Meet Screwball - Screwball arrived in Reading 19 years ago, when he applied for a new job with the Reading Phillies.  Originally from Llabesab, he was always known for his loveable personality, funny oversized features and love for baseball.

Since becoming the R-Phils mascot, Screwball as brought along a few friends to rock out with at the games.  He is the drummer of the R-Phils Mascot Band which plays in the right field food court during the pre-game on Saturday nights.

Recently we tracked down the Reading Phillies mascot and asked him a few questions.

How has the off season been treating you?
Since the R-Phils season ended I have been trying to keep myself busy around the stadium.  Over the past month I have been getting the stadium ready for the season to start on April 9th.  There is a whole lot of work that goes into getting the stadium ready for fans to come out an enjoy a baseball game.  With the help of the other mascots we are doing some cleaning, organizing and coming up with some great ideas for kids to enjoy themselves even more this year.  I personally can't wait for the Family Nights.

Now that you mention changes, you look a little different this year Screwball.  What have you changed about yourself?
Well I'm glad you did take notice.  I got a new R-Phils hat, and I have been working out with a trainer.  Although I still have a few extra pounds, I have a more toned body.  All I can say is it makes a huge difference getting into shape so I am ready for the season.

What did you think of the Phillies winning the 2008 World Series?
It was one of the greatest moments that I can remember.  I was so happy for the Phillies front office and my good friend the Phillie Phanatic.  It was great to see all of those ex-R-Phils players celebrate after the final out.  I can remember when those guys first came to double A ball here in Reading.  There was something special when those players were members of the R-Phils.  They are some of my good friends, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell, Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Madson.  I even got to see some of those players play here at FirstEnergy Stadium last year, like Shane Victorio and Pedro Feliz.

Did you do anything to celebrate?
When Brad Lidge struck out the final batter, the other mascots and I went totally nuts and kept saying "World Champions!".  Although I didn't make it to the parade, the other mascots and me did watch the entire thing here at the stadium on the videoboard.  That's one of the good things about living at a baseball stadium, the huge TV.

The season is right around the corner, so what are you looking forward to most about the season?
Personally I can't wait for the season just to start.  I'm getting sick of this cold weather.  I'm not used to all of this snow, since Llabesab (Screwball's home) is a warm weather place.  The thing that I can't wait for is first homestand.  There are so many great things we are doing to celebrate the Phillies Championship.  On April 9th we are giving away a Phillies Championship blanket, the 10th is a Phillies Championship seat cushion.  Those two items lead up to Saturday, April 11.  We will have the actual 2008 Philadelphia Phillies World Series Trophy here at FirstEnergy Stadium for all fans to see with a free photo session, and my good friend the Phillie Phanatic will be here to entertain us all.

The kids always look forward to is the Mascot Band concerts, is there anything new this year with the Band in 2009?
Something that the other mascots and myself had always been wondering was why did we have our concerts after the game and post-game fireworks.  So we pulled some strings and had our concerts start during the Pre-Game.  We are so excited to play before the game starts, plus this should give all of you kids an opportunity to come out to the stadium early and see us play.  Our first concert is on Opening Day, Thursday, April 9.  I hope to see all of you kids at the stadium on that day.

Well Screwball it has been a pleasure talking with you.  Is there anything else you would like to say to the kids?
Well I just wanted to say that if you enjoyed this interview with me, you should join the Redner's R-Phils Kids Club.  It's free and the benefits are so awesome.  You will get free tickets, a membership card, a weekly email from me, free things on family nights and so much more.  Make sure you check out the information.  I can't wait for the season to start.  See you kids real soon.

Previously on Faces of Baseballtown Interviews

Screwball	Recycling Man	Tooth Fairy	Lettuce
	White Star Traveler