Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino will return to Citizens Bank Park on July 12 as team captains for the MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3s event, according to a May 21 announcement. The event is part of All-Star Week and will feature a modified home run derby with points awarded for both offensive and defensive plays.
The appearance of these former Philadelphia Phillies stars is expected to draw attention from fans who remember their contributions to the team. The Phillies have played at Citizens Bank Park since 2004 and represent Philadelphia in Major League Baseball, engaging fans through games and community outreach, according to the official website.
Howard said, “To be part of MLB All-Star Week is always special, but getting the chance to lead a team in my old home with this new event is going to be a lot of fun. Phillies fans appreciate competition and entertainment, and that’s what MLBx is.”
MLBx will feature three-on-three teams competing in high-energy games where each player has one two-minute at-bat during a three-inning game. Teams earn points for home runs and catches, with bonus points available through target hits or calling for a hot streak where points count double. Rollins said, “MLBx is a fresh take on baseball that still highlights the skills fans love to see – power, defense and big moments. Doing it in Philadelphia with this group makes it even more exciting.”
A fourth team captain—described as a former Phillies rival—will be announced soon along with other participants. Victorino said, “There’s going to be a ton of energy around this event. It’s quick, competitive and built for fans to stay engaged the whole time. I’m excited to be back representing Philadelphia during All-Star Week.”
Tickets for All-Star Sunday—which includes both the Futures Game and MLBx—will go on sale May 27 at AllStarGame.com. The Phillies are charter members of Major League Baseball’s National League who serve local as well as regional audiences under executive leadership including their chief executive officer and general manager; they achieved World Series victories in 1980 and 2008 according to the official website.
