Philadelphia Phillies Enhance Family’s Backyard in Tribute

The Almada family's new Phillies-themed backyard, filled with joy and community support.

News Summary

The Philadelphia Phillies, along with King Swings, renovated the Almada family’s backyard as a tribute to their late father, bringing joy during a difficult time. The transformation features a Phillies-themed swing set, wiffle ball field, and is part of the Phillies’ Summer of Giving initiative aimed at supporting local families. Community involvement and emotional support from nonprofits also played a critical role in uplifting the family’s spirits while fostering healing through fun activities in their new space.

Philadelphia – The Philadelphia Phillies, in collaboration with King Swings, have transformed the Almada family’s backyard in Malvern, Pennsylvania, as a heartfelt tribute to their late father. This surprise makeover took place in June 2024, just in time for Father’s Day, aiming to bring joy to the family during their time of grief.

The Almada children, Ray, Sammy, and Gio, lost their father in December 2023. The emotional impact of this loss has been profound, and the community has rallied around the family to provide support. The new backyard features a Phillies-themed swing set, Adirondack chairs, a wiffle ball field, and fresh landscaping, all designed to create a fun and inviting space for the family.

King Swings, a family-owned business based in Lancaster County, specializes in building custom outdoor play sets. Elmer King, the owner, expressed the project’s significance, emphasizing the desire to create a joyful environment for the Almada family amidst their grief. The backyard transformation not only offers a place for the children to play but also serves as a sanctuary for family bonding and memories.

The involvement of the Philadelphia Phillies was substantial. Staff members and volunteers from the organization dedicated their time to support this project. Notably, ball girl Allyson Meakim showcased the new setup to the Almada family before the grand reveal. Ed Speer, the Phillies Ballpark Operations Manager, contributed by adding final touches, including planting flowers, to enhance the aesthetic of the backyard.

Gio Almada described the redesigned yard as a “baseball stadium/fun park,” highlighting his excitement about the new swings and play area. His enthusiasm reflects the joy that the transformation has brought to the children during a challenging time. Their mother, Diane Almada, expressed relief and happiness upon seeing her sons play and smile, which has provided her with comfort and hope as they navigate their loss.

The Almada family has also received grief support from a local nonprofit organization called Peter’s Place, which collaborated with the Phillies on this heartfelt project. The partnership not only facilitated the backyard makeover but also offered the family emotional support during a greatly challenging period in their lives.

The project is part of the Phillies’ Summer of Giving initiative, sponsored by the Giant Company, which aims to uplift and support families within the community through various outreach programs and events. TJ Farrell, the Phillies Coordinator of Community Events, highlighted the importance of creating inviting spaces for families and friends to come together, especially in moments of remembrance and healing.

The newly transformed backyard is adorned with post-season banners, providing an ambiance reminiscent of a genuine Phillies clubhouse. This unique feature enhances the overall theme and makes it a special environment for the Almada family to enjoy baseball and outdoor activities together.

This initiative by the Philadelphia Phillies and King Swings showcases the power of community support and the positive impact that organizations can have on families experiencing grief. Through acts of kindness and dedication, the community continues to honor the memory of loved ones while providing a supportive space for healing and joy.