READING, Pa. – Baseballtown is celebrating a championship more than 30 years in the making.
The Reading Fightin Phils swept the Erie SeaWolves in a best-of-three series, winning 13-4 Tuesday night to capture the Eastern League championship.
“The excitement level was certainly something I will never forget,” said Matt Hoffmaster, the Fightin Phils’ assistant general manager.
Hoffmaster has been with the organization for 21 years and watched the team put together a run that culminated in its championship victory.
“The team was ready. They definitely entered the playoffs as the hottest team in baseball, and their offense was red hot since the middle of July,” Hoffmaster said.
The celebration extended beyond the players and into the stands, where fans packed the stadium for the championship game.
“Talking to guys after the game, they definitely fed off the energy from the fans. They really were excited for how much we packed the place,” the general manager said.
The championship trophy is expected to remain in Reading.
Reading City Council President Donna Reed has been attending games at the stadium all throughout her life.
Reed said the championship comes during a milestone year for both the country and Berks County. The United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, while Berks County is marking its 275th anniversary.
“I’m looking forward to next season already,” Reed said.
For Reed, the significance of the stadium extends beyond baseball.
“All the local kids who then can look at the R-Phils and the Philadelphia Phils, Major League Baseball, they can celebrate in their own ways,” Reed said. “It’s generationally wonderful.”
Reading Mayor Eddie Moran told 69 News the city will light City Hall in red this week to mark the championship. He also added that a celebration is being planned for the coming weeks.
For fans who want to celebrate now, the Fightin Phils have posted championship merchandise online for fans to preorder.