Phil and Phillis Bobble Head Variations
(via @DrBobblesWorld)

In 2003 the Phillies sent off Veterans Stadium with a number of nostalgic promotions. One of my favorites was the re-emergence of 1970's mascots Phil and Phillis. The costumed characters roamed the stadium walkways before and during the game, reminding fans of the days before the Phanatic was "born".

The Phillies started using bobble heads as a regular promotion in 2001 with (the classic) Pat Burrell and Larry Bowa giveaways. In 2002 they introduced variants to the mix with the "red jersey" Jimmy Rollins followed by three different Phil and Phillis dual figurines the next season. Most fans have seen the SGA version handed out "Final Innings" weekend at the Vet, but they may not know two variants - one each for Season Ticket Holders and Group Leaders - were also produced in 2003. The overall design of the three bobbles are similar. Key differences are that the sponsor names are only on the SGA version, and the text on the back of the base states either, "The Final Innings", "2003 Season MVP" or "Group Leader".

Variation Checklist:
Phil and Phillis - SGA (9/27/03)
Phil and Phillis - Group Leader
Phil and Phillis - Season Ticket Holder

Thanks to Dr. Bobbles World for the heads-up on the additional variations. If you are on Twitter, give him a follow - @DrBobblesWorld

Phillies 2004 SGA -
Starting Rotation Nesting Dolls

Russian nesting doll giveaways were a trend of the mid-2000's across Major League Baseball. Billed the heir-apparent to the bobble-head as the stadium giveaway of choice, almost every team had at least one promotion featuring them during this time. For anyone unfamiliar with the product, nesting dolls are a series of hollowed out, bowling pin shaped figurines that vary in size and fit within each other. Traditionally, the figurines featured the images of peasant women, but for the sports-themed promotions, they bore the likeness of popular athletes.

The Phillies, facing the challenge to fill an empty Veterans Stadium/Citizens Bank Park 81 nights of the summer, jumped on board the budding trend during the 2003 and 2004 season's adding three separate sets to their promotional schedules. The first set (SGA - 8/17/03) featured hitting stars Jim Thome, Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu. Solid feedback to the first set (as mentioned in this archived article) led to two additional sets being handed out in 2004 - Phatatic set (5/23) and this week's spotlight collectible - "Starting Rotation" set (5/31) featuring Kevin Millwood, Randy Wolf, Vincente Padilla, Eric Milton and Brett Myers.

The dolls had a nice run, but obviously did not live up to expectations with fans and collectors alike. Ultimately, I think it is their inability to be easily displayed (and, not lingering anti-Russian sentiment) that can be blamed for their failure.

Product details:

SGA Date - May 31, 2004
Produced by - Babooshkah.com (as best as I can tell, but let me know if you know better)
Production run - 20,000
Sponsored by - Motrin IB
Featured players - Kevin Millwood, Randy Wolf, Vincente Padilla, Eric Milton and Brett Myers

A look at all three sets from philliessga.com

Collectible of the Week: 2003 Phil and Phillis Bobble Head Variations

Collectible of the Week: 2004 Starting Rotation Nesting Dolls