Jan. 9 -- WINTER TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

BY SCOTT LAUBER

So, I know the Eagles are playing a big game Sunday, but can you believe there are only 35 more days until Phillies pitchers and catchers must report to Clearwater? Yeah, only 35 days. Crazy, right?

Anyway, the Phillies have announced the dates for their annual winter tour. This year, it appears the star of the show will be the World Series trophy, which will make nearly 30 public appearances. Closest to home, at least to our News Journal home, will be the Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association banquet on Sunday, Jan. 25 at Cavaliers Country Club in Wilmington. The trophy will be accompanied by Harry Kalas and new assistant GM Scott Proefrock. Tickets are available for $50. For information, call 302-656-9797, email bbtix@aol.com or visit delsports.org.

The following night, Jan. 26, the trophy will head to Cherry Hill, N.J., for the annual Philadelphia Sportswriters Banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Route 70. Ruben Amaro Jr., Charlie Manuel and Brad Lidge will also be in attendance. For info, call 609-702-7473, email pswadinner@yahoo.com or visit www.pswa.org.

Here's a full list of the trophy's travel schedule for events that are open to the public.

Monday: Heritage Hills Golf Resort & Conference Center, York, Pa., 12-1:30 p.m.
Tuesday: BlueClaws banquet, Lakewood, N.J., 7 p.m. (pitcher J.A. Happ also will attend)
Wednesday: Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum, Williampsort, Pa., 1:30-3 p.m.
Wednesday: Crosscutters banquet, Williamsport, Pa., 7 p.m. (Happ, Kalas will attend)
Thursday: Chickie's & Pete's, Egg Harbor Twp., N.J., 1-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 17: Montgomery Mall, North Wales, Pa., 12-1:30 p.m.
Jan. 19: Liacouras Center at Temple University, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Jan. 21: Starters Riverport, Bethlehem, Pa.: 1-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 21: IronPigs banquet, Allentown, 6:45 p.m. (Ryan Madson, Scott Eyre, Amaro will attend)
Jan. 22: VF Outlet Center, Reading, Pa., 1-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 22: Reading Phillies banquet, Wyomissing, Pa., 7 p.m. (Madson, Eyre and Manuel will attend)
Jan. 23: Alvina Krause Theatre, Bloomsburg, Pa., 1-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 23: Maroons Sports Bar & Grill, Pottsville, Pa., 6-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 24: Sixers game, 7 p.m. (Cole Hamels, Shane Victorino and Madson will attend)
Jan. 27: Prescott Banquet Hall, Lebanon, Pa., 1-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 30: Philadelphia Auto Show Preview Gala, 12th & Arch St., Philadelphia
Jan. 31: Moorestown Mall, Moorestown, N.J., 12-1:30 p.m.