February 19, 2016
Nell Redmond/AP
In this May 15, 2015, photo, Reece Whitley swims the 100-meter breaststroke in the B final at the Arena Pro Swim Series meet in Charlotte, N.C. Whitley, a 15-year-old from the Philadelphia suburb of Lafayette Hill, was named Sports Kid of the Year by Sports Illustrated Kids.
With baseball season fast approaching, the Philadelphia Phillies announced Friday that they will have a special guest throw out the first pitch when the team takes on the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on April 15.
As the Phillies celebrate their inaugural Swimmers Night, they'll welcome 15-year-old Lafayette Hill native Reece Whitley to do the honors, according to Swimmers World Magazine.
Last November, Whitley was named Sportskid of the Year by Sports Illustrated Kids magazine, marking the second consecutive year that distinction went to a Philadelphia youth athlete. In 2014, Taney Dragons pitcher Mone Davis received the award.
Whitley, a sophomore at William Penn Charter School, is currently competing in the 2016 Eastern Interscholastic Championships and has his sights set on a bid for the U.S. Olympic team. The 6'8'' swimming prospect, who has also been a standout in basketball and baseball, won the 200-meter breaststroke at the 2015 Speedo Junior National Championships and has shattered records for his age group over the past few years.
Outside the pool, Whitley has been a mentor to younger kids who hope to find a place in youth athletics. Even Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps has called Whitley "very talented" and "a stud" when asked about his potential moving forward.
In addition to Swimmers Night, the Phillies will honor Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, distributing T-shirts to those who have a themed ticket. The first 500 fans who purchase a ticket through the Swimmers Night promotion will receive a coupon for an exclusive Swimmers Night hat.
