Mr Belding Steals the Show in Reading!

It was a late decision to attend tonight’s game in Reading but it turned out to be an incredible experience. I got there and immediately ran into my old friend Tommy Viola, who formerly of the Ironpig’s Radioooooo Network, is the current Media guy for the R-Phils. I went into the early entry Happy hour area in the right field food court and stumbled into some people singing kareoke and was astounded what happened next.

The theme song from the 90’s TV series “Saved by the Bell” started playing and out came Dennis Haskins, also known to most as “Mr. Belding” who starred as the show’s high school principal. Haskins came out and started off by singing Brown Eyed Girl, encouraging fans to come on to stage with him to help sing the song. (He has a great voice too) He moved on to sing Louie Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World and then broke into a chorus of Sweet Caroline that got the whole crowd singing as fans swarmed around him on stage to his delight. He definatley had the crowd involved and participating and it was a great time. Such a great time that the courtyard was visited by several of the Reading Phillies themselves! I noticed Domonic Brown smiling as Haskins noticed a young lady in the audience wearing a TV show related “Bayside” tshirt and infielder Matt Rizzotti pushing to the front of the pack to take a few pictures. I looked to my left and saw Tyson Gillies enjoying a mini-helmet of dip’n’dots bopping along to the music. Yes, it was a strange night. Haskins stayed around for the whole game and was overly friendly and outgoing. He signed autographs and took pictures with anyone who came near. What a great guy!

The whole Reading Phillies experience is incredible. I also noticed prospect David Schwimer walking around chatting with fans before the game and Matt German was signing pregame autographs in a Kids only booth. Imagine that! Great idea! The kids are what it’s all about. Way to go Reading!

Just prior to the game was also an on field play catch session for anyone who wanted to go out and toss the ball a little and a photo shoot with Phillie Kevin Mahar. Good stuff!

So, there was a baseball game too. The R-Phils broke it open early scoring 4 runs in the first and enjoyed a relatively easy 8 to 3 victory over Bowie. JA Happ made another rehab start and lasted 5 innings allowing 7 hits and 3 runs. He looked sharp tonight. I would imagine he’s back in Philly in a couple weeks.