By: Tim Kelly, Managing Editor
When the Philadelphia Phillies make the No. 1 pick in the first round of the June 9 MLB Draft, two people with deep connections to the organization will be on hand as representatives for the club.
According to an announcement from the MLB's public relations department, the Phillies will be represented by former catcher Mike Lieberthal and former general manager Ed Wade at next month's draft.
Lieberthal played for the Phillies from 1994 through 2006, winning one Gold Glove Award and making two All-Star teams. The former first-round pick had a career year in 1999 when he batted .300 while hitting 31 home runs and 96 RBIs. In 2012, he was elected to the team's Wall of Fame.
Wade has spent a large portion of his life in the Phillies organization, and served as the team's general manager from 1998 to 2005. Though Wade didn't last long enough to see the Phillies win the World Series in 2008, franchise icons such as Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels were drafted during his tenure. After an unsuccessful stint as the Houston Astros general manager, Wade rejoined the Phillies as a special consultant after the 2011 season, a position that he currently holds.
Former Phillies Jamie Moyer, Jeff Conine, Chad Ogea and Bob Boone will also be on hand to represent various other organizations.