Flashback: Phillies Mascot(s) before the infamous Phanatic came along

It really doesn't matter how bad our home team can be playing when the familiar character speeds across the outfield and baseline seats in his famous three-wheeler! Philadelphia Phillies fans have been cheering on the antics of one of the most storied mascots in sports, The Phillies Phanatic. The furry green was first inhabited by a Phillies stadium worker turned character actor, Dave Raymond beginning with the 1978 season. Today, The Phanatic brand is at its Apex with a full line of merchandise. From caps and fun furry sock hats and tee-shirts to Bryce Harper's infamous Phanatic cleats, do-rag' sweat cloths and green belts during select games, the fandom has never been greater! We almost forget the once-upon-a-time mascots who pranced about prior to 1978. When the Phillies moved into it's space-aged, state-of-the-art new ballpark for its day, Veterans Stadium in 1971, future team executive and part-owner Bill Giles came up with a "him and her" Phil and Phyllis, Historic Colonial figures to jump around during home runs by the home team at the Vet. After a "long tater" by a Phillie slugger, Phil would appear between outfield boards and hit a baseball toward the ultra modern $3m scoreboard-message board striking the Liberty Bell. Today, The Liberty Bell lights up, sways and explodes with fireworks in memory of the old way! Phil and Phyllis were also timely to show off the city's historic role in independence during the Bicentennial season of 1976. By the late 70's, Phil and Phyllis were getting on in years and looking for a Jersey Shore retirement home. Who would have thought they would finally settle in Egg Harbor Township? The owners of Storybook Land, the Fricano family of E.H.T. eventually stepped up to the plate and purchase his and her 15-foot statues that now stand proudly at the local amusement park. Ah, memories of my heroes, Carleton, Dick Allen, Jay Johnstone and others and I reminisce about "those days", all while the kids are caught up in the tea cup ferris wheel and rides. Hurry up summer!