While the Phillies are on the road, baseball will still be in the spotlight at Citizens Bank Park this weekend as the Savannah Bananas and Texas Tailgaters face off in two sold-out games.
For Texas Tailgaters pitcher Joe Sperone, the event marks a significant homecoming. “It’s going to be surreal,” said the 23-year-old from Broomall. A lifelong baseball fan, Sperone played for West Chester University and the Staten Island Ferry Hawks before leaving his office job last year to pursue his passion full-time.
“Ever since I was young, it was always a dream to play in sold-out MLB stadiums, especially Citizens Bank Park,” Sperone said. This weekend, that dream becomes a reality as he takes the mound in his hometown.
The games are part of the “Banana Ball” tour, a unique spectacle that blends baseball with entertainment and is billed as “the greatest show in sports.” The weekend also holds personal significance for Sperone’s family. His parents, who would normally be in the stands cheering for the Phillies, will now be rooting for their son, a particularly poignant moment as his father was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer last year.
An estimated 45,000 fans will attend the games, including 10 families from Challenger Baseball of Cherry Hill, an organization that provides a baseball experience for children with special needs. The families were surprised with tickets on Friday, courtesy of Dunkin’ and the team.
“It’s one of the best parts about this job is giving back to the community, reaching out to fans, connecting with fans,” Sperone commented, hoping to create an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.
While both nights are sold out, a limited number of tickets are available on the secondary market. Fans can also watch Saturday’s game live at 7 p.m. on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+.
Source link
