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Phillies Bring Spring Training Home For Final 2 Games

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Spring training wraps up tonight and tomorrow afternoon with two exhibition Phillies games at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies return to South Philadelphia tonight for the first of two games that don't count in the standings -- but mean a lot to fans like Paul Brooks of Cherry Hill, who says, "It symbolizes the return of summer -- of outdoorness, of being out in the fresh air and having a good time."

Phils fan Rich Hill of Glen Mills says the On Deck series is a true sign of spring. "I'm excited. I'm on edge. I'm waiting. And I just came back from the World Baseball Classic, so I'm really looking forward to baseball being back."

Hill has big hopes for this season. "I think we can do at least a Wild Card. And get in there. Once we get into the playoffs anything can happen. This team is too talented to go 81-81 two years in a row."

Phils VP for tickets John Weber says fans will be treated to player surprises during the two games.

"You might see Domonic Brown in a certain area or Ben Revere doing something out in the Fun Zone. But, we're looking forward to our players coming back."

Weber expects crowds of about 32,000 tonight and 38,000 tomorrow. The Phils open the season for real Monday night in Atlanta.

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