In addition to hot dogs, Screwball the mascot, popcorn and fireworks, no Reading Fightin Phils game is complete without Berks County native Adam Briscoe. While some baseball fans may not know his name – or that of his dance, the “Briscoe Disco” -– it’s likely they know him when they see him. Always in the stands (at Fightins games, local musical happenings or the occasional Reading Royals match), Briscoe livens up any event and enjoys giving others an opportunity to join in his fun. When he’s not working up the crowd and meeting his very own fans, he can be found relaxing at home in Reading with his family – his mom, Tina, brother, Steven, and dad, Rally.
Q: Have you always been a baseball fan?
Yes, I started going to games with my dad when I was 21; I’m 29 now. I’m always early for the games because I’m usually in the locker rooms beforehand and help get the players pumped up. During the games I like to get people having fun; that’s my idea of fun.
Q: So you invented your signature Briscoe Disco moves years ago?
Yes, I love baseball and music, so I combined them. It makes people happy and gets them moving with me. I like seeing everyone have a good time and dancing along with me. I even have fans of my own now. People know my name and call out to me. I like to dance at the Phils’ games; I like when bands play at the stadium – and sometimes go see music at clubs. People even know me at the Pike Café, which is my favorite restaurant; my favorite eats there are macaroni and cheese or a ham and cheese club sandwich.
Q: You also sometimes go to Royals games, right?
I like hockey and I go to a few games every season, but baseball is my favorite, and I know the players, so that makes it more fun. They know I’m their number one fan.
Q: Do you have a favorite song for dancing?
I like mostly classic rock, and I’ll dance to any song, but Johnny B. Goode is my favorite.
Q: What do you do when you’re not at games?
I work at 10th and Green Elementary in Reading, in food service. I get to dance there sometimes, too, when the kids have a pep rally or assembly. They love to dance along, and it makes everybody happy.
Q: When the game is underway and there’s no music, what do you like to do?
I like to get a Sierra Mist and a soft pretzel and talk with people about the game or the players. Lots of them ask me about myself. It’s fun to meet other baseball fans and people who enjoy getting out to the stadium in the summer.
Q: Did you play baseball as a kid?
I did, but I like coming to games better. When we win, I sometimes get to help do a post-game celebration, and kids even ask for my autograph. I’d actually rather be the number one fan than play it myself.
