The Philadelphia Phillies have sponsored several Cultural Heritage days this year, from Irish Heritage Night where fans were treated to hundreds of step dancers, to Asian Heritage Night when fans were mesmerized by a yoga instructor in the middle of center field.

However, this past Saturday, Luigi got to celebrate his hometown culture when the Phillies celebrated Italian Heritage day at Citizens Bank Ballpark.

The festivities began with local 10-year-old, James Gatto, a student at Fifth Stone Music School 18th & Bigler Streets, singing the traditional Italian favorite “O Sole Mio”. Fellow South Philadelphian Frank Tenaglia, a nationally-known Italian tenor, was next with his inspiring rendition of our national anthem.

The first pitch was then thrown out by a well-known local guy, originally named Robert Louis Ridarelli, but who is better known to many of you as Bobby Rydell. After the 5th inning, Janine Massi had her Super Star Dance Studio team from 20th & Hartranft Streets perform the Tarantella with the Phillies Phanatic, who actually was able to stay in step.

All these festivities were preceded by a sight that you needed to see to believe. Of course, it being Italian Heritage night, Luigi attended the game and allowed his Italian (and Phillies) pride to be known as he adorned himself in classic Italian colors and Phillies regalia. When Luigi was spotted by the Phillie Phanatic, he immediately ditched his four-wheeler, ran over to Luigi and in classic Italian style used his hands to say, “I gotta get inna thata car.” After some creative maneuvering, he squeezed all 7 feet and 300 pounds into Luigi and popped out through the roll-top roof. The red, white and green Phanatic waved an Italian flag as Luigi drove him around the entire ballpark, while the crowd cheered, ”LUIGI, LUIGI, LUIGI!” As one Phillies employee replied when asked about the festivities. “Everything was great, however, Luigi was the biggest HIT of the day.”

Check out the Phillies’ website to see when your Heritage is being celebrated. Until then, “Ciao for now!”

See the video here!