Phanatic statues fetch thousands of bucks

Ben Phranklin led the bidding this afternoon. Complete with key and kite and glasses.

And that unphorgettable physique.

He's one of 20 wildly painted Phillie Phanatic statues that dotted the city for many weeks. Now, 15 of them are part of an online auction, to raise money for Phillies Charities.

All 20 will also be available to see, starting Friday inside the Third Gate Base Gate at Citizens Bank Park. On Sept. 11, a Saturday, no fan will even need a ticket, because the ballpark will be open for free, while the team is out of town. The Phanatic and Phillies ballgirls will be on hand, along with balloon artists and face-painters for the kids.

The bidding on the first four statues - including All-Starry Night (the mascot goes Van Gogh), Key to Golden Love (yellow shirt has Love Park logos) and Inside Out (uni looks loony) - began last Friday and will be open at least until 6 p.m. Thursday. (Each bid after 5:55 extends the time 5 minutes.)

After 15 bids, Ben Phranklin was up to $6,500 by 3 p.m. today, followed by All Starry Night at $4,000.

The biggest offer is likely to come the final week, Sept. 24 to 30, when a Phanatic signed by the entire team joins the auction action. The opening bid is $5,000.

Starting Friday, fans will get a weeklong shot at another four, including one called High Hopes. Three statues will take their turns from Sept. 10 to 16, followed by another three - including Phrankenstein's Mascot - from Sept. 17 to 23.

The Phillies are holding back five statues, as various locations, including the ballpark, are considered.

For more, go to www.phillies.com/phanaticaroundtown.