Phillies celebrate 75 years of Spring Training in Clearwater

Phillies celebrate 75 years of Spring Training in Clearwater

March 18th, 2022
Vintage image taken in Clearwater, Fla., March 26, 1949: Clearwater, Fla., Umpire Art Gore, who had to borrow baseball pants after his blue trousers ripped in the seat, oversees the action as Richie Ashburn of the Philadelphia Phillies lays down a bunt during an exhibition game. Catching is Phil Masi of the Boston Braves. The Phillies won 5-4. (Photo credit: Image courtesy of Bob Warrington)

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Phillies Spring Training being held in Clearwater, Fla. To recognize this historical milestone, the team and the City of Clearwater will host a special on-field ceremony on Saturday, March 19, before that day’s 1:05 p.m. Grapefruit League Home Opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at BayCare Ballpark.

The event will also celebrate one of the longest-standing relationships between a Major League team and a Spring Training host city. Among the participants will be several Phillies greats who trained in Clearwater over the years, including Ruben Amaro, Jr., Larry Bowa, Lee Elia, Greg Luzinski, Charlie Manuel, Mickey Morandini, Dickie Noles and Mike Schmidt.

“In life it is hard to find any relationship that lasts 75 years,” said Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard. “We are proud to be a part of such a relationship with the Phillies, a relationship that has brought countless memories for families enjoying the thrill of Spring Training baseball.”

“The City of Clearwater has been an outstanding partner over the past 75 years. I cannot imagine calling any other location home to our Spring Training complex,” said Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton. “Its beautiful beaches and hospitable businesses make Clearwater the perfect destination for Phillies fans. We look forward to continuing our Spring Training partnership with the city for many more years to come.”

The 75th anniversary of Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater will also be recognized on the ballpark’s video board, which will highlight timeless images captured at Spring Trainings in Clearwater over the years. Highlights include photographs taken from the team’s first workout at Athletic Field on February 24, 1947, as well as Jack Russell Stadium (1955 through 2003), BayCare Ballpark, the Carpenter Complex and the David P. Montgomery Baseball Performance Center.

This longtime partnership has also generated additional dollars for Pinellas County and its area businesses. In 2019 alone, Phillies Spring Training had an economic impact of more than $43.8 million, a result of direct spending by visitors and teams in the county. *

For more details on the 75th anniversary of Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater, please visit phillies.com.