Meet YouTube Star Zack Hample in Baseballtown on May 30
Visit https://youtu.be/itCzFQFVXQk for the Fightins YouTube release.(Reading, PA) - YouTube sensation and baseball superfan Zack Hample is coming to FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday, May 30, when the Reading Fightin Phils host the Erie SeaWolves with a 6:45 p.m. first pitch. Fans can shag balls with Hample at the Seidel Auto
Visit https://youtu.be/itCzFQFVXQk for the Fightins YouTube release.u9:p
(Reading, PA) - YouTube sensation and baseball superfan Zack Hample is coming to FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday, May 30, when the Reading Fightin Phils host the Erie SeaWolves with a 6:45 p.m. first pitch. Fans can shag balls with Hample at the Seidel Auto Group Deck or the pool area during batting practice, get autographs, and even have the opportunity to appear in Hample's next YouTube video. The night will also include Post-Game Fireworks, thanks to BB&T.
Hample has caught over 10,000 baseballs and has attended games at 54 different Major League stadiums, including 24 that are now defunct or not typically used for Major League Baseball, such as the Tokyo Dome and the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Some of his most famous catches include Mike Trout's first career home run and Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th hit. Hample has 15 videos with more than one million views on YouTube, including one ("Catching my 9,000th baseball at Chase Field") which has over 2.9 million.
Hample's journey to Reading will mark the first time that a professional baseball team has ever pre-announced his visit to a stadium.
"Kids watch a lot of YouTube, and kids that like baseball have flocked to Zack Hample's videos on YouTube," said R-Phils General Manager Scott Hunsicker. "While some of us older folks may have never heard of Zack, many of us with kids know that our sons and daughters are riveted to Zack's YouTube videos, where his infectious love of baseball marries with his quest to catch souvenir baseballs during batting practice, and during the game.
"We are excited that our fans here in Baseballtown will have the chance to interact with Zack Hample, and maybe even be part of his subsequent YouTube video chronicling the quest for souvenir baseballs at America's Classic Ballpark, FirstEnergy Stadium."
"I can't wait to get to the stadium and see everyone," Hample said. "I don't get to attend many minor league games, so I'm pumped to make this an extra-special day. Thanks so much to the R-Phils for making this happen."
Hample, a native New Yorker, is an author and public speaker in addition to his YouTube fame. He has written three books - How to Snag Major League Baseballs, Watching Baseball Smarter, and The Baseball. Hample also runs a business called "Watch With Zack," where fans can attend a game with him and he guarantees catching at least one ball.
Fans are welcome to enter the stadium at 4:30 p.m. to shag balls with Hample at the Seidel Auto Group Deck and the pool area during batting practice. No special ticket is required; all fans with a ticket to the night's game will have access to this exclusive opportunity. Batting practice that night for the visiting Erie SeaWolves and the Fightin Phils is scheduled to run from 4:30 p.m. until just before 6:00 p.m.
Hample will throw out the first pitch and briefly address the crowd at 6:30 p.m., and will be available for a meet and greet and autographs beginning at 6:45 p.m. Hample will also move about the stadium during the game, giving fans additional opportunities to interact with him.
Hample's latest book, The Baseball, will also be available for sale, and fans with a ticket to the May 30th game can pre-order a limited edition t-shirt commemorating the experience. These t-shirts read "R-Phils: Zack Hample School of Baseball Snagging at America's Classic Ballpark."
All t-shirts must be ordered in advance here: (http://fightinphils.milbstore.com/store_contents.cfm?store_id=96&dept_id=-1&product_id=122309). There are also special combo packages available that include a game ticket and Limited Edition Zack Hample t-shirt.
Tickets for this one-of-a-kind night are available now at the Weidenhammer ticket office at FirstEnergy Stadium, online at Fightins.com/tickets, and by calling 610-370-BALL.
Visit https://youtu.be/itCzFQFVXQk for the Fightins YouTube release.
Get tickets here: https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/ChangeEvent.asp?Plus=-1&SponsorID=12214&EID=272999#.XNmWXHLrsdU
The Fightin Phils Fall to Sea Dogs in Second Game
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (0-2) fell to the Portland Sea Dogs (2-0) 7-4 in the second game of their series. The Sea Dogs struck first in the top of the second inning with a two-run single from Corey Rosier scoring Luis Rovelo and Caden Rose.
Fightin Phils Drop Season Opener to Sea Dogs
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (0-1) fell to the Portland Sea Dogs (1-0) 14-6 during the first game of their season opening series. The Fightin Phils were off to a hot start in the bottom of the first inning when Trent Farquhar scored after a fielding
Figthin Phils to Begin Season Against the Portland Sea Dogs
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, take on the Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, in their home and season opening series of the 2025 season. This will be the first time the Fightin Phils open their season at
Reading Fightin Phils Unveil Expanded Alarm Tech R-Phils Team Store
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to grow our partnership with Alarm Tech, located in Reading, as the new sponsor of the newly expanded R-Phils team store. The Alarm Tech R-Phils Team Store will officially open on Opening Night, Friday, as
Reading Fightin Phils Unveil Brand New Redner’s Beer & Wine Café Big Straw Slushies
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to introduce a brand new and improved Redner's Markets Beer and Wine Cafe Big Straw Slushy Stand. The R-Phils are excited to partner with Redner's, the Preferred Grocery Store of the R-Phils, for the new
Fightin Phils Defeat Jersey Shore in Exhibition Game
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils defeated High-A Jersey Shore, 6-3, on Tuesday night at FirstEnergy Stadium. Potential future Fightin Phils got to see the stadium and see where they could be playing in the near future. For the Fightin Phils, this game was the first time new roster
Philadelphia Phillies Announce 2025 Reading Fightin Phils Break Camp Roster
(Reading, PA) - The Philadelphia Phillies have announced the 2025 Break Camp roster for the Reading Fightin Phils. The roster includes 29 total players, with 15 pitchers and 14 position players. Headlined on the roster is Phillies No. 2 prospect Aidan Miller, who joined the Fightin Phils for the final
FirstEnergy Stadium Transitioning to Cashless in 2025
(Reading, PA) - In an effort to increase efficiency for in-stadium purchases and transactions, the Reading Fightin Phils will be converting FirstEnergy stadium to cashless, beginning with the 2025 season. Fans may use credit cards, debit cards or Apple Pay for all purchases at concession stands, bars, the team store
Fightin Phils to Sport Multiple Specialty Jerseys on Saturday Night's this Summer
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to partner with Philly Pretzel Factory - Muhlenberg, Grand Property Company, Spring House Window & Door - Malvern, The Learning Experience Wyomissing and 830 AM WEEU, this season as the team will wear a variety
Fightin Phils to Play as "Reading Hot Dogs" on Berks Packing Sunday Family Funday
(Reading, PA) – The 2025 Reading Fightin Phils home schedule will feature 12 Sunday Family Fun Day games throughout the season. Berks Packing Sunday Family Fun Days include four tickets, with four hot dogs and four sodas when purchased in advanced of game day for only $65. These 12 games
Win a 2025 Harley-Davidson!
Get ready to rev up your support for Baseballtown Charities with the return of Classic Harley-Davidson's "Bike for Baseballtown Charities" giveaway! On Saturday, August 16th, Classic Harley-Davidson Night at the R-Phils offers a chance to win a brand new 2025 Harley-Davidson Street Bob, valued at over $18,000, simply by purchasing
R-Phils to Play as Los Luchadores on Fiesta Friday’s
(Reading, PA) – In connection with Minor League Baseball’s “Copa de la Diversion” initiative, the Reading Fightin Phils are once again excited to play as “Los Luchadores de Reading,” during Friday home games throughout the 2025 season, also known as “Fiesta Friday” at FirstEnergy Stadium. Reading first introduced Los Luchadores
Fightin Phils to Wear New Throwback Thursday Jerseys in 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will debut new jerseys on Throwback Thursday's in 2025. The uniforms will recognize the 1980s era of Phillies baseball with the throwback "R" and other elements from the Mike Schmidt-era. The Throwback Jerseys will be worn by
Fightin Phils and WEEU to Partner for Home Broadcasts in 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils and 830 AM WEEU "The Voice of Berks and Beyond" are excited to announce a brand-new and expanded partnership that will have all 69 R-Phils home games in 2025 broadcasted live on WEEU's website. Each game throughout the upcoming season will be heard
Phillies Future on Full Display in Spring Breakout Game
(Clearwater, FL) - For the 6,347 fans that filled Baycare Ballpark on Friday afternoon, a brief look into the future of the Philadelphia Phillies was on full display. The Phillies prospects took down the Pirates 5-3 on a beautiful afternoon, but what happened between the first pitch and final out
Fightin Phils to Provide Radio Coverage of Phillies Spring Breakout Game
(Clearwater, FL) - The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to announce that they'll be providing the radio coverage of Friday's Spring Breakout Game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates, live from Baycare Ballpark in Clearwater. Audio coverage will be available on the Fightin Phils Website, The Phillies Website, along
Wathan, Ruf and May Featured in 2025 Fightin Phils Hall of Fame Class
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce that former Manager Dusty Wathan, along with Darin Ruf and Trevor May, will be inducted into the Penn State Health Children's Hospital Reading Baseball Hall of Fame. The trio will be inducted prior
11 Former Fightin Phils Represented on Phillies Spring Breakout Roster
(Reading, PA) - Major League Baseball announced the Philadelphia Phillies roster for the 2025 Spring Breakout Game on Thursday. The Phillies top prospects will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates prospects on Friday, March 14 in Clearwater, Florida. Of the 27 prospects on the Phillies breakout roster, 11 have previously played
Baseballtown Charities Dream League Entering Eighth Season with Largest Enrollment Ever
(Reading, PA) - The Baseballtown Charities Dream League is entering its eighth season in 2025 and is excited to share that this year will feature the largest enrollment in the history of the Dream League. With the large number of participants, the need for volunteers has never been greater and
Bring Your Dog to the Park This Summer
(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to have our furriest fans out at FirstEnergy Stadium this summer during our Bark in the Park nights thanks to Humane Pennsylvania. There will be five Sunday nights at America’s Classic ballpark where fans can bring their dogs along with them
Join the Fightin Phils for Celebrate your Faith Nights in 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to again host three Celebrate Your Faith Nights throughout the 2025 season. These discussions will be led by members of the Fightin Phils roster. This season's Celebrate Your Faith Nights are scheduled for Thursday June
Job Fair, Anthem Tryouts, Ticket Pickups and Sales set for March 1st
(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to welcome fans to FirstEnergy Stadium on Saturday, March 1st for National Anthem tryouts, single-game ticket sales, season tickets pickup, and our biggest job fair yet! The Fightin Phils Job Fair will take place from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. The
Fightin Phils to Play as Reading Flapjacks for 22nd Annual Morning Game September 9
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce that they'll be playing as the Reading Flapjacks for the 22nd Annual Morning Game on Tuesday, September 9. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. against the Somerset Patriots. The R-Phils will continue
Fightin Phils to Play Jersey Shore BlueClaws in April 1 Exhibition Game
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will host the High-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws in a preseason exhibition game on Tuesday, April 1, at 5 p.m. Tickets for the game are on sale NOW and can be bought HERE; and all tickets will be
Al Pedrique to Return as Fightin Phils Manager for 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Friday that Al Pedrique will return as the manager of the Reading Fightin Phils for the 2025 season. Pedrique returns to Reading after leading the R-Phils the last two seasons. Pedrique, 64, finished 59-78 with Reading in 2024, but his team boasted