POTTSVILLE, Pa. -- D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. and Philadelphia Phillies’ pitcher Aaron Nola are teaming up.
The collaboration announced Monday will make All-Star Nola one of the first active MLB players to have a partnership with a beer brand.
“Yuengling holds a special spot in my heart,” said Aaron Nola. “I had my first Yuengling Lager after being drafted by Philadelphia and I haven’t looked back. The fact that America’s Oldest Brewery is family owned and operated is important to me as I value family over everything. I love cracking open a cold Yuengling whether it’s a day fishing with my dad and brother back in Louisiana or after a big game.”
Nola's ambassadorship duties will include - personal appearances, fan meet & greets, special promotions, and more.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Aaron into the Yuengling family,” said Wendy Yuengling, sixth generation daughter, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. “This year marks our 190th anniversary as America’s Oldest Brewery, and our partnership with Aaron is one of the many ways we are celebrating the milestone this year. We can’t wait for the start of baseball season and to cheer Aaron and the Phillies on with a cold Yuengling beer.”
If you walk around the Yuengling Brewery gift shop in Pottsville, you'll notice owner Dick Yuengling's affinity for baseball, especially the Philadelphia Phillies.
"My dad's been a huge Phillies fan since he was a kid, and I grew up a Philadelphia fan myself, even going back to the Veterans Stadium days, so this partnership with Aaron really solidifies that bond," said Jennifer Yuengling, vice president of operations.
"Aaron really embodies the foundation and the work ethic that we have as a company. When he first joined the Phillies, he had an affinity for our brand, so I think he's going to make a great brand ambassador for us," Yuengling added.
In 2018, Nola had one of the best seasons of any Phillies pitcher in franchise history. He finished top five in innings pitched and earned run average. He also finished third in the Cy Young race and was named to the National League All-Star Team.
"I think that's awesome. He's definitely up and coming, so it's really cool, and it's nice that it's something local and homegrown," said Jacque Ryder.
"I just think he's a great player. I think Yuengling is a great beer, and they just celebrated their 190th anniversary, so I think it's perfect timing," Jerry Monahan said.
Yuengling has been a sponsor of the Philadelphia Phillies since 2017.
There used to be a ban on active players endorsing alcohol brands, but that ban has been lifted.
The Phillies open the season Thursday afternoon against the Atlanta Braves. Nola will get the start.