Reading Fightin Phils
Stephen Thomas has a diverse work experience in event management and communication. Stephen currently holds the position of Director of Extra Events and Baseballtown Charities/Rip It with the Reading Fightin Phils since July 2021. Prior to this, they served as the Director of Advancement Events & Communication at Albright College from June 2018 to July 2021. Stephen has also worked with the Reading Fightin Phils previously, holding roles such as Director of Events, Group Sales/Extra Events/Game Presentation Manager, and Extra Events/Game Presentation Associate from 2014 to 2018. Their earlier experience includes positions at Albright College as a Lifeguard Instructor, Featured Albright Ambassador, Student Intern in Marketing & College Relations, and Lion Mascot Manager/Performer from 2010 to 2017. Stephen also briefly worked with the Reading Fightin Phils as a Reading Fightin Phils Groups/Community Relations Associate in 2013 and had a role as a Lifeguard and Assistant Swim Coach at Maplewood Swim & Tennis Club from 2007 to 2011.
Stephen Thomas completed their high school education at William Tennent High School from 2006 to 2010. Following this, they pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with Marketing & Management Minors at Albright College from 2010 to 2014. In 2014, they also received training in Sales Success from Dale Carnegie Training. After a gap of a few years, from 2019 to 2020, they enrolled in Leadership Berks, although the specific degree and field of study were not provided.
Reading Fightin Phils
The Reading Fightin Phils offer affordable family entertainment from early April through August at FirstEnergy Stadium. The R-Phils are well known for creating a festive, fan-friendly atmosphere from the time the gates open until the bottom of the ninth inning. While parking is always free and the concessions remain affordable, every game is a unique experience. Giveaways, fireworks and the five-member Fightin Phils Mascot Band keep things hopping throughout the season. Reading won the John H. Johnson President's Trophy in 2003. The Johnson Trophy is the top honor bestowed upon "the complete franchise" by Minor League Baseball. Reading has been awarded the Larry MacPhail Trophy as the best promotional team in all of Minor League Baseball twice and has been the Eastern League’s nominee several other times. In 2002 the city was dubbed Baseballtown. The Fightin Phils led the Eastern League in total and/or average attendance for eight consecutive seasons. The stadium itself is one of baseball’s finest and is the oldest venue in the Eastern League. Completed in 1951, the original grandstand and exterior brick wall provide an old-time ballpark feel while the right field swimming pool and left field video board cater to the modern fan. The Fightin Phils have been the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1967. The relationship is tied for the longest in all of Minor League Baseball.