Reading Fightin Phils
Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1967.
The Reading Fightin Phils, also called the Reading Fightins, are a Minor League Baseball team based in Reading, Pennsylvania, playing in the Northeast Division of the Eastern League. They have been the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1967, a partnership currently tied for the longest affiliation in Minor League Baseball. The franchise was founded in 1967 as the Reading Phillies and was purchased outright by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1967
- City
- Reading, Pennsylvania
- Class Level
- Double-A (1967–present)
- Current League
- Eastern League (1967–present)
- Division
- Northeast Division
- Majorleague
- Philadelphia Phillies (1967–present)
- Nickname
- Reading Fightin Phils (2013–present)
- Pastnames
- Reading Phillies (1967–2012)
- Ballpark
- FirstEnergy Stadium
- Mascot
- Screwball (1988–present) / Change-Up the Turtle (2000–present) / Blooper the Hound Dog (2000–present) / Quack the Duck (2000–present) / Bucky the Beaver (2000–present) / The Sillie Phillie (1981–1987)
- Leaguenum
- 4
- Leaguechamps
- 1968 · 1973 · 1995 · 2001The Reading Phillies were declared co-champions with the New Britain Rock Cats when the championship series was cancelled due to the September 11 attacks.
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Reading Fightin Phils originated as the Reading Phillies in 1967, an expansion franchise in the Eastern League. The team played its first game on April 22, 1967, at Municipal Stadium (later FirstEnergy Stadium) against the York White Roses. The franchise has always been based in Reading and maintained the name Reading Phillies through 2012. On November 17, 2012, the team announced its new name: the Reading Fightin Phils. The team colors are Phillies red, nighttime navy, cream, and white. Their primary logo features a fighting fish, while the road uniforms feature the team name and a fish logo.
Reader's Guide
The Reading Fightin Phils represent one of the longest continuous affiliations in Minor League Baseball, tied with the Lakeland/Detroit partnership. Their history is rooted in Reading's long baseball tradition, which includes earlier teams such as the Reading Athletic Club (1858), Reading Actives, Reading Coal Heavers, Reading Pretzels, Reading Red Sox, Reading Chicks, Reading Brooks, and Reading Indians. The franchise won Eastern League championships in 1968, 1973, and 1995, and were co-champions in 2001. The 1983 Phillies were recognized as one of the 100 greatest minor league teams of all time. FirstEnergy Stadium, their home since 1967, celebrated its ten-millionth fan on July 3, 2007. The team's identity blends local tradition with the parent club's brand, as seen in their home uniforms resembling those of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Did You Know?
- The Reading Fightin Phils are the oldest team in the Eastern League to play in their original and current city with the most seasons under their original name (Reading Phillies).
- FirstEnergy Stadium was built in 1951 and was previously known as Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Reading Fightin Phils?
The Reading Fightin Phils, often shortened to the Fightins, are a Double-A Minor League Baseball team based in Reading, Pennsylvania. They act as the Philadelphia Phillies' affiliate and compete in the Northeast Division of the Eastern League.
Where do the Reading Fightin Phils play their home games?
The team hosts its home schedule at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, Pennsylvania. The ballpark opened in 1951 and holds roughly 10,000 spectators.
How long has the Reading Fightin Phils been affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies?
Reading has served as the Phillies' Double-A partner since 1967, a run that ties for the longest active affiliation in Minor League Baseball. The relationship deepened in 2008 when the Phillies bought the franchise outright.
Has the Reading Fightin Phils ever won an Eastern League championship?
Yes — the franchise claimed league titles in 1968, 1973, and 1995, and shared a co-championship in 2001. Those four postseason successes stretch across the team's history since it was founded in 1967.
What level and division does the Reading Fightin Phils compete in?
The Fightins play at the Double-A tier of the Minor League Baseball system within the Eastern League's Northeast Division. They sit one level below Triple-A and two levels below Major League Baseball.
More in Eastern League teams 1-21
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