Phillies Boss Ditches Iconic Citizens Bank Park Feature
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 06: A detail shot of the foul post and general view of the outfield seats at Citizens Bank Park before the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, May 6, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Philadelphia Phillies are happy to retain some of their most popular icons from recent seasons.
Despite a second straight playoff disappointment last year, the team reunited with iconic slugger Kyle Schwarber and long-time backstop JT Realmuto in the offseason. After those reunions, along with some existing long-term contracts on the books and some new extensions, the Phillies will be returning with plenty of familiarity.
“Four of the Phillies' five highest-paid players are signed through at least the 2030 season,” Martin Frank noted for Delaware Online. “Over the past few months, the Phillies also signed pitchers in Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo through 2033 and 2032, respectively, when both will be in their mid 30s. Catcher J.T. Realmuto is signed through 2028, when he'll be 37. You get the idea. The Phillies' core is growing old together in Philadelphia, and will continue to do so for the next six or seven years at least.”
Philadelphia Phillies Owner John Middleton Dismisses Nostalgia For Stadium Feature
Clearly, principal owner John Middleton is comfortable with keeping some aging icons around home stadium Citizens Bank Park next season. But there are some older features that it seems he could do without.
On Tuesday, he revealed that the team plans to ditch the analog clock that used to sit above the outfield. To open the season, the clock has been removed to make way for some All-Star Game branding. And once the event is over, the clock apparently won’t be coming back.
“I don’t think there’s any reason to put the clock back out,” Middleton said, according to On Pattison’s Tim Kelly. “The world changes, you get new fans, new customers, you know, there are younger people who look at that and say, ‘Why is that there? I’ve got my phone, I don’t need a clock. Why is it there? Who cares?’”
Philadelphia Phillies Lose Citizens Bank Park Feature That Dates Back To Early 1900s
Middleton added that, as a 71-year-old and longtime fan of the team, he appreciates the clock’s history, which dates back to the early 20th century and Connie Mack Stadium. But he was dismissive about the idea that the majority of contemporary fans really appreciate it.
While younger Phillies fans might not have much practical use for an analog clock in the outfield, though, others are sure to notice that one of the iconic features at the stadium has been replaced.
“It was a nod to the clock that used to sit above the scoreboard at Connie Mack Stadium, so there’s a throwback and nostalgia element to this,” Kevin Kinkead wrote for Crossing Broad. “Middleton seems to ignore it outright, and says that the world changes and people move on, and while that’s generally true, Philly sports fans like history and are very slow to embrace change, if at all.”
