Photo Highlights from Toyota Phillies Alumni Weekend
It was a trip down memory lane as baseball legends returned for three days of fan festivities surrounding Toyota Phillies Alumni Weekend, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Citizens Bank Park. More than 40 former players took part in various on-field ceremonies and fan events during the series against the Nationals.
Events kicked off on Friday, August 16, with a special on-field presentation to 2008 World Series champion Carlos Ruiz, who was recognized by managing partner and CEO John Middleton for being one of two catchers in MLB history to catch four no-hitters. Ruiz then took part in an epic ceremonial first pitch, featuring a surprise reunion with fellow World Champion Brad Lidge.
More unforgettable moments were had during the Toyota Phillies Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, August 17, honoring former team president and CEO David Montgomery. Festivities began with a Toyota Phillies Legends Walk, as the team’s Wall of Famers gathered for a surprise photo moment for fans in front of the Toyota Phillies Wall of Fame.
From there, Phillies Wall of Famers took the field to celebrate the legacy of Montgomery, who was bestowed with the club’s highest honor for executives and posthumously inducted into the Toyota Phillies Wall of Fame. Among the legends taking part were Hall of Famer Jim Thome and Phillies Wall of Famer Larry Bowa, as well as 2008 World Series champion Jimmy Rollins, who had the honor of unveiling Montgomery’s plaque.
Lyn Montgomery, who gave an emotional speech on behalf of her late husband, was also recognized by Middleton, who presented her with a Phillies Wall of Fame induction ring in Montgomery’s honor. Franchise legends were also surprised with their own Wall of Fame induction ring, starting a new tradition on Wall of Fame Night.
The weekend then culminated on Sunday, August 18, with Toyota Phillies Alumni Day, which celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Citizens Bank Park. This on-field salute featured legends from some of the most memorable moments and various eras at Citizens Bank Park, who took the field to be recognized.
Participants included Bobby Abreu, Ruben Amaro Jr., Joe Blanton, Bryce Harper, Ryan Howard, Brad Lidge, Mike Lieberthal, Ryan Madson, Charlie Manuel, Jamie Moyer, Jimmy Rollins, Aaron Rowand, Carlos Ruiz, Ranger Suárez, Jim Thome and Ed Wade. Toyota Phillies Wall of Famers and local alumni also joined the festivities.
It was indeed a special weekend for all.
