The first Phanatic

Well Jack, yes, there have been other Phanatics.

Jack asked: Was Tom Burgoyne the only Phillie Phanatic or have there been substitutes?

Well Jack, yes, there have been other Phanatics.

Tom Burgoyne is the the official steward of the Phillie Phanatic; he is the one who performs at home games and most public/private events outside of the games. There are two substitute performers who are occasionally tapped for some outside publicity events.

Tom is not the first Phanatic. The Phillies mascot program was launched in 1978 with Dave Raymond as the original Phanatic. Tom was hired in 1988, and has played the Phanatic ever since, for 23 seasons.