On last week’s episode of 30 Rock, Liz Lemon shared a theory about the Phillie Phanatic, mentioning America’s most beloved mascot in the dialogue of the episode. On this week’s episode, Tina Fey and 30 Rock both upped their Philly cred to an entirely new level when the Phillie Phanatic made an actual guest appearance in the episode, clip above.

A little context: Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) got his boss, Hank Hooper of Kabletown (the company on 30 Rock that is a stand-in for Comcast) a “Business-versary” gift, to mark the one-year anniversary of them working together. Long story short, a day with the Phanatic was part of the gift. Unfortunately, it was delivered to the wrong floor and hilarity ensues.

The Phanatic even speaks(!!); 30 Rock translates the Phanatic’s squeaks into subtitles, and well, you’re going to have to watch for yourself.

Liz Lemon got a big kick out of it. And so did we.

30 Rock [Hulu]

This Saturday, January 14 marks the 32nd annual Old Timers Hall of Fame dinner in Kennett Square honoring exceptional local athletes dedicated to the sport of baseball.

Speaking at the event will be former Phillies pitcher Tommy Greene, who in 1991 became the first visiting pitcher to throw a no-hitter at the Expos’ Olympic stadium.

Author Bruce E. Mowday will also be at the event signing copies of his book, Richie Ashburn … Why the Hall Not? The Amazing Journey to Cooperstown, with a portion of sales benefiting the Old Timers foundation.

Incidentally, Richie Ashburn was named last month by Philadelphia Magazine as the most beloved athlete in Philadelphia’s history.

This year, The Kennett Old Timers Hall of Fame will induct five new members.

Tickets can be bought at Burton’s Barbershop at 105 W. State Street in Kennett Square, or by calling (610) 444-9964.

32nd Annual Old Timers Hall of Fame Dinner
When: Saturday, January 14, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Kennett Fire Company’s Red Clay Room, 423 Dalmation Street, Kennett Square
Cost: $35
More info: www.kennettsquaredish.com

The votes are in: catcher Carlos Ruiz and former left fielder Greg “The Bull” Luzinski will be the final two Phillies players featured in the Phillies mural, set to be unveiled next summer. The eight-story, 3,750 square-foot mural will be located on a building at the base of the Walnut Street Bridge. The mural was designed by David McShane, but Phillies fans were invited to submit votes online for one more player to be included; there was such a flood of votes (10,000+!) that the Mural Arts crew decided to include two top picks! Read more about the mural here. The Phillies Mural Project [MLB.com]

Charlie Manuel and Morimoto dined together yesterday at Morimoto on Chestnut Street. The occasion came about stemming from an auction prize from Morimoto’s fundraiser for Japan back in June of this year. The auction winner won lunch with Charlie Manuel and Morimoto. The meal was prepared by the Iron Chef himself in the restaurant’s open kitchen, with guests looking on. No word on how adventurous an eater Charlie is. [Starr Restaurants]

Citizens Bank Park gets festive for the holidays with a bunch of activities this weekend including the annual ballpark lighting celebration, photos with Phanta Claus, holiday gifts at the clubhouse store and more. (Photo by Andrew Weiss Photography)

This Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11, Citizens Bank Park is getting all dressed up for the holidays.

On Saturday, Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel and pitcher Vance Worley will host a holiday tree and ballpark lighting ceremony complete with carolers, Phillies Ballgirls, Phoebe and the Phillie Phanatic as Phanta Claus.

In addition, on both Saturday and Sunday, the Phillies will host their annual Holiday Sale & Food Drive at the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Citizens Bank Park.

Bring canned food items to benefit Philabundance, and get ready to shop for awesome holiday gifts, including Phillies Authentics sales with game-used and other unique items, holiday-themed name and number t-shirts, Phillies holiday decorations and more.

Both days will feature free photos with Phanta Claus (BYO camera) and broadcaster meet and greets. Fans will also have an opportunity to help paint The Phillies Mural on Saturday.

Parking is free in Lot S, located off Pattison Avenue between Broad Street and Citizens Bank Way.

The full schedule of events is included below.

[Photo by Andrew Weiss Photography]

Citizens Bank Park Holiday Festivities
When: December 10-11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Citizens Bank Way and Pattison Avenue
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com

Saturday, December 10

10 a.m.: Majestic Clubhouse Store opens; Food Drive

11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Take your picture with the Phillie Phanatic as Phanta Claus

12:30-1:30 p.m.: The Phillie Phanatic’s Children’s Book Series signing with illustrator Len Epstein

2-4 p.m.: Help paint The Phillies Mural with artist David McShane in the Giles Suites

5 p.m.: Holiday Tree & Ballpark Lighting: See the Phanatic, Charlie Manuel and Vance Worley light the Tree and Citizens Bank Park

6 p.m.: Majestic Clubhouse Store closes

Sunday, December 11

10 a.m.: Majestic Clubhouse Store opens; Food Drive

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Take your picture with the Phillie Phanatic as Phanta Claus

12-1 p.m.: The Phillie Phanatic’s Children’s Book Series signing with Len Epstein

3 p.m.: Final chance to buy Phillies Authentics and Phillies Charities memorabilia

6 p.m.: Majestic Clubhouse Store closes

The Phillies First Baseman at a press conference announcing the donation at City Hall last week. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Phillies)

The holidays have come early for student-athletes in Philadelphia!

Last week, Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard and Mayor Nutter announced that the slugger’s Ryan Howard Family Foundation will donate athletic apparel valued at $1,152,000 to the School District of Philadelphia.

The donation will benefit athletic programs at 57 (!!) high schools throughout the district and includes Adidas apparel and shoes to match each school’s official colors. Four middle-schools will also receive shoes.

The items will distributed later this month.

And Howard’s great work doesn’t end there. The foundation is also providing turkeys, winter coats and school supplies to more than 500 struggling families in the Philadelphia area this holiday season.

It’s always great to see Philly athletes giving back to the community! Another home run for Howard.

Phillies’ Ryan Howard gives $1.2M to local schools [AP]

Mural artist David McShane puts the finishing touches on adding Charlie Manuel into a crowd scene on the mural. (Photo courtesy Phillies)

Phillies fans of all ages are invited to join the Phillie Phanatic and make their mark (literally) on the new Phillies Mural during a special community paint day at the Please Touch Museum on Wednesday, November 30 from 10 a.m.-noon.

You’re invited to paint a portion of the 3,750 square-foot mural, which will be unveiled next summer and feature more than 30 prominent players depicting historical moments from the team’s record-long history.

Overseeing the event will be the mural’s artist, award-winning David McShane.

The event will also celebrate the first day that fans can cast their online ballot for the final Phillies great (player, coach or manager) to be immortalized on the Phillies Mural.

Get tickets to the event online; enter promo code PHILLIES prior to checkout to receive 10% off of up to 4 general admission tickets.

The eight-story Phillies Mural will be located on a building at 24th & Walnut Streets at the base of the Walnut Street Bridge, facing the I-76 Schuylkill Expressway for thousands of daily passersby to see. Make sure your own brushstrokes are a part of it!

Get a video sneak peek of the mural’s progress, below.

Phillies Mural Community Paint Day
Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic
When: Wednesday, November 30, 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: Tickets start at $15
More info: www.mlb.mlb.com

 
Previously: The Phillies And Mural Arts Team Up To Design A New Eight-Story Mural To Be Installed Along The Schuylkill River In 2012

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: we believe!

This is what it all comes down to, people.

Game 5 of the NLDS. Tonight. 8:30 p.m. At Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia.

If you’re not one of the lucky Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park tonight for the final game of the NLDS Playoffs, we have a number of great suggestions of places to watch alongside other Phillies fanatics. The team will appreciate all the brotherly love you can send their way.

Also check out our suggestions for where to pick up last minute official Phillies gear plus (ahem) unofficial gear. You can get your own With Love, Philadelphia XOXO®-themed Phillies cheer card at a number of places around town as well.

Now, to figure out what to do between 5 p.m. and when the first pitch is thrown at approximately 8:37 p.m.

We literally cannot wait.

GO PHILS! YOU CAN DO IT!

NLDS Playoffs: Game 5
When: Friday, October 7, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Citizens Bank Park

It's going to be a gorgeous fall weekend in Philadelphia with events and festivals galore. But most importantly, let's go Phillies!! (Top left and bottom right photos courtesy the Phillies, top right by G. Widman, bottom left by M. Kennedy)

Tonight is obviously huge, with Game 5 of the NLDS Playoffs at 8:30 p.m. It’s a gigantic game and we’re pretty sure everyone in Philadelphia will be tuning in.

Meanwhile, talk about some ridiculously gorgeous fall weather. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are crammed with events and activities perfect such gorgeous weather; read Chestnut Hill Fall For The Arts Festival, Outfest, Terror Behind The Walls, Oktoberfest activities At Frankford Hall, etc.

But most importantly, GO PHILS!!

WE BELIEVE!

Friday, October 7

Game 5 of the NLDS Playoffs, 8:30 p.m.: GO PHILLIES! – Roundup of Places to Watch

Octobr First Friday: Old City, Doylestown and Frankford Avenue

Fall Fashion Party at Smak Parlour

Revolution House First Friday

Friends of Race Street Pier First Friday Celebration

Let Me Tell You About A Dream I Had at Philadelphia Art Alliance

Terror Behind the Walls

Art After 5 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Aspects of Love at the Walnut Street Theatre

Woodmere Art Museum’s Owl’s Eye Hay Maze

17 Swedish Designers at the American Swedish Historical Museum

Saturday, October 8

Second Saturday on East Passyunk

Mummies of the World at the Franklin Institute

Tap Team Two

Hawthornes PSPCA Beer Fest Block Party

International Observe the Moon Night

Oktoberfest Activities at Frankford Hall

South Philly Flea Market At Jefferson Square Park

4th Annual Wooden Boat Festival at the Independence Seaport Museum

Chocolate Making Demo featuring American Heritage Chocolate at the Betsy Ross House (Sat, Sun)

Half the Sky: Women in the New Art of China at Drexel’s New Leonard Pearlstein Gallery

River Wards Restaurant Week — Closing Day!

Zaha Hadid: Form in Motion at the Perelman Building

Mixing Metaphors: The Aesthetic, the Social and the Political in African American Art

Sunday, October 9

Philadelphia Improv Festival — Closing Day!

Philadelphia Orchestra Neighborhood Concert At Penn’s Landing

The Chestnut Hill Fall For The Arts Festival

Outfest

Dia De Los Muertos at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Robert Beck at the Rosenfeld Gallery — Opening Day!

4th Annual Barking Beauty Pageant at L’Etage Cabaret

CSI: The Experience at The Franklin Institute

Wanda Sykes at the Keswick Theatre

Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Quilt Art: International Expressions at the Michener Museum

Iconic places like the Rocky Statue and Love Park were among the picks, as well as plenty of other Philly favorites for diehard Phillies fans. Go Phils! (Credits clockwise from top left: G. Widman; B. Krist; B. Krist; G. Widman)

Visit Philly recently had the opportunity to check in with the Phillies’ wives (and one fiancé) and get the scoop on their favorite must-sees, must-dos and must-tastes in Philadelphia, the place they call home for more than half of the year.

The top takeaway from the informal Q&A session? These ladies know and love this town.

So as the team and their fans get ready for a huge Game 5 tonight, you can read up on the advice of the truest of the Phillies faithful on how to experience Philadelphia: Jennifer Utley, Johari Rollins, Lindsay Lidge, Stephenie Kendrick and Krystle Campbell, Ryan Howard’s fiancé.

Question #1

GPTMC: When you have friends and relatives in town, what do you insist they see/do?

Utley: I make sure they go to a Phillies game, and after that I like to take people to Kelly Drive.
Campbell: When relatives come in town, we’ll spend an afternoon at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You can’t forget about Rocky’s statue and steps while you’re there.
Rollins: Visit the Art Museum, The Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Zoo.
Kendrick: The Art Museum area. There is tons of history there. I also love Boathouse Row and, of course, the Rocky steps!

Question #2

GPTMC: What’s your favorite Philly delicacy, and where is your go-to spot for it?

Campbell: Chickie’s and Pete’s crab fries are a must! The side of melted American cheese makes them extra tasty.
Rollins: Sarcone’s Deli for a specialty hoagie, and Lorenzo and Sons Pizza on South Street for the biggest and best slice of cheese pizza. For water ice, John’s on 7th & Christian Street. For gelato, Capogiro’s. And for fro-yo, Sweet Ending!
Lidge: It may not be from Philly, but Jersey corn grown just over the river is the sweetest on the planet if you ask me.
Kendrick: Philly cheesesteak with wiz from Jim’s Steaks on South Street. It’s a must!

Question #3

GPTMC: Name your favorite Philly restaurants. Have a favorite dish?

Utley: Barbuzzo Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar is amazing; Pizzeria Stella is a go-to favorite; and stracciatella gelato at Capogiro is the best.
Campbell: Del Frisco’s is one of my favorite restaurants to eat at if I’m craving a steak. Don’t forget to order the lemon cake for dessert.
Rollins: Love, love Parc near Rittenhouse Square. Their omelets, Chicken Paillard and French onion soup are to die for, as is their freshly baked bread and extensive wine list. I also like Osteria and Mama Palma’s for brick-oven pizza. Our favorite bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot is Audrey Claire, where they serve delicious Mediterranean food. Oh, and Alma de Cuba! Can’t go wrong with any restaurants by Stephen Starr, Marc Vetri or Jose Garces.
Lidge: The Farm and Fisherman has a smashed beet “steak” that is out of this world. Kendrick: At Gigi restaurant and lounge, the filet mignon pizza is to die for. So are many of the other dishes and tapas.

Lots more, below, including the wives’ favorite places to shop, under-the-radar spots and more.

Question #4

GPTMC: You go to a lot of charity and fundraising events. What Philly shops keep you in fashion?

Utley: Adresse on Locust Street.
Campbell: Walking along Walnut Street can definitely keep you in fashion. There are so many great stores to shop in. If I ever need a dress or an outfit for an event, I’ll shop in that area.
Rollins: Knit Wit, Joan Shepp and when in doubt Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and, of course, King of Prussia Mall.
Lidge: Anthropologie in Rittenhouse Square is well worth a visit for the inspired clothes. The historic building is covered in original antique stain glass windows and filled with beautiful old fireplaces with angels swirling about and store props that are so creative. You’ll wonder why you haven’t visited sooner.
Kendrick: Nicole Miller in Manayunk always has something fabulous for me to wear.

Question #5

GPTMC: Have any favorite spots to hang out with the kids (if you have them)?

Utley: I don’t have kids yet, but the park at Franklin Square is always packed!
Campbell: The Please Touch Museum is a great attraction for kids.
Lidge: Headhouse Farmers’ Market is fun (and delicious) for the whole family. While we stock up on locally grown goods, the kids couldn’t be happier sipping their just-squeezed lemonade from a vendor at the market and patting all the friendly dogs that walk by.

Question #6

GPTMC: Where do you go to relax?

Campbell: I always head to Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon located right outside of the city if I need a day of relaxation.
Rollins: Joseph Anthony Spa, Topper’s, Rescue Rittenhouse Spa, Morris Arboretum and the Azalea Garden next to the Art Museum.
Lidge: Rescue Ritttenhouse Spa is the only place I go for facials. Their French line of skin care is awesome too.
Kendrick: I love to walk along Boathouse Row. My favorite spa is Joseph Anthony, and my absolute favorite mobile nail/waxing service is phillyminx.com. Rose is awesome and comes right to your house for all your mani/pedi/beauty needs.

Question #7

GPTMC: Any favorite under-the-radar Philly spots you love?

Utley: The trails at Valley Green.
Campbell: I enjoy visiting Love Park.
Rollins: Valley Green. A leisurely stroll and lunch at The Valley Green Inn is a great day.
Lidge: Terrain at Styer’s in Glen Mills, a short drive from Philly, is a green house/home shop/organic cafe that is so amazing!

Question #8

GPTMC: What’s your favorite neighborhood, and why?

Utley: Old City… cute boutiques and art galleries.
Campbell: I like South Philly because it has all the sports arenas located in the same area. It offers great entertainment and has an exciting energy.
Rollins: The Rittenhouse Square area. It’s pretty and near great restaurants and shops. It’s also a great people-watching spot!
Kendrick: Rittenhouse Square. It’s always happening and fun to be out and about day or night.

Question #9

GPTMC: Is there an annual Philly event you won’t miss?

Rollins: The Pennsylvania Ballet’s Nutcracker! I’ve gone every year for 21 years. And now that I was able to check it out this year, I will make Feastival an annual event! It benefits the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe.
Lidge: The Phillies in the postseason. I hate to jinx it, but we’ve been lucky enough to be a part of it for all our time here!
Kendrick: Mummers Parade. If I cannot attend, I always watch on TV!

Question #10

GPTMC: Anything you’ve been dying to see/do, but haven’t had a chance yet?

Utley: I really want to go to the new National Museum of American Jewish History.
Rollins: No, but I’d like to take my husband to the Art Museum.
Lidge: The museums! We still haven’t been inside The Franklin Institute, which I’m sure the kids would love, and all the little museums that are off-the-beaten path.
Kendrick: The Philadelphia Zoo. I went there years ago as a kid, and I am dying to get back there. So is Kyle. We can’t wait to take our daughter. We love zoos, and I know Philadelphia’s is one of the best!

Question #11

GPTMC: What do you miss most about Philly when you leave in the off-season?

Campbell: The snow in the winter.
Rollins: Well since I’m from Philly, my family! But also soft pretzels, water ice and Kelly Drive when it’s all lit up at night.
Lidge: Our wonderful friends and the history and beautiful architecture on every corner.
Kendrick: My family, friends, the people, amazing sports fanatic vibes from the fans, cheesesteaks, soft pretzels and Gigi restaurant.

Check out all our coverage on Phillies fever for more ways to show your team spirit; from where to pick up gear to where to watch the game tonight, we have you covered. And speaking of gear, don’t forget it’s last your day to enter to win a $25 Modell’s gift card! ]]> http://www.uwishunu.com/2011/10/phillies-fever-the-phillies%e2%80%99-wives-dish-on-their-favorite-philly-restaurants-shops-under-the-radar-attractions-and-more/feed/ 0 http://www.uwishunu.com/2011/10/phillies-fever-the-official-%e2%80%9cphillies-rally-trolley%e2%80%9d-to-once-again-make-its-way-through-center-city-at-lunchtime-today/ http://www.uwishunu.com/2011/10/phillies-fever-the-official-%e2%80%9cphillies-rally-trolley%e2%80%9d-to-once-again-make-its-way-through-center-city-at-lunchtime-today/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:30:04 +0000 Allison Stadd http://www.uwishunu.com/?p=60895

The official Phillies Rally Trolley comes to Center City today, weaving its way through the streets to celebrate the final game of the NLDS playoffs, tonight. (Photo courtesy Phillies)

The official Phillies Rally Trolley returns today to rev up the city for Game 5 of the NLDS Playoffs, which is tonight at 8:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park.

The sides of the 33-foot trolley will be covered with special edition Phillies-themed With Love Letters. On board will be special trolley guests including the Phillie Phanatic, Phillies Ballgirls, former players Greg Luzinski and Tommy Greene and broadcasters Scott Franzke and Gary Matthews.

Several thousand rally towels and Go Phillies Cheer Cards will be given out along the Center City postseason trolley tour, so be sure to follow the Phillies on Twitter to keep track of the route.

Check out our guides to watching the playoffs, and where to pick up gear, so you’re fully prepared for tonight.

And, it goes without saying, GO PHILLIES!

Official Phillies Rally Trolley
When: Friday, October 7, around noon
Where: Various Locations across Center City
(Note: the Trolley will be avoiding City Hall due to protests.)
Cost: Free
More info: www.Phillies.com