As the Philadelphia Phillies prepare for spring training in sunny Florida, a team of Phillies staff members, including the beloved Phillie Phanatic, braved the cold in Philadelphia to load a semi-truck with everything needed for the upcoming 2025 season.
On the early morning of Monday, February 3, they convened before dawn to fill a Citizens Bank-sponsored trailer at Citizens Bank Park.
“Truck Day is an exhilarating occasion as it brings us closer to the return of Phillies baseball,” said Dan O’Rourke, the Phillies Manager of Equipment & Umpire Services. “Thanks to Citizens, our equipment truck will be festively adorned, creating enjoyable moments for fans during its lengthy 1,058-mile trip from Philadelphia to our spring training destination.”
The double trailer semi-truck arrived at CBP shortly after 6 a.m., where Phillies, Citizens Bank staff, and the Phillies Ballgirls celebrated by waving rally towels next to the truck marked “PHI Clearwater.”
⚾ What Gear Is Being Loaded Onto the Truck?
Curious about what the Phillies packed on the truck (which spans three 28-foot trailers)? Here’s a snapshot of the gear heading to Clearwater:
- 10,000 paper cups
- 2,400 baseballs
- 2,000 short and long-sleeved shirts
- 1,200 bats
- 900 pairs of socks
- 600 pairs of pants
- 600 batting practice hats
- 350 pairs of shorts
- 300 batting gloves
- 250 batting practice tops
- 200 fleeces
- 200 light jackets
- 140 batting helmets
- 125 leather and elastic belts
- 75 pairs of assorted shoes (spike, plastic, turf)
- 40 heavy jackets
- 20 coolers
- Several bicycles
Let’s hope those heavy jackets aren’t necessary, except for pitchers warming up their arms!
A Fun Send-off for the Phillies’ Spring Training Truck
Packing the rig took several hours. Once everything was loaded, the tractor-trailer received a festive send-off on Monday at lunchtime, with the assistance of the Phanatic.
The Phillies encouraged fans to look out for rally-towel-waving staff as the truck set off from First Base Plaza and traveled up Broad Street through Center City, accompanied by a police escort.
Before departing for Florida, the truck made one final stop outside a Citizens Bank branch at 18th and Market Streets. There, fans could snap midday photos alongside special guests like the Phanatic, the Phillies Ballgirls, and Phillies Ambassadors Mickey Morandini and Dickie Noles.
After providing fans with plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, the truck commenced its journey through eight states, with plans to arrive and unload at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater on Friday, February 7, as stated by the team.
When Do Phillies Pitchers and Catchers Report for Spring Training?
For baseball fanatics, mark your calendars! Phillies pitchers and catchers are due to report for spring training on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
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