How the Phanatic Became a Philly (and Baseball) Icon
While the Phillies are number one in the league right now, is the Phanatic the best mascot in baseball? And how did a giant, flightless bird from the Galápagos wind up representing us anyway? We’re revisiting a conversation host Trenae Nuri had last year with AJ Mass, editor and writer at ESPN and author of “Yes, It’s Hot in Here,” about his experience as a mascot for the New York Mets and how the Phanatic became the model for future mascots to follow.
Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.
We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.
Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170.
Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22nd episode:
- Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
- Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Best & Worst Places to Pee, Our Philly Bucket List & Can the Academy of Natural Sciences Be Saved?
When you gotta go, you gotta go! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by senior creative producer Abby Fritz and Santiago Ortiz, founder of No Shor...
Blank Street Coffee is Just the Latest NYC Business in Philly – Why?
In recent weeks there’s been online chatter about whether Philadelphians should patronize Blank Street, a New York coffee chain that open...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Philly
What’s a seemingly small project in Philly that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just...
Teen Meet-Ups, Thousands of Homes Under Construction & a New Museum That’s All About Us
We’re talking about teen meet-ups stirring public safety concerns — where are the spaces for youth to hang out across the city? Plus, the...
Voting Republican in Philly, Finding Use for the Roundhouse & Staycationing on the Delaware River
The Republican party faces an uphill battle as they try to win support in a hugely Democratic city. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by creativ...
Drag Shows, Science Museum Closure & Mayoral Candidates. Plus: Our Favorite Bar Food
City Council held its first session last week introducing nearly 50 bills and resolutions ranging from keeping life affordable in the cit...
Why is PA Fighting the CDC? Plus: City Trash Contracts & Will Roosevelt Blvd Get a Subway
Pennsylvania has reported four measles deaths in the past month, marking the first deaths in the Commonwealth related to once-eradicated...
Rocky’s Final Run Up the Art Museum Steps
The Rocky statue has been playing musical chairs between the top, bottom, and inside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s now taking i...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks
Did you know that Philly neighborhoods have seen drops in depression and crime, all because vacant lots were revitalized? Thanks to the P...
House of Horrors in Olney, Judge Wants Krasner Investigated & an Evacuation at City Hall
City Hall was evacuated Thursday morning during City Council’s first meeting of the season after a suspicious package was found. Host Tre...