Q&A- Scott Palmer

The Director of Public Affairs for the Philadelphia Phillies, Scott Palmer, took time out of his busy schedule of sailing the seas on the Phillies Cruise and getting ready for Phillies Fantasy Camp to answer a handful of questions for us.

1. What all do you do for the Phillies?
My job as Director of Public Affairs keeps me busy. I am here for any fans that have questions or opinions they want to share about the Phillies. I am also part of the Phillies Media Relations Team. In that capacity I work closely with television stations that report on our ball club. I also do my own share of reporting, as host of our Sunday pre game show “The W.B. Mason Behind the Pinstripes.” During Spring Training I file video reports on the team that appear on Phillies.Com. We also send many of those interviews back north for stations that can’t be with us in Clearwater. In addition to those roles I host news conferences, and other events sponsored by the Phillies like Baseball 101 for Women.

2. Aside from the 2008, which season has been your favorite?
2007 was special because the Phillies won the division and got into the playoffs. The goal every year is for us to win the World Series. In 07 we took the first big step.

3. Biggest tough-ass in Phils recent history (1980-Present)?
If you are referring to a clubhouse tough guy the ultimate leader had to be Darren Daulton. Otherwise I think I would put in a vote for Dave Hollins.

4. Nicest Phillie in recent history (1980-Present).
A tie between a pretty good double play combination, Mickey Morandini and Kevin Stocker.

5. Do you ever miss the Vet?
I always enjoyed being at the Vet. It had character and a personality all it’s own. It had Philadelphia written all over it.

6. Are you a Phillies fantasy camp all-star?
Just the opposite. I was a good field no hit catcher in little league days. Now my knees hurt and I still can’t hit. My best adult baseball memory probably is stealing home in an over 40 South Jersey hardball league.

7. Reflect back on your reporter days.
I was fortunate enough to enjoy a broadcasting career that lasted more than thirty years. Along the way I drove in a stock car race after being coached by David Pearson, reported on Bear Bryant for two years in Alabama, was the first television reporter to interview Charles Barkley (while he was a high school player in Alabama), was in St. Louis for Mark McGwire’s home run record, and Baltimore when Cal Ripkin broke the Iron Man record. I was in Chicago for the famous Fog Bowl game, and Houston for the House of Pain game with Jerome Brown. I covered the Olympics, a Super Bowl, World Series, and the NBA and NHL finals. As I said I have been extremely lucky.

8. Just how cool was "Campaign Cheer"?
I think you guys were at the forefront of a fan movement in Philly. Instead of expecting the sky to fall when things are going good, fans are starting to expect good things to happen. I think it’s even carried over to the other side of the street. Towards the end of the Eagles season the fans began to feel positivity. Believe me, the players feel it. Our guys told me they have noticed the change in the energy at Citizens Bank Park.

9. Thing you look forward to most in the upcoming seasons.
That’s an easy one, more parades!

10. Describe the Diamond Club, and can you hook us up with a pair of tickets?
They only let me go there when I’m hosting events. I’m more of an Ashburn Alley guy.

11. Best feature of Citizen's Bank Park?
Open concourses and great sightlines.

12. What other sports do you follow?
Sixers, Flyers, Eagles, college football, and golf.

13. Biggest perk of your job?
Livin’ the dream, and being among 2 million of the best fans in baseball celebrating a well deserved championship.

14. How was the Phillies Cruise?
The Phillies Cruise was great. We sailed the Western Caribbean with Shane Victorino, J.C. Romero, Greg Luzinski, Larry Andersen, and the Phanatic. Of the 2 thousand passengers on board, more than 220 of them were Phillies Fans. We had several scheduled events, and there were many other times when the fans were able to just stop and talk with the players on board the ship. A good time was had by all with a lot of baseball talk as we cruised the high seas.

~Carson