Apr 21, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports Eric Hartline
Sunday, the Phillie Phanatic’s birthday will be celebrated at Citizens Bank Park, one of the most fun days at the stadium every year.
Unlike the past two years, though, the Phillies won’t be donning the mascot on their caps to celebrate his 48th birthday.
In 2024 and 2025, the Phillies wore their Phanatic batting practice caps on his birthday. The caps matched well with the cream alternate uniforms the Phillies wear for all non-Thursday day games played at Citizens Bank Park.
New Era released their 2026 Batting Practice hats for the #Phillies this year.
Last year’s hat is on the right.
Hoping the Phanatic caps stay in some capacity. pic.twitter.com/eIYMuDmBb0
But New Era and MLB introduced new batting practice caps for all 30 teams this season, so the Phanatic cap is no longer in the picture. And therefore, it won’t be worn in a one-off fashion for a game in 2026.
It’s a shame, because the Phanatic caps were superior as a batting practice lid, and it was becoming a fun tradition for it to be worn for one game every season.
Instead, the Phillies will rock the blue caps with a red brim and red “P” that they have worn with the cream uniforms since they were introduced as an alternate in 2008.
For more information on the Phillies uniform history and schedule, check out OnPattison’s tracker.
