The Reading Fightin Phils, one of Minor League Baseball’s most storied franchises, has been sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), a group that owns and operates select MiLB clubs across the country. The team will continue to operate in Reading as the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Team owner Craig Stein, who has operated the Fightin Phils since 1987, announced the sale on Tuesday. Under the new ownership, the club’s front office staff will remain in place, including longtime General Manager Scott Hunsicker. Stein will stay on as an advisor.
“For almost 40 years, I have had the privilege of being the steward of the Reading baseball franchise,” Stein said in a statement. “It’s been a dream come true. I am confident that DBH will continue touching people’s lives, not only at ‘America’s Classic Ballpark,’ but through charitable work in the Reading community.”
The transition marks the first time a Phillies affiliate has joined the DBH roster. The company, formed in 2021, works to enhance Minor League operations through investment and professional management while maintaining ties to local communities.
“We are incredibly grateful to Craig, Scott and the entire Fightin Phils organization for their decades of dedication to our player development system and the Reading community,” said Luke Murton, Phillies Director of Player Development. “We look forward to beginning our relationship with DBH and are excited for the positive impact their leadership will bring to Reading.”
The Fightin Phils have maintained a continuous affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies since 1967, making it one of the longest-running partnerships in professional baseball. The team will continue to play at FirstEnergy Stadium, a venue that has hosted professional baseball since 1950 and recently underwent renovations aimed at improving fan amenities while preserving its historical charm.
According to team officials, the front office will remain largely unchanged. Nearly 90% of the current staff began as interns with the organization, including Hunsicker, who is now in his 34th season.
“This is a bright new chapter for the R-Phils,” Hunsicker said. “DBH has a strong track record of enhancing the fan experience while honoring each club’s identity and community roots.”
The sale is pending approval by Major League Baseball and other standard closing conditions.