Phils' spring home opened 20 years ago

February 21st, 2024

After 48 seasons at Jack Russell Stadium, the Phillies moved into a new Clearwater Spring Training home 20 years ago. The Phillies also opened a new home in Philadelphia, Citizens Bank Park, becoming the first team with doubleheader openers in the same year.

On Jan. 20, 2004, the Phillies and Bright House Networks announced the naming rights, Bright House Networks Field. Six years later, the name was shortened to Bright House Field.

In 2017, the ballpark was renamed Spectrum Field after Bright House was purchased by Charter Communications. The name was changed to BayCare Ballpark in February 2021, when BayCare Health System reached a six-year naming-rights agreement with a five-year renewal option. BayCare Health System also became the exclusive healthcare system partner for the Phillies in the Florida market.

The Phillies defeated the New York Yankees in the first game, 5-1, on March 4, 2004, before 8,205 fans, the largest Clearwater crowd ever. Vicente Padilla threw the first pitch as the Phillies starting pitcher. Center fielder Marlon Byrd got the first hit and shortstop Jimmy Rollins, the first home run.

The public address announcer that day was Chris Wheeler. He’s on the mic again this spring.

Months prior to the opening of the new park, Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt was named manager of the Class A Clearwater team that changed its name from Phillies to Threshers.

Ground was broken for the 7,300-seat ballpark on Oct. 16, 2002. The outfield dimensions (LF 329’, CF 408’, RF 330’) and configuration are modeled after Citizens Bank Park, as is the 360-degree main concourse, open to the playing field. The grass berm beyond the outfield wall can accommodate as many as 1,500 fans.

Amenities include a tiki-hut pavilion in left field, group picnic areas, party suites and club seats, a kids play area, an expansive team store (Diamond Outfitters) and a state-of-the-art video scoreboard.

The facility covers a total of 17.5 acres, previously the site of a Home Depot store. The $31.5 million project was funded through a unique public-private partnership that included the State of Florida, Pinellas County, the City of Clearwater under Mayor Brian J. Aungst and the Phillies.

Attendance Nuggets

Largest spring training crowd, 11,340 vs. Yankees, March 17, 2019 . . . Largest for spring season, 153,438 in 2012.

Threshers largest crowd, 10,055, July 3, 2019 . . . Season, 200,201 in 2017.

Other ballparks

Clearwater Athletic Field, 1947-54 . . . Jack Russell Memorial Stadium, 1955-2003.

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