CLEARWATER – Philadelphia Phillies fans will welcome back their team this month for spring training. Pitchers and catchers reportedly will arrive February 16. The rest of the team is scheduled to arrive February 21.
The Phillies open their first spring training game against the Yankees March 2 in Tampa at Legends Field. The first home game at Bright House Networks Field is March 3 at 1:05 against the Yankees.
This is the spring training schedule:
The Phillies have been training in Clearwater since 1948. This will be their third season playing at Bright House Networks Field.
Fans may see the players stay in shape during spring training at the Paul Owens Training Facility in the Carpenter Complex, across from Bright House Networks Field. Workouts are free and open to the public. According to the Phillies fan guide, the best times to see players working out there is in the mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Autograph seekers are permitted to request player’s signatures and can catch the players along the left-field line as they enter and exit the clubhouse. Lining up on the first-base side is the best bet to snag visiting player’s autographs.
The Phillies have some new faces this year. The new general manager is Pat Gillick. Other new additions to the team are Tom Gordon, Ryan Franklin, Abraham Nunez, Sal Fasano and Ricardo Rodriguez. Returning team members include Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu, Jimmy Rollins, Jon Lieber and Brett Myers.
Manager Charlie Manuel, who guided the Phillies to 88 wins last year, also returns. A bonus event occurs on March 4 when the Phillies will host Abreu and the Venezuelan national team in an exhibition at 1:05 p.m.
The Phillies play in Florida through March 30.
Tickets are currently on sale for 15 spring training games plus the March 4 World Baseball Classic exhibition game vs. Team Venezuela. The Clearwater ticket office at Bright House Networks Field is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket prices range from $9 to $25.