Phils announcers brewing up something special
This story was excerpted from Todd Zolecki’s Phillies Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
There are few things better in the cool of the evening than sitting on the porch, patio or deck sipping a beverage and listening to Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen on Phillies radio.
That’s summer livin’, isn’t it?
But what about drinking “Franzke & LA” while listening to Franzke and LA? Or possibly even drinking “Franzke & LA” while watching the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park? In recent years, Conshohocken Brewing Co. has brewed charity beers with 76ers broadcaster Marc Zumoff (Zooisms IPA) and Eagles broadcasters Merrill Reese and Mike Quick (Merrill & Mike Philly Special Double Hazy IPA).
Now, Conshohocken Brewing is teaming up with the Phillies, Franzke and Andersen for another run at another charity beer.
“Franzke & LA” will benefit the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative.
“We know they’ve done stuff in the past with youth-based sports organizations,” Franzke said about the brewery. “So we looked along those lines. I know there are some connections with the Phillies and [PYSC]. I know the Phillies gave them a grant last year. [Former club president] David Montgomery was involved in PYSC. That’s how I first learned about it -- David’s involvement years ago.
“They’re a larger organization that [works with] youth-serving organizations. So they help smaller organizations that maybe don’t have huge funding or resources and provide better access to sports, more equitable access to sports, whether it’s better coaching, whether it’s better mentorship, whether it’s facilities, all those things. And citywide. They oftentimes help these grassroots organizations build themselves up into something bigger.
“It’s giving kids an outlet and a place to be after school. And a safe place to be after school. That’s something that I think should be important to all of us these days.”
Conshohocken Brewing Co. has sold beers in the ballpark recently, with its “Ring The Bell” pilsner a best-seller. “Franzke & LA” could join it, although details are not yet finalized.
And what type of beer is it?
“We are narrowing down exactly what we want it to be,” said Glen Macnow, the longtime 94 WIP host who has been with the brewery since its inception.
More good news: Franzke and Phillies TV broadcaster Tom McCarthy recently signed contract extensions to remain in their respective booths for at least the next six years. Andersen is not only back, but he will be broadcasting around 60 home games this season, which is more than last year. Kevin Stocker will be Franzke’s analyst for the remaining home games, plus 81 road games. Stocker had been in a four-man rotation last season with Michael Bourn, Chad Durbin and Erik Kratz.