Clearwater Celebrates Phillies Phan Fest

Posted Feb 20, 2009 by TBO.com

Updated Apr 17, 2009 at 08:14 PM

Smoke trails formed spider webs over Bright House Networks Field as fireworks exploded to the tune of Queen’s “We are the champions.” Fans gathered around the stadium’s concourse for a moment over a quarter century in the making. After 28 years, Major League Baseball’s World Series trophy had returned to Clearwater.

The Philadelphia Phillies, in their 64th year of Spring Training in Clearwater,  celebrated their World Series Championship in their adopted hometown with the 10th edition of the Phillies Phan-Fest. Fans who attended were treated to autograph sessions with players, memorabilia auctions, games, food and a makeshift yard sale of game used uniforms.

For many of those in attendance, this moment was a long time in coming. Bill Cadzow and his wife, Louise, have been Phillies’ Spring Training ticket holders for the past 16 years and were season ticket holders in Philadelphia for 54 years.

While he admits that there is “nothing like a big league game,” he is eager to kick off the exhibition season.

“To look out over the blue sky and to hear that bat crack,” he says “it makes you feel good knowing that it is still winter up north. It is time for baseball again”

His wife Louise added, “this is a great baseball environment and everyone is so social. Everything is so very well done.”