Bomb scare turned out to be Phanatic's hot dogs

A Philadelphia Police Department bomb squad detonated three suspicious packages at Citizens Bank Park yesterday afternoon at 5, according to Phillies vice president Michael Stiles.

After the detonation, the area was given the all-clear and last night's Phillies-Braves game went on as scheduled at 7:05.

Police said the packages simply contained hot dogs.

"It appears they're the same hot dogs the Phanatic uses to shoot into the crowd," one investigator said.

It was unclear how, exactly, the packages ended up outside the stadium.

Stadium employees were evacuated after the packages were found about 4 p.m. Batting practice continued while the ballpark was cleared.

"Somebody walked by and said, 'That looks odd,' " Stiles said. "We're not experts. We called the police. This could be trash. We just don't know."

The packages were found on the first-base side, outside the stadium.

The Phillies said: "After looking into [yesterday's] incident, the Phillies have determined that a commercial shoot was conducted at Citizens Bank Park during which hot dogs heavily wrapped in white packaging and duct tape were used as projectiles by the Phanatic's hot-dog launcher. Three of those projectiles were inadvertently left behind on a light post at our First Base Gate.

"The Philles would like to express their appreciation to the Philadelphia Police Department for their important assistance, particularly during this difficult time for all law enforcement." *