He also has a younger cousin Phred, and a girlfriend Phiona who are rarely seen. His mother, Phoebe Phanatic, occasionally appears on-field with the Phanatic. Buffing the heads of any bald fans who happen to be sitting near him in the stands.Visiting the various broadcast booths and committing various pranks such as pouring popcorn on the broadcasters, spraying Silly String on them, or serving them Philly cheesesteaks.Shooting hot dogs into the stands using a pneumatic gun attached to his ATV.Standing on the roof of the Phillies dugout between halves of the seventh inning for 'The Phanatic Dance' and remaining on the dugout roof for the home half of the inning to 'hex' the opposing pitcher.Taunting the visiting team by dancing provocatively in front of their dugout, mocking the actions of their players, and smashing or stomping on an object, such as a batting helmet, representing the team.The Phanatic performs a number of regular routines on the field before the game and between innings. During games, the Phanatic wanders the stadium, greeting fans and humorously mocking supporters of the opposition. Performance When the Phillies hosted a ' Star Wars night' in August 2014, the Phanatic got in on the fun by using a lightsaber atop the visitors' dugout.

The Phillies regained the rights to original Phanatic beginning in the 2022 season after a settlement with the mascot creators. In response, in 2020, the Phillies unveiled an updated Phanatic, which included lighter-green fur, arm-scales, star-shaped eyelids, powder-blue feathers, a longer tail, a shorter nose and red shoes. On August 2, 2019, the Phillies filed a lawsuit against the Phanatic creator for attempting to withdraw from the 1984 agreement to let the team use the mascot forever. Since 1993, Tom Burgoyne has portrayed the Phanatic, although in public – in order to retain the illusion that the Phanatic is a real creature – Burgoyne maintains that he is only the Phanatic's 'best friend'.Ī major change occurred in the Phanatic's portrayal because Raymond is left-handed while Burgoyne is right-handed – despite Raymond's desire that his replacement be left-handed.Īppearance change The altered Phillie Phanatic used in 20 Raymond's father is Delaware Blue Hens Hall of Fame coach Tubby Raymond. Raymond was asked to portray the mascot in 1978, which he did until 1993. In 1976, Raymond had a summer internship with in the team's front office. The Phanatic was originally portrayed by David Raymond. Five years later, when Giles and his group of investors bought the team from Ruly Carpenter, the franchise paid $250,000 to Harrison/Erickson for the copyright. The design would cost $5,200 for both the costume and the copyright ownership, or $3,900 just for the costume with Harrison/Erickson retaining the copyright. In his book Pouring Six Beers at a Time, Giles wrote of the worst decision of his life when it came to the creation of the Phanatic. He was formally introduced to the public on the locally produced children's show ' Captain Noah and His Magical Ark' by then-Phillies player Tim McCarver, who was doing promotional work for the team. The Phanatic debuted on April 25, 1978, at The Vet, when the Phils played the Chicago Cubs. They reappeared with their replacement as the Phillies celebrated their final year at Veterans Stadium in 2003, including opening day and the final game. The pair were in the team logo from 1976 through 1978, and were part of the team's 'Home Run Spectacular' at The Vet from 1971 through 1979. The Phanatic replaced 'Philadelphia Phil' and 'Philadelphia Phillis', a pair of siblings dressed in 18th-century garb to invoke the city's revolutionary spirit from 1776. The character was named for the fanatical fans of the team.Īccording to Bill Giles, the Phanatic was created to attract more families to the Phillies' home, Veterans Stadium. Instead of a number on the back of his jersey, he wears a star. The Phanatic was created by Harrison/Erickson of New York City (now known as Acme Mascots), which had ties with Jim Henson's Muppets. Creation ĭuring the winter after the 1976 season, Dennis Lehman, who along with the Philadelphia Phillies Promotions Director, Frank Sullivan, thought the team needed a mascot similar to the Padres' San Diego Chicken. The Phanatic is widely acknowledged as one of the best ballpark mascots, and one of the most recognizable mascots in North American sports. He performs various routines to entertain fans during baseball games at Citizens Bank Park and makes public relation and goodwill appearances for the Phillies. He is a large, furry, green flightless bird with an extendable tongue. The Phillie Phanatic is the official mascot for the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team. (stylized as 'Phanatic' to match the city of Philadelphia)

Yankees magic number 2022