Reading Phillies to be renamed

ON HALLOWEEN, the Reading Phillies, the Double A affiliate of the Phillies' major league franchise, announced they were undergoing a rebranding process. The first phase was announced Sunday and it wasn't a minor change.

The Reading Phillies will no longer be called the Reading Phillies.

As a part of the team's makeover, the Reading Phillies, also known as the "R-Phils," will unveil a new name, logo and jersey on Nov. 17 at FirstEnergy Stadium. It's a drastic chance for an organization that holds the longest relationship with a major league franchise in baseball. The Reading Phillies have been under the Phillies' umbrella for 46 years.

The Reading Phillies, who play in the Eastern League, debuted in 1967 and have never been called anything other than "Reading Phillies'' in their existence.

"Since 1967, the Reading Phillies have been proud affiliates of the Philadelphia Phillies," Reading general manager Scott Hunsicker said on the team's website. "Our relationship is the longest affiliation in the minor leagues and there has never been a better time to be a Phillies affiliate. Considering the heritage and fun nature of Baseballtown, our entire front office is extremely anxious to unveil and share our new name with everyone on November 17th."

Reading isn't the first Phillies minor league affiliate to shed "Phillies" from its name. After being called the Clearwater Phillies from 1985 to 2003, the Phillies' Single A Florida State League affiliate was renamed the "Clearwater Threshers" upon moving into their new ballpark at Bright House Field.

The Philadelphia Phillies solidified their longstanding relationship with Reading when they purchased the franchise in 2008.

- Ryan Lawrence