Sign of spring? Single-game Phils tix go on sale

The field is covered with snow at the Citizens Bank Park, and so are many of the seats fans covet, especially along the first base line.

But at 5 a.m. cousins Rob and Chuck Milrath of Ridley - emerging from their dens like groundhogs as harbingers of spring - arrived at the ballpark to be the first fans in line to buy single-game tickets for the coming season.

(Sales started at 8 a.m. online and 8:30 at the ticket windows or by phone at 215-463-1000.)

Rob, 18, said he and his cousin were gunning for Opening Night, Fan Appreciation Day, a fireworks game and a dollar-dog day.

At 8:30, the two cousins walked through a tape of blank tickets to make the first purchases.

"Probably will get in troble with the teachers," said Ridley High senior Rob, whose first-in-line status had landed him and his cousin in the media spotlight.

Braving the breezy chill were three ballgirls - with no gloves, hats or heavy jackets.

"There is shivering in baseball, but there's no crying," said ballgirl Victoria Musselman, 22, who's training to become a physician's assistant at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Next in line was Joe Burns, 49, of Tacony, whose list of games focused on teams he wanted to see. The May 7 game against Atlanta, however, he chose not for the competition but to celebrate the anniversary of his "last beer." He wasn't a heavy drinker, he said. He just decided to quit.

Wearing wristband No. 16 was Bill Ward, 56, of Westville, N.J., who has been part of this annual ritual for a decade.

"No reason they can't win it again - the World Series," he said. "100 wins. No problem."

"Maybe 105 if [reliever Brad] Lidge doesn't blow 11 saves," chimed in Kevin Rimkunas, 51, of Bridesburg.

This was his sixth year at the yearly event. He braved the cold for several reasons. "The Internet's a pain. It's tough getting through. Plus I don't like paying a service fee."

Just before 7 a.m., Rob and Chuck were presented with new red caps whose tags touted, among other attributes, "vapor management." Today, in Florida, players will start wearing these "flex fit" caps with "high-tech mesh" all during spring training - and for batting practice during the season, explained Francis Winkey, manager of the Majestic Clubhouse Store.

Then the dozen fans in line were let into the store to be greeted by two ballgirls, sign up for a chance to win Opening Day tickets, take advantage of 15 percent off today, grab a bagel or a doughnut and some coffee, or pose with the 2009 National League championship trophy and the 2008 World Series trophy - provided they brought a camera.

Sales of ticket were for 77 dates for the 2010 season.

Off-limits were four games - Opening Day and three against the Boston Red Sox - because they've available only through season ticket packages, six-game "Six Packs," or an online "ticket purchase opportunity" lottery.

After today, tickets will be sold at the First Base Gate ticket windows from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 to 4 on weekends starting March 6.

Six Packs were already on sale before this morning, allowing fans to pick six games, including only one of the following - Opening Day, a Mets game, a Red Sox game, Father's Day, Mother's Day or a fireworks night.

For more about tickets, giveaways, and the online ticket opportunity, Online drawings end Feb. 24 for Opening Day, March 3 for Sox tickets.