The best of the Phillie Phanatic on his 38th birthday

The Philadelphia Phillies won't have much to celebrate on the field this season, so why not go all out on the Phillie Phanatic's birthday?

Believe it or not, the iconic Phanatic is celebrating his 38th birthday this year. His actual birthday is on April 25, but since the Phillies are on the road that day, they chose Sunday to host a grand party for the best mascot in baseball - and maybe in all of sports. From party hats to special base markers, no expense is being spared for this birthday bash. And of course, all of his best mascot friends came to Citizens Bank Park to help him celebrate.

Given the Phanatic's iconic status in both the baseball and mascot worlds, his birthday is a perfect opportunity to look back at a life that's been filled with adventure, wild stunts, laughter, and at least one very annoyed opponent. So here's to another 38 years of wackiness in Philadelphia - and here are some of the Phillie Phanatic's most memorable moments.

Stretching with Joey Bats

The Phanatic proved age is just a number in March while working out with Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista before a spring game. A series of one-handed pushups left Bautista, who's notorious for his regimented stretching routines, speechless. Perhaps a workout video is in the Phanatic's future.

Dancing with umpires

Even umpires can't resist the Phillie Phanatic's charm. During a 2014 game he coerced the usually stone-faced Laz Diaz to get his salsa on between innings. Of course, the Phanatic's never one to hide his affections, and he rewarded Diaz's efforts with a big ol' smooch.

Mocking opponents

Hunter Pence was a Phillie for a little over a year - but once you leave town, the Phanatic's not on your side anymore. The Phanatic took aim at Pence's warmup routine and his socks, then added a jab at Pablo Sandoval's fielding skills for good measure.

Making Lasorda snap

Of course, not everybody in baseball is a fan of the Phanatic's act. During a visit to Veterans Stadium in 1988, Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda responded to the friendly taunts by stealing the Phanatic's ride, then tackling him to the ground and pummeling him. In fairness, though, the Phanatic isn't the only mascot that's felt Lasorda's wrath.

Losing his keys

Everyone loves the Phanatic's trademark ATV. So much so that many opponents have tried - and failed - to swipe the keys to his ride over the years. Dodgers infielder Kike Hernandez pulled it off last year, and taunted the Phanatic for a little while. It's all fun and games ... unless you play for the archrival Mets, as David Wright found out some years ago. That's when Philly's finest get involved.

Family fun

The most important thing to the Phillie Phanatic is family. On Mother's Day in 2009, he serenaded his proud mother with a song-and-dance routine, then presented her with a lovely bouquet of flowers. Mrs. Phanatic obviously did a great job raising such a lovely young man.

(Videos courtesy: MLB.com)