campers. Joe once again would throw to us, three rounds each in the on-field cage set up at home plate.  I wandered over to first base to take grounders, I wear #15 in honor of my all time favorite player, Richie (Dick) Allen and pretended in my mind I was in pre-game drills just like he would have been back in the day.

Yet another cool experience as I looked up to the scoreboard and they had a “Welcome Phantasy Camper” display shown.  Living a dream my friends!

In the batting cages was pumped and excited and actually had three good rounds of hitting highlighted by a nice line drive down the right field line in doubles territory.  My son’s tried their best to jack home runs but were equally humbled by how a big league field plays,  I was a proud papa though as each hit good rounds as well.  We finished our baseball playing experience for the day with more indoor cage hitting if we wanted or could just absorb more time on the field, was up to us.  Great time!

After showering and changing out of our uniforms we were treated to lunch ( steak sandwiches, hoagies, hot dogs, salads) and chilled for about an hour or so till we would take a behind the scenes ball park tour.  As I went to the locker room I saw Harry Kalas’s son Kane in the hallway coming in to practice the national anthem he would sing before the game.  He was wearing the white shoes just like his pop would, I briefly said hello and wished him well.

Our tour was led by Jon Joaquin along with Bryan Clayton who are front office directors in the Phillies management chain.  Jon is the director of Youth Baseball Development and Chris is the director of Entertainment.  They gave us a great tour starting with the offices and working our way to the Hall of Fame Club,  Video command center, Diamond Club, Ashburn Alley, etc.   I gave both Jon and Chris one of my website cards, they said they would read.  Two very nice and gracious young men, both emphasized the Phillies family work like atmosphere from the top down and albeit their days were usually long that they both enjoyed their jobs and the team spirt the organization embodies.  Jon spoke how each front office employee got World Series rings in 2008 and how when Harry Kalas was inducted in the baseball  hall of fame  the front office went to Cooperstown and enjoyed the event with him.  It sounds like a job and group I would love to be part of.  I am happy for folks who enjoy their work, it is a blessing.

After the tour we got to watch the Phillies take BP on the field.  My son in law Matt was amazed out how the pitchers taking BP were bombing the bleachers with taters, especially Vince Velasquez.

We then went back to the locker room and changed into our game jerseys and were joined by our campers who came for the game introductions, my wife and daughter Kristen joined us as they would also be introduced on the field as Phantasy Phans.  I saw and spoke to Tom McCarthy before he made his way to the media elevator prior to the game, also spoke with Mickey Morandini about kids I have seen this summer in the system, particularly Dylan Cozens. Saw one of my idols Paul Hagen, the hall of fame writer.  We chatted about a kid I saw in Williamsport, Darick Hall.  I think he has a good future ahead of him also and told Paul to watch for him, he laughed and said he would.  These guys must think I’m nuts .   Scotty Palmer was there also and we chatted for a bit.  Lastly saw Big Ben Rivera who was in the house with his family to watch the game.

We were led onto the field where we were introduced individually with our pictures on Phanavision.  Really cool!  As we left the field a man yelled “Can I have your autograph?”  It was my buddy Dennis Petrucci from Avondale who was there for the game.

We settled into our seats up in the 310 section but had one more surprise.  Matt, my son in law, joined the Phanatic in the bottom of the 7th inning on top of the Phillies dugout for a dance to Glory Days by the Boss!  His kids, my grandkids, were shocked to see their dad do that as we kept it a surprise till it happened.

On top of all this the Phillies won!  Great great day!  I am most proud and thankful to be able to share the experience with my wife and kids, it is truly what made it special.   Thanks to the Phillies and ESF for such a blessed and wonderful day, one this old man will not forget.

The official Phantasy Camp Reunion night has been set for Saturday, August 20th when the Philadelphia Phillies take on the St. Louis Cardinals at 7:05 p.m. Prior to the game, all 2016 Phantasy Campers will be able to participate in an on-field ceremony where a special Phantasy Camp Tribute video will be played and each participant’s name will be announced by Dan Baker.

The Phillies and ESF are happy to offer each Phantasy Camper two complimentary tickets for the game.

If you need additional tickets, they may be purchased with a special $8 per ticket discount. You can order additional tickets in a reserved Phantasy Camp section, which spans Pavilion Deck sections 306-310. If you would like to attend and have not already ordered your tickets, you may do so by completing and submitting the attached form to Missy Cameron in the Phillies Sales Office.

Don’t miss your chance to reunite with camp friends and spend and spend a fun night at the ballpark. Plus, it’s Harry Kalas Statue giveaway night! We hope to see you there.

More than 50 Phantasy Camp Alumni and Staff Members joined the Philadelphia Phillies on Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park. Under beautiful blue skies and nearly-perfect temperatures, our hometown team took on the San Diego Padres and our very own Phantasy Camp Commissioner Mickey Morandini make his home-opener debut as the team’s 1st Base Coach.

After the game, Phantasy Campers and Staff Members convened in the Diamond Club for a special reunion. Those who attended were treated to all of the luxuries of the premier seating area, and had a chance to catch-up with fellow phans, campers and teammates.

We had a blast!

All 2016 Phantasy Camp participants are cordially invited to the Phantasy Camp Alumni Event scheduled for Monday, April 11th, when the Phillies face the San Diego Padres at 3:05 p.m.

Come join your fellow Phillies Phantasy Camp players, General Managers and Phans for an exciting day at the ballpark, including a post game reception!

After the game, we will convene in the exclusive Diamond Club lounge to reminisce and share stories regarding this year’s camp. The post-game event will last for one hour, immediately following the end of the game. A cash bar and concession stand will be open for business.

Due to the limited supply of tickets for this special event, post-game passes will be limited to the first 150 guests. If you are interested, please return this order form to the Phillies Group Sales office no later than Friday, March 12th or while supplies last. We will only accept payment by check or money order for these tickets.

You may use this order form to order game tickets and/or sign up for the post-game event. If you already have tickets to the game, you do not have to purchase them again through this offer in order to attend the post-game event.

Once the ticket office receives your order, they will mail your ticket(s) and/or post-game event pass(es), along with a detailed letter about the post-game event.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Robb Kazenski, in the Phillies Sales Office, at 215.463.5000 ext. 5182, or you can call Mike Trachtenberg at the Phillies Phantasy Camp office at 610.520.3400 ext 8231.

Each year, we are lucky to host a group of campers that includes longtime baseball fans, die-hard Phillies followers and genuinely kind people. The Phantasy Camp experience is a camp like no other.

We do our best to make sure that every Player, Phan and General Manager truly “Live The Dream” for five days in Clearwater. Whether it’s spending time with their family in the Florida weather, hanging out with their favorite Phillies Legends, or playing the game that they love with long-time teammates, everyone enjoys a different dream.

Hear why these campers had the time of their life this January, and are truly thankful for Phantasy Camp.

Lorenzo Beltrame, 2016 Phantasy Camp Player
Team Chuck
Rookie

“I cannot find the words to thank you enough.

I had a phenomenal time! Everything was perfect, and all I had to worry about was to have as much fun as possible.

I met extraordinary people and lived the dream for a few days.

Please extend my gratitude to everyone on your staff.

Thanks again.”

Steve Lewis, 2016 Phantasy Camp Player
Team Richie
Rookie

“I just wanted to congratulate you on a fantastic week!…I never fill out surveys, but I just completed yours…I cannot tell you what a great time everyone had…social media is lighting up about this camp and it is 100% positive!

I was very impressed how amazing your staff was…they were upbeat, energized and professional at all times…they handled the weather incredibly well.

Phantasy Camp was a bucket-list item for my 50th birthday. Glad I got to share this moment with my brother and buddy, Josh.

I’ve been sharing pictures and memories with everyone…it’s amazing how so many are truly interested in seeing all of the pictures and hearing all of the great stories…thanks again!”

The 2016 Phantasy Camp experience has officially come to a close.

After five days of sunshine and blue skies, Team Gnat took home the 2016 World Championship Trophy and rounded out another successful trip to Clearwater. Thanks to all of our players, phans, general managers and Phillies Legends for making this year’s event another great one.

Check out the final Phantasy Update!

The sky was blue and the sun was shining as Team Gnat raised the 2016 World Champion trophy on Saturday afternoon. In a landslide victory, the squad rallied early and proved their power to win it all over Team Tugger.

Congratulations, Team Gnat!

With just two days of camp left, (some) players are really starting to heat things up.  We’ve seen double-play balls, clutch hits and even a few inside-the-park home runs.

Read all the details about your favorite camper’s team – check out the Game 3 Team Highlights!

Team Chuck (Game #3 vs Team Gnat)

After a rain delay to start a two game home stand, Team Chuck took the field against Team Gnat, hoping to put one in the win column. On the hill was Brian Gutekunst. Gutekunst went a strong 6 innings, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits, walking 4 and striking out 4.

Several members contributed to the offense. Catcher Russ Berdel led the charge, going 3 for 3 including a double. Anthony Villari, Tom McConney, and Dave Mitchell each collected 2 hits.

The defensive play of the game was when pitcher Brian Gutekunst stabbed a line drive hit back up the middle and got the runner leading off first for a double play to get Team Chuck out of the 3^rd inning.  Team Chuck ended up losing a tough one by the score of 5-1.

Team Crash (Game #3 vs Team Schmitty)

In a wild affair, after a soaking rain, Team Crash lost 15-11 to a gritty Team Schmitty.  This game was full of everything! From a base clearing double by Mark Nakata to Jen Andrisani taking a high fastball to her shoulder and laughing it off, this game was everything you hoped for in an intense Phantasy Camp matchup.  Joe Papili scored 2 runs and Mike DeStefano had 2 doubles. Although the game resulted in a loss, spirits remained high for team Crash.

Team Dutch (Game #3 vs Team Richie)

Team Dutch suffered its first loss of camp to Team Richie by a score of 11-3. Rey Panettieri proved to be a bright spot for Team Dutch going 2 for 3 at the plate, knocking in a run, and gutting out 4 innings on the mound.  Jeff Vaught also had a good day at the plate, going 2 for 2 while scoring a run.  Dan Farah, Dave Spaventa, Craig Abouchar, Pat Blum, Joe Conway, and Greg Graham also contributed with a hit apiece.  A heartwarming moment was experienced in the top of the 6^th inning when Dennis Conway fulfilled a goal of pitching an inning with his father, Joe, behind the plate. Dennis pitched a 1-2-3 inning, striking out 1.  Despite the loss, Team Dutch continues to find inspiration through the memory of their late teammate, Harry Citrino, as the team is sporting an “HC” patch on their uniforms this year.

Team Gnat (Game #3 vs Team Chuck)

Rob Pritchard led Team Gnat to victory with a dazzling defensive effort in a 5-1 win over Team Chuck. Rob was also 2 for 3 at the plate with an RBI and run scored. George Pellegrino drove in 2 runs with a single in the 4^th which proved to be the winning run. Pitcher Joe Gillespie worked hard to earn his 2^nd “W”. He allowed 1 unearned run on 9 hits, 1 walk, while striking out 5.

Team LA (Game #3 vs Team Vuk)

Team LA lost a hard fought 7-5 decision to Team Vuk in game number 3 of the 2016 season.  Team Vuk jumped out to a 3-run lead but Team LA fought back to keep things very interesting.  Mike Gilronan, with 2 hits and a RBI, Bump Williams, with 1 hit and 1 RBI, Steve Flowers, with 1 hit and 1 run scored, and Dick Yuengling, with 1 hit and 1 run score, all contributed to the offensive surge.  Stephen Flowers hit the ball extremely well on the day, as he banged out 2 hits and scored a run.  Rich Schulang also crushed a ball for a base knock and RBI.  Dave Sicilia, John DeMaioribus, Mike Vereb, also contributed offensively and defensively. Team LA shows great character and looks forward to a big Saturday.

Team Lefty (Game #3 vs Team Tugger)

Team Lefty lost a highly contested 5-3 game in seven innings on Friday at Schmidt Field after surrendering the lead in the seventh inning.  Lou Orth took the tough loss for Team Lefty.  Through six innings, he walked five, struck out six, and allowed four runs.

Team Lefty broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning.  Anders Apgar singled to start the rally and then Brian Spang, after being hit by a pitch, laced one up the middle to set up the RBI single by Don Cormier.

Team Lefty brought home one run in the fifth inning.  John Sharkey singled, Marty “Wheels” Lessner pinch ran, and the next batter Steve Charendoff gets a knock up the middle to plate Lessner.  Team Tugger killed the rally when the 1st baseman dove and snagged a Bob Vasta line drive to end the inning.

Team Lefty, or aka “Team Canada,” tied the game in the sixth. Fran Cole blasted an Ebersole hanging curveball into center field for a double.  The next batter hit the “Shot Heard Around the World” when Jimmy “Cake” Hagen roped one up the middle driving in Cole to tie the game at 3.

Rissmiller entered the game in a tough spot in the seventh and held a rallying Team Tugger to one run on one hit, with one walk and a strikeout. The battling Team Lefty’s were retired in order to wrap it up.

Team Richie (Game #3 vs Team Dutch)

Team Richie had an awesome day as they got their first win by a score of 11-3.  Darrin Sunday threw six innings, giving up only 3 runs, while striking out 4.  The offense was led by Greg Gallant as he went 3 for 3 with 2 runs, 3 RBI, and a double.  Throwing to his brother, Tim, Dave McMaster got the save as he pitched the final inning with no runs scored.  Jeff Rzepczynski went 1 for 1 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.  Scott Kempf also contributed to the offense by going 2 for 2, with a run a run scored.

Team Schmitty (Game #3 vs Team)

Team Schmitty mounted an exciting comeback to earn a 15-11 victory over Team Crash.  With the score tied at 9 runs a piece in the fifth inning, Matt Jones came to the plate and laced a double scoring Eric Axler, who reached base on a single.  Jones racked up 3 RBI’s and 3 runs on two doubles while providing outstanding defense at shortstop.  Mike Berger also flashed some leather for Team Schmitty turning in a few ESPN “top ten” worthy plays at second base.

Bob Cesarini racked up 3 RBI’s on three hits in the contest.  He singled in the first and fourth innings, and then smoked a triple in the left center field gap in the fifth.

Team Schmitty grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the first as Nolan Potter led off with a hard hit single.  John Ashcom followed with a hard hit single to center field.  Jones would later plate Potter, and Paul Obidinski hit a deep fly ball to score Ashcom.

A key fifth inning rally gave Team Schmitty the lead for good as Hank Clement, who supplied a RBI single, and Bob Cesarini, who ripped a 2 run triple, provided big hits in the inning.

Team Schmitty had a balanced attack with Mike Berger, Bob Strecker, David Fox, Ed Keith and Eric Axler all collecting hits in the contest.  Paul Obidinski chipped in a double that drove in 2 runs in support of Nolan Potters 2^nd complete game victory.
Team Tugger (Game #3 vs Team Lefty)

Team Tugger remained atop of the standings with a dramatic come from behind 5-3 victory over Team Lefty.  Ari Greenburg’s 2-out, full count, bases loaded double plated 3 runs in the 6^th inning to take a 3-2 lead with the game tied going into the 7^th.  Mike Lizzi pounded out a clutch 2-run hit to put Team Tugger up 5-3.

Lynn Ebersole pitched a gutty complete game for his 2^nd win of the season. Chris Yates led the 8-hit attack with 2 hits. Ryan Carson and Mike Solomon also added doubles while Andrew Teufel and Ebersole contributed hits as well.

Team Vuk (Game #3 vs Team LA)

In game 3 of the 2016 Phantasy Camp, Team Vuk pulled out a win versus Team LA by a final score of 7-5.  Dave Harmelin started the game off in the 1^st inning with a two-run triple and ended the game with a spectacular catch in leftfield that would have sent Team LA to a walk off victory.  Pat Keaveney boosted his batting average thanks to a perfect 3-3 day at the plate. Mike Kacergis and Chris Keaveney combined to pitch Team Vuk to its second victory of the season.  Steve Gadomski added 3 hits along with teammate Steve Kahn who had 2 hits himself.  Rich Weidman and Rocky Wright also contributed a hit each to Team Vuk’s 7-5 win over Team LA.