Councilmember's Corner: George Cretekos

Pinellas County residents can take pride in the partnership the Phillies have had with Clearwater since 1947. Because of the Phillies, the area derives a$55 million economic impact from spring training.

Many Philadelphia area visitors come for a week or more to visit area attractions and to attend a game at , one of the finest spring training parks in Major League Baseball.  

But, how many residents realize that the Phillies do not leave town when spring training ends? The team operates twelve months a year here, too. For example, Clearwater is the first stop for the Phillies recruits and draftees. The Phillies also have minor league and instructional baseball seasons in Clearwater, sponsor fantasy and youth baseball camps and send major league personnel back to the Carpenter Complex to be rehabilitated in case of injury.  

Moreover, the Phillies organization takes an active role in the Clearwater community. The minor league team, the Threshers, sponsors events, such as the Halloween Boo Bash with the city of Clearwater. Both the Phillies and the Threshers contribute to local organizations and good citizenship at various events and youth Little League programs.  

Last year, over 132,000 fans attended a spring training game in Clearwater. 

Clearwater residents should root for the Rays, of course, but in February and March, welcome the Phillies and their fans because our home is their home, too.