Sandberg, Wathan & Morandini Set For Winter Tour

Two Phillies developmental managers are set to make stops at their new homes and a Hall of Famer will be in the house, when the organization's winter tour stops come through the region later this month.

On Tuesday, the Reading Phillies (Class Double-A) and the Lakewood BlueClaws (Class A) announced a trio of additions to their lineups for the 2012 Phillies Winter Banquet tour stops. Baseball great Ryne Sandberg and first year Reading manager Dusty Wathan (pictured) have been added to the banquet in Reading on Tuesday, January 24th at The Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel.

Meanwhile, it was also revealed that new BlueClaws skipper Mickey Morandini will join the lineup of featured guests at the banquet event in Lakewood on Wednesday, January 25th.

Sandberg, Wathan and Morandini were all Phillies on the field during their playing days but have now proven to be top managerial prospects in the Phils' system.

Wathan and Morandini were each promoted up one level this off-season.

The 38-year-old Wathan led Class A Advanced Clearwater to a 75-63 record and a third place finish in the Florida State League North Division in 2011. Wathan led Lakewood to a league championship in 2009.

After managing the Phillies' extended spring training squad, Morandini, 45, led the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters to a 43-33 record and a second place finish in the NY-Penn League's Pinckney Division. Last year marked Morandini's first season as a professional manager.

According to a press release, tickets for the Reading banquet are $65 each or $600 for a 10-person table, and can currently be purchased in person at the R-Phils ticket office or by phone at 610-370-BALL. The banquet starts with a cocktail hour at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm. Proceeds from the event benefit Reading Phillies Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children who don’t have the resources to play baseball. Phils television broadcaster Tom McCarthy will also be in attendance at the Reading event, while general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is scheduled to be on hand for both events. Additionally, the R-Phils announced on Thursday that former Phillies player and manager Larry Bowa will be in attendance for the banquet as well. Bowa played for Reading during his minor league days.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel is also slated to appear in Lakewood. All proceeds from the 7 pm event at Woodlake Country Club, which includes a sit-down dinner, dessert, and coffee, will benefit BlueClaws Charities. Tickets are just $40 and space is limited. To reserve a spot, please call 732-901-7000 ext 172 or email ademichele@blueclaws.com.

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