Once the packing was complete, the truck was sent off by rally towel-waving Phillies fans and employees outside of Citizens Bank Park. Before beginning its 1,058-mile journey across eight states, the truck made one last stop at the Citizens branch on 18 th and Market Streets.

The surest sign that spring is on its way is when the Phillies’ annual Truck Day rolls around. On Monday morning at Citizens Bank Park, three trucks were loaded with supplies the Phillies will need for spring training at their facilities in Clearwater,

Before the pitchers and catchers, before the fringe-roster positional battles, before the inevitable spring training breakout and the veteran in the best shape of his life — and hey, before the Super Bowl,