Phillie Phanatic saves the 4th in new short film

The best mascot in sports is starring in a new short film, The Phanatic Saves the 4th, which is now live on the Phillies YouTube channel in honor of the July 4th holiday. There's a lot of star power in this very fun, action-packed short film, which initially previewed for fans at this past weekend’s postgame Xfinity Fireworks Shows at Citizens Bank Park.

Inspired by the movieNational Treasure, the premise of the film is that the first bat in America has been stolen and drained of all its power and only one person can save the day – and that is, of course, the Phillie Phanatic.

The adventure takes the Phanatic on a race against time to get the magical bat back to its fans at Citizens Bank Park, with the Phillies’ mascot stopping at iconic locations in Philadelphia to find the villains that did this horrible deed.

To keep the making of the movie under wraps, the Phillies video production team and the Phanatic filmed many scenes overnight at locations such as City Hall, The Franklin Institute, The Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Art Museum, Broad Street and more.

The film also features cameos by a 'Council of MVPs' including 2008 World Champions Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard, Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, and 2021 National League MVP Bryce Harper – all urging the Phanatic to save the day. World Champion Chase Utley’s voice can also be heard in the film and 1993 NL Champ Mickey Morandini plays in a supporting actor role.