Phantoms Baseball Serves Community, Gives Thanks

Darby, PA—More than three months ahead of the 2025 baseball season's first pitch, the Delaware County Community College Phantoms made an off-the-field plate appearance, stepping up as servers in partnership with the Keith Dawson Foundation and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton for a Thanksgiving Food Giveaway at Park Lane Elementary School.

"We were absolutely honored to serve those in our community who showed up to receive 1,000 turkeys and hundreds of pounds of food," said DCCC Head Baseball Coach Ryan Hunter. "Our players are proud to support the community that supports us."

Players were thankful for the opportunity. "Helping the Keith Dawson Foundation hand out Thanksgiving dinner supplies for the Delco community was a humbling and rewarding experience," said team captain Eric Engesser. "It reinforced the values the team carries on the field: teamwork, unity, working hard, and making a positive impact. This experience showed me that success isn't just measured by wins, but by how we lift each other up and help those in need."

"Volunteering with my fellow teammates helped us become closer as teammates and also gave us a sense of purpose with our community," said first-year player Brady Kopishke. "To be able to help so many people have a great Thanksgiving was truly special."

The Keith Dawson Foundation provides support to families impacted by leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers while promoting healthy lifestyles to the local community. Founder Keith Dawson also serves as the Phantoms' strength and conditioning coach.

The Phantoms invited Speaker McClinton out to throw out a first pitch this upcoming spring season and the team looks forward to continued efforts to support the Foundation, according to Coach Hunter. DCCC is scheduled to open the 2025 season on Friday, Feb 28, 3:30pm, taking on Atlantic Cape Community College at home (901 S Media Ln Rd, Media, PA).