Described by co-founder Ruben Amaro Jr. as a baseball alternative inspired by Topgolf, Sluggball is a four-on-four hitting competition in which batters get 35 seconds or eight swings while aiming for designated target areas on the field.
"It's a situational hitting game. It's very, very similar to what top golf is to golf, Sluggball is to baseball where we're just hitting the ball in different areas," Amaro, former MLB player and Phillies executive, said.
World Series champion Cole Hamels joined a group of Phillies alumni for the event. Charlie Manuel and Larry Bowa served as managers, while Mickey Morandini, Aaron Rowand, and Milt Thompson were among those taking turns in the batter's box.
"We have a special group here and that's something you can see just from the '80 team, the '93 team, to the '08 team," Hamels said.
The event highlighted the lasting bond among former Phillies players and their connection to the team's fan base.
"When you win here, in front of this fan base, the passion, it's everlasting and that's something we like to hold dear, and we like to celebrate with each other," Hamels said.
Beyond the competition, organizers said the event supported the Darren Daulton Foundation, which honors the late Phillies catcher and assists families affected by brain tumors.
"To see guys like Charlie Manuel and Larry Bowa, down to Kenny Lofton who probably can still play, it's amazing to have such wonderful support," said Brett Datto, president of the Darren Daulton Foundation.
The event also benefited the Ruben Amaro Sr. Foundation. Amaro said the opportunity to honor his father through the event carries personal significance.
"I've built relationships with a lot of guys through the years, and we were fortunate enough to bring some guys back for alumni weekend," Amaro said.
For participants and organizers, the event served as both a celebration of baseball and a way to support causes connected to the Phillies community.