Philadelphia Phillies: The Liberty Bell
The Philadelphia Phillies have been around for a long time, as the franchise got its start in 1883. Since then, they have won three World Series, and seven National League pennants and are one of the more popular teams in Major League Baseball history.
Known for their famous Philly Phanatic mascot, the Phillies have a history unlike many other teams in baseball, and for years the famous Liberty Bell stood tall within the old Veterans Stadium. The Bell, which stood 19 feet tall, used to sit atop centerfield at the Vet, and when the team made their move to Citizens Bank Park a new bell was created, though this time standing at over 52 feet tall.
This March, 15 years after the Vet was demolished, the old Bell made its way to the new park, and now sits outside the Pass and Stow area, which has replaced McFadden’s outside the stadium. The name “Pass and Stow” is in homage to John Pass and John Stow, who re-cast the real Liberty Bell back in 1753.
The new bell rings after every home run or Phillies victory, becoming one of the staple ballpark traditions in baseball. Most teams have their own in-game rituals, but the Phillies’ Liberty Bell is one of the most iconic.