By David Madden

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A former batting practice pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies is taking the team to court, contending the organization and its General Manager have badmouthed him.

Ali Modami contends in a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court that the Phillies, and specifically GM Ruben Amaro Junior, have been telling lies about him, claiming he stole memorabilia to sell on-line. He claims that was the reason he was dismissed a year ago.

The Phillies, according to the suit, said they were going in a different direction when they let Modami go. He had prospects in Los Angeles and Washington — only to see them vanish — and later learn of the alleged defamatory statements.

Modami’s attorney, who provided a copy of the lawsuit, declined comment. The club has yet to be formally served, and also declined to talk about the suit.