Statement from Bonnie Erickson and Wayde Harrison, the Creators of the Phillie Phanatic

THE ORIGINAL PHILLIE PHANATIC WILL RETURN TO PHILADELPHIA

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bonnie Erickson and Wayde Harrison, the creators of the Phillie Phanatic, finalized a settlement agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies today to ensure the return of the original Phillie Phanatic, the most beloved mascot in all of sports, to Philadelphia where he will reside permanently.

“Ever since we created the Phanatic in 1978, Philadelphia has been his home. We are thrilled to see the original Phanatic back where he should be, in Philadelphia, for the fans of the Phillies,” said Erickson and Harrison.

The two created the Phanatic and introduced him on the field at Veterans Stadium on April 25, 1978. When Erickson and Harrison’s license to the Phillies to continue to use the Phanatic expired in 2020, it was their wish to return the Phanatic to his baseball home. For the Phillies and their loyal fans, this agreement will allow for the continued enjoyment of the original Phanatic forever.

Erickson and Harrison are very happy to have reached common ground with the Phillies to bring the Phanatic home and to reach a resolution that is fair to both sides. The agreement was finalized and certified by federal court Judge Victor Marrero today. The financial terms of the settlement are confidential. The settlement agreement formally ends the litigation that was started by the Phillies against Erickson and Harrison in August 2019.

Legal counsel for Bonnie Erickson and Wayde Harrison are: Paul Montclare, Matthew Williams, Eric Schwartz, Leo Lichtman, and Elaine Nguyen, all of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP.