The Reading Fightin Phils, double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, unveiled the Translogistics, Inc. America’s Classic Ballpark Hall of Famers on Friday, June 23 before their game against the Trenton Thunder.
The America’s Classic Ballpark Hall of Famers: National Baseball Hall of Famers who have played HERE at America’s Classic Ballpark is located in the left-field concourse area at FirstEnergy Stadium.
“We’re honored to play a part in Fightin Phils history with sponsoring the new Hall of Fame section”, said Scott McDevitt – Translogistics, Inc. President/CEO. “We hope the people in the local community enjoy it as much as we’re grateful to be part of the Berks County business community.”
The area will consist of 38 vinyl portraits of all the hall of famers who played here at FirstEnergy Stadium. Each portrait will feature the year they were inducted into the Hall of Fame and the years they played here at America’s Classic Ballpark.
“What’s amazing is that 38 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame have participated in a game right here at this historic stadium”, said Scott Hunsicker – General Manager of the Reading Fightin Phils. “It’s not just that they played a game in Reading, but the fact that they participated in a game right here in this same ballpark, on this field. As you look at the names and photographs, it really hits you that these 38 icons of the game of baseball were right here, standing right where you are standing. You can almost picture them here on the field as you soak it in. It really is amazing, and historic, and what makes America’s Classic Ballpark so special.”
Here is a list of the 38 Hall of Famers that will be featured:
• Mike Schmidt
Reading Phillies 1971
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1995
• Ryne Sandberg
Reading Phillies 1980
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2005
• Jim Bunning
Reading Phillies Manager 1972
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1996
• Robin Roberts
Reading Phillies 1967
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1976
• Wade Boggs
Visiting Player Bristol Red Sox 1978 & 1979
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2005
• Ricky Henderson
Visiting Player Jersey City A’s 1978
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2009
• Gary Carter
Visiting Player Quebec City Carnavals 1973
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2003
• Jim Rice
Visiting Player Bristol Red Sox 1973
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2009
• Ken Griffey Jr.
Visiting Player Vermont Mariners 1988
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2016
• Bobby Cox
Visiting Manager West Haven Yankees 1972
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2014
• Carlton Fisk
Visiting Player Pittsfield Red Sox 1969, Pawtucket Red Sox 1970
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2000
• Andre Dawson
Visiting Player Quebec City Carnanvals 1976
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2010
• Barry Larkin
Visiting Player Vermont Reds 1985
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2012
• Pedro Martinez
Reading Phillies MLB Rehab Appearance 2009
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2015
• Greg Maddux
Visiting Player Pittsfield Cubs 1986
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2014
• John Smoltz
Visiting Player Glens Falls Tigers 1987
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2015
• Earl Weaver
Visiting Manager Elmira Pioneers 1962-1965
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1996
• Tim Raines
Visiting Coach Harrisburg Senators 2007
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2017
• Nellie Fox
Exhibition Game Danny Litwhiler All-Stars 1951
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1997
• Al Lopez
Exhibition Game Cleveland Indians Manager 1952, ’53, ’54, ‘55
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1977
• Larry Doby
Exhibition Game Cleveland Indians 1952, ’53, ’54, ‘55
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1998
• Ralph Kiner
Exhibition Game Cleveland Indians 1955
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1975
• Carl Yastrzemski
Exhibition Game Boston Red Sox 1964
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1989
• Dick Williams
Exhibition Game Boston Red Sox 1964
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2008
• Ernie Banks
Exhibition Game Chicago Cubs 1964
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1977
• Billy Williams
Exhibition Game Chicago Cubs 1964
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1987
• Ron Santo
Exhibition Game Chicago Cubs 1964
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2012
• Lou Brock
Exhibition Game Chicago Cubs 1964
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1985
• Steve Carlton
Exhibition Game Philadelphia Phillies 1972, ’74, ’75, ’76, ’77, ’78, ’80, ’81, ’82, ’83, ‘85
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1994
• Early Wynn
Exhibition Game Cleveland Indians 1952, ’53, ’54, ‘55
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1972
• Bob Lemon
Exhibition Game Cleveland Indians 1952, ’53, ’54, ‘55
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1976
• Bob Feller
Exhibition Game Cleveland Indians 1952, ’53, ’54, ‘55
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1962
• Happy Chandler
Commissioner of Major League Baseball 1945 – 1951
Keynote Speaker at stadium’s formal dedication – July 15, 1951
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1982
• Pat Gillick
Visiting Player Elmira Pioneers 1963
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2011
• Juan Marichal
Visiting Player Springfield Giants 1959
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1983
• Jeff Bagwell
Visiting Player New Britain Red Sox 1990
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2017
• Bill Mazeroski
Visiting Player Williamsport Grays 1954
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 2001
• Leon Day
Visiting Player Scranton Miners 1952
Inducted National Baseball Hall of Fame 1995
The group of people who made this all possible:
Reading Fightin Phils owner Craig Stein came up with the idea to celebrate the 38 Hall of Famers that played here. Reading Fightin Phils Executive Director & Graphic Artist Matt Jackson researched the players, tracked down the baseball cards, did the entire graphic layout and even hung all the portraits on the walls. Carl’s Cards and Collectibles lent the Reading Fightin Phils the baseball cards to use in the portraits. The Fightin Phils recognize Carl Henderson, Lauren Henderson and everyone from Carl’s Cards and Collectibles. The Reading Fightin Phils recognize and thank to the great community partner that made all of this possible, Translogistics, Inc.
Founded in 1994, Translogistics Inc. is a logistics solutions provider and strategic partner who empowers clients to focus less on the details of their logistics, and more on what they do best.
America’s Classic Ballpark, FirstEnergy Stadium, was built in 1950. The Reading Fightin Phils affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies stretches all the way back to 1967, the longest affiliation in all of Minor League Baseball. In addition to the new America’s Classic Ballpark Hall of Famers display, presented by Translogistics Inc., FirstEnergy Stadium also features the Baseballtown Hall of Fame display, presented by Penn State Children’s Hospital, the Phillies Since 1967 display featuring every team photo and highlights of the most famous Phillies farmhands, and tribute murals dedicated to the Reading Indians, Reading Red Sox, 2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, Kings of Baseballtown, Joe Buzas, Max Patkin, and more. Tours of America’s Classic Ballpark are available to groups and individuals by calling the Fightins at 610-370-BALL.