Celebrating Phillies History: Alumni Day and the Enduring Legacy

Phillies Alumni Day is a special occasion for the Philadelphia Phillies and their fans, offering a chance to celebrate the rich history of the franchise and honor the players who have contributed to its legacy. These events bring together generations of Phillies fans to relive memorable moments and connect with their favorite players from the past.

A Memorable Alumni Weekend

Citizens Bank Park hosted one of its most memorable series of the 2024 season during Phillies Alumni Weekend, attracting fans of all ages. The weekend festivities coincided with a series against the Washington Nationals. Legends from different eras attended, creating a star-studded event.

Honoring David Montgomery

The 20th anniversary of Citizens Bank Park’s inaugural season provided the perfect opportunity to honor David Montgomery. Former Phillies President and CEO David Montgomery joined the Phillies Wall of Fame posthumously. Montgomery spent 48 years in various roles within the organization, rising into the executive ranks during the 1990s. He passed away in 2019 after a five-year battle with cancer.

His wife, Lyn Montgomery, and his daughter, Susa McFall, attended the festivities on David’s behalf. The Phillies alumni lauded Montgomery for the family atmosphere he created within the organization. Mike Schmidt spoke about Montgomery after the Wall of Fame ceremony: “I think David was a big link to the city itself. Man of the people might be putting it too mildly, but David Montgomery was a man of the people.”

Phillies fans stepping through the gates at Citizens Bank Park enter David Montgomery’s living legacy. His vision to move the team from Veterans Stadium led to a new era in franchise history. Lyn Montgomery noted, “I walk into this ballpark, and I just think it’s withstanding time beautifully. It still looks as great to me as the first day I entered it. I think he would be happy about that. It’s wonderful.” He’s credited with a unique ballpark dimension that now bears his name. The left-center field wall at Citizens Bank Park has produced some crazy bounces over the years. Former Phillies center fielder and fellow Penn graduate Doug Glanville unveiled the new name.

Carlos Ruiz's Ceremonial First Pitch

The weekend started with Carlos Ruiz receiving a special gift from the Phillies organization: home plate from Wrigley Field from the day in 2015 when he became the second catcher in MLB history to catch four no-hitters. Ruiz reversed roles with 2008 World Series teammate Brad Lidge on the ceremonial first pitch on Friday night. Lidge joked about returning the favor to his former battery mate. The Panamanian backstop played 1069 regular-season games in 11 seasons with the Phillies from 2006-2016, also catching 46 playoff games for some of the best teams in franchise history.

Wall of Fame Night

The Phillies asked three alumni to change the bases after the third inning on Saturday as part of Wall of Fame Night. It felt fitting that Jim Thome took first and Juan Samuel took second. Manny Trillo played along and took third base, where he shifted at some points during his career although he played second for the 1980 World Champions.

The Phillies treated fans with an up-close and personal look at the existing Wall of Fame inductees. The franchise legends processed through the left field gate at Citizens Bank Park just steps shy of Ashburn Alley in front of a screaming audience about two hours before Cristopher Sanchez threw the first pitch on Saturday. Fans who arrived early saw legends of different eras. Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, and Greg Luzinski were among the stars who lit up the eyes of the older generation who watched the World Series in 1980. Jim Thome and Bobby Abreu provided a trip down memory lane to the earliest years of Citizens Bank Park. Charlie Manuel and Pat Gillick brought the entire crowd back to the Golden Era of Phillies baseball from 2007-2011.

On-Field Salute to the 20th Anniversary

The organization wrapped up the weekend festivities with a pregame ceremony. All alumni in attendance marched out of the dugout on a memorable afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. PhanaVision showed some of the career highlights of players who have made an impact on the long history of the Phillies, the longest single-name, single-city franchise in North American professional sports.

Series Victory

The Phillies didn’t forget there was a series to play. They recovered nicely by salvaging the split against the Fish and pounding the inferior Nationals in a commanding weekend series win that made the franchise legends proud. Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sanchez regained the form that helped the Phillies off to a hot start to gain control of the National League East.

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Upcoming Alumni Events

Join fellow alumni for an evening at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025! Enjoy an exclusive BBQ in the ballpark’s rooftop catering area (above Ashburn Alley), then cheer on our Philadelphia Phillies as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. BBQ starts at 5:00 PM; First pitch at 6:05 PM. Tickets are $60/person (includes barbecue & game ticket) for a 90-minute BBQ with ballpark favorites and free-flowing beverages. Seats are in the 302 section with a limit of two tickets per alumnus.

Honoring Jimmy Rollins and Ed Wade

The Philadelphia Phillies honored Jimmy Rollins, the 2007 National League MVP Award Winner, a four-time Gold Glove winner, and a three-time All-Star selection in his 17-year MLB Career. His 2,090 games played is the second most in Franchise History, and Rollins' 2306 Hits in a Phillies uniform is the most in team history. Joining Jimmy Rollins to be inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame was former General Manager Ed Wade. Wade started as an Assistant to the General Manager for Phillies GM Lee Thomas until he was promoted to AGM in 1995 and later was named Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager in 1998. Wade was directly involved in the drafting of future Phillies star players Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Ryan Madsen, and Brett Myers. Wade also acquired Shane Victorino, hired Manager Charlie Manuel, and was credited by the next General Manager, Pat Gillick, for laying the foundation for the 2008 Phillies World Series Championship team. Wade and Rollins were inducted into the Wall of Fame on Friday Night.

Honoring Dick Allen and the 1950 "Whiz Kids"

The Phillies honored newly enshired Baseball Hall of Famer Dick Allen. The organization paid tribute to the 1950 Phillies team that unexpectedly reached the World Series with future hall of famers Richie Ashburn and Robin Roberts on the team nicknamed "The Wiz Kids".

Notable Alumni in Attendance

A total of 52 former players, coaches, and members of the organization were "Officially" invited to be a part of Phillies alumni weekend at Citizens Bank Park, including:Bobby Abreu: Wall of Famer, Phillies Outfielder 1998-2006, 2-time All-Star selectionRuben Amaro Jr: 2008 World Series champion (assistant GM), 2009 NL champion General Manager, and 1993 NL championship Phillies OutfielderLarry Andersen: Pitcher with the 1983 and 1993 Phillies teams that won the National League Championship. Long-time Phillies radio broadcasterMarlon Anderson: Phillies second baseman 1998-2002Mick Billmeyer: Phillies Coach for 2008 World Series champion team and 2009 NL champion teamBob Boone: Wall of Famer, 1980 World Series champion, Phillies Catcher 1972-1981Larry Bowa: Wall of Famer, 1980 World Series championship Shortstop, Phillies Coach with 1993 NL champion teamJohn Briggs: Phillies Outfielder from 1964-71Steve Carlton: Baseball Hall of Famer, Phillies Wall of Famer, 1980 World Series champion and 1983 NL champion Phillies PitcherLarry Christenson: 1980 World Series champion and 1983 NL champion Phillies PitcherDoug Clemens: Phillies Outfielder from 1966-68Roly de Armas: Phillies Coach with 2008 World Series championship teamRich Dubee: Phillies Pitching Coach for 2008 World Series champions and 2009 NL championsMariano Duncan: Phillies Infielder with the 1993 NL championship teamBen Francisco: Acquired in the Cliff Lee trade, Outfielder for 2009 NL championship teamGene Garber: Phillies Pitcher from 1974-78Pat Gillick: Baseball Hall of Famer, Phillies Wall of Famer, 2008 World Series champion General managerWayne Gomes: Phillies Pitcher from 1997-2001Tommy Greene: Phillies Pitcher for 1993 NL championship TeamGreg Gross: Phillies Outfielder/First Baseman for 1980 World Series champion and 1983 NL champion teamsCole Hamels: Phillies Pitcher for 2008 World Series champion and 2009 NL champion teams, 2008 World Series MVPTerry Harmon: Phillies Infielder from 1967-77Ramon Henderson: Phillies Bullpen Coach from 1998-2008Ryan Howard: 2006 NL MVP, Phillies First Baseman for 2008 World Series championship team, and 2009 NL championship teamKeith Hughes: Phillies Outfielder in 1987Raúl Ibañez: Phillies Outfielder for 2009 NL championship teamSteve Jeltz: Phillies Infielder for 1983 NL championship teamJoe Kerrigan: Phillies Pitching Coach 2003-04John Kruk: Phillies Wall of Famer, First Baseman for 1993 NL championship teamGreg Legg: Phillies Infielder 1986-87Mark Leiter Sr: Phillies Pitcher 1997-98Mike Lieberthal: Phillies Wall of Famer, Phillies Catcher 1994-2006Greg Luzinski: Phillies Wall of Famer, Outfielder for 1980 World Series championship teamArt Mahaffey: Phillies Pitcher 1960-65Garry Maddox: Phillies Outfielder for 1980 World Series championship teamCharlie Manuel: Phillies Wall of Famer, Manager for 2008 World Series championship and 2009 NL championship teamsPedro Martinez: Baseball Hall of Famer, Phillies Pitcher for 2009 NL championship teamGary “Sarge” Matthews: Phillies Outfielder for 1983 NL championship teamJamie Moyer: Phillies Pitcher for 2008 World Series championship and 2009 NL championship teams.Dickie Noles: Phillies Pitcher for 1980 World Series championship teamBen Revere: Phillies Outfielder 2013-15Scott Rolen: Baseball Hall of Famer, Phillies Wall of Famer, Third Baseman from 1996-2002Juan Samuel: Phillies Wall of Famer, Second Baseman for 1983 NL championship teamJimmie Schaffer: Phillies Catcher 1966-67Mike Schmidt: Baseball Hall of Famer, Phillies Wall of Famer, Third Baeman for 1980 World Series championship and 1983 NL championship teamsKevin Stocker: Shortstop for 1993 NL championship teamJim Thome: Baseball Hall of Famer, Phillies Wall of Famer, First Baseman 2003-05Milt Thompson - 2008 World Series champion (coach), 2009 NL champion (coach) and 1993 NL championManny Trillo: Phillies Wall of Famer, Phillies Second Baseman for 1980 World Series championship teamChase Utley: Phillies Second Baseman for 2008 World Series championship and 2009 NL championship teamsShane Victorino: Center Fielder for 2008 World Series championship and 2009 NL championship teamsBobby Wine: Phillies Coach for 1980 World Series championship and 1983 NL championship teams

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