NP IMA Friends & Family Night - with Tom Burgoyne

Working as a backup to David Raymond (the first Phanatic performer) for five years, Tom handled many of the Phanatic’s promotional appearances until the 1994 season when he took over all game day duties. Since then, Tom has traveled across the country and around the world bringing the Phanatic’s special brand of humor to sports fans everywhere.  His international travels have taken him to Japan, Europe, Australia, South America, Mexico and Canada.

He has co-authored two books, More Than Beards, Bellies and Biceps – The Story of the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies (and the Phillie Phanatic, Too) (Sports Publishing, Inc.) and Movin’ On Up (Middle Atlantic Press). He also has written a series of children’s books, chronicling the adventures of the Phillie Phanatic and has started a reading and literacy program in the Philadelphia area called “Be A Phanatic About Reading”.  He has written and directed three children’s videos, Channel Surfin’ Phanatic, The Phillie Phanatic Goes Hollywood and Time Travelin’ Phanatic.

The Phillie Phanatic has been widely acclaimed over the years as one of sports best mascots.  In 2009 and 2011, Forbes Magazine named the Phanatic the best mascot in the country. In 2002, the Phillie Phanatic was “enshrined” in baseball’s Hall of Fame and is currently part of a permanent exhibit in Cooperstown.