In the City of Brotherly Love: The Unwavering Passion of Phillies Fans

Whether they go by the Phillie Phanatics, The Fightin’ Phils or simply the Phils, the Philadelphia Phillies have proven to feature some of the most passionate fans in baseball. A time-honored fixture in Philadelphia’s deep sports culture, the Phillies have earned the City of Brotherly Love’s adoration with a legacy in Major League Baseball that stretches back to 1883 and includes two World Series titles as well as eight National League pennants.

What it Means to be a Philadelphia Phillies Super Fan

Across all major professional sports, Philadelphia fans have earned a reputation for giving honest and vocal feedback with their hometown teams. Based on the team’s performance, a Phillies fan can either be heard cheering or keeping poor play in check with some friendly-fire boo’s. The often outspoken yet honest reactions from Phanatics goes to show how much baseball fans in the City of Brotherly Love wear their hearts on their jersey sleeves.

Phillies fans are also active in the local community, participating in Phillies Charities, Inc. events like the annual Phillies Phestival, which benefits the ALS Association of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Hospital and more, and education programs like Phanatic About Reading and Phillies Phundamentals. The team also connects fans through official Phillies fan clubs such as the Phillies Kids Club and Club 215.

Philadelphia Phillies Fans on Game Day

The Phillies celebrate 20 years at Citizens Bank Park in 2024, and in the meantime, the team and fans have taken great strides in creating a unique, home game experience. Spot the enigmatic green Phillie Phanatic mascot and listen for calls to “Ring the Bell,” a rallying cry meant to encourage a home run or home team win, which would both activate the stadium’s massive, LED-powered Liberty Bell in the outfield to swing.

As for the stadium playlist, prepare with the Tiësto remix of Calum Scott’s cover of Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own.” The upbeat dance track became a 2022 addition to the team’s clubhouse queue by catcher Garrett Stubbs, who told Billboard that the song “isn’t a superstition for us — it’s just a good vibe.” After a home game win, fans can also expect to hear the traditional “High Hopes” as performed by the late Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas.

Fans attending home games can gather inside the stadium at Ashburn Alley, named after another Phillies Hall of Fame broadcaster, Richie “Whitey” Ashburn. Tailgating is also permitted in select parking lots outside of Citizens Bank Park, opening five hours before first pitch in lots A through H, M, N and O. However, check the team’s website for more up-to-date location details.

Throughout the season, Phillies Phanatics are sure to circle rivalry games against the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals on their calendars. In addition, fans can grab limited edition team apparel by attending select matches on the Phillies’ 2024 promotional schedule.

Memorable Moments in Philadelphia Phillies Fandom

The Philadelphia Phillies have had memorable moments in every era of their fandom, from The Fightin’ Phils of the 1940s to the 1950 Whiz Kids to the 1980 Cardiac Kids to the early ‘90s Macho Row squad. Likely, longtime Phanatics will recall the team’s home field victory in Game 6 of the 1980 World Series, which secured their first championship, as the Phillies’ crowning achievement. However, the franchise’s second Series win in 2008 was just as impressive, sealed by a Game 5 win against the Tampa Bay Rays at the then-new Citizens Bank Park.

Following their most recent championship, Phillies fans have seen stunning plays including Roy Halladay’s no-hitter during Game 1 of the 2010 NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds and Bryce Harper’s walk-off grand slam in 2019 against the Chicago Cubs. During Game 5 of the 2022 NLCS, Harper hit an eighth-inning home run that gave the Phillies a decisive lead over the San Diego Padres in a moment later dubbed “Bedlam at the Bank.”

Famous Philadelphia Phillies Fans

Celebrity Phillies fans include Bradley Cooper, Kevin Bacon, Will Smith, Tina Fey, Amanda Seyfried, Rob McElhenney, Miles Teller, Aubrey Plaza and Ryan Phillippe. Perhaps the most famous Phillie Phanatics, however, are President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.