Phillies affiliate tweaks name, adds ostrich

[November 20, 2012]  READING, Pa. (AP) -- The Philadelphia Phillies' double-A affiliate is tweaking its name and adding an...ostrich?

The Reading Phillies changed their name Saturday to the Fightin Phils, a nod to the big club's longtime nickname. And the farm team also says a pugnacious ostrich, complete with balled fists, is its new mascot.

The club says the name change -- in the city affectionately known as Baseballtown -- distinguishes the minor league team from its big brother.

The ostrich is a reference to a running on-field gag known as the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor, who "rides" on to the field in an ostrich costume.

The team's new uniform choices include alternate jerseys bearing the "Baseballtown" name in script.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.