The Reading Fightin' Phils are celebrating 50 years of affiliation with the Phillies and will kick-off the festivities with the debut of the Future Series on March 31st, 2016 at 6:05pm in Reading. Their affiliation is currently the longest in the minor leagues.
The futures game will pit the 2016 Phillies against the organization's top prospects from the minor leagues and will be the first intra-squad game of its kind in Phillies history.
"2016 is going to be a very special year in Baseballtown," said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. "The Phillies Future Game is the first of its kind as we celebrate 50 seasons with the Phillies by showcasing the organization's future. This game will be a must-see event for fans of the Phillies and the Reading Fightins. To have the longest affiliation in all of Minor League Baseball and be affiliated with such a classy organization like the Phillies is such an honor. The Phillies Future Game is the perfect way to kick off the next chapter of our tremendous and storied affiliation. We can't thank the Phillies enough for bringing this event to Reading." [ReadingFightins.com]
The last time Reading hosted an exibition was back on May 8th, 2000, when the R-Phils defeated the big league club 5-2 in front of over 9,300 fans.
According to the Reading Eagle, this will be the Phillies' 23rd trip to Reading since the city became the home to the organization's Double-A affiliate in 1967. From 1967-85, an appearance by the Phillies in Reading was a near-annual event. Philadelphia failed to come just three times (1973, 1979, 1984), but has made just six visits since.
The Phillies Future Series will make a stop at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, April 2nd at 1:05pm as well after the Phils host the Orioles for an On Deck Series game on the 1st at 6:05pm.
