However . . . Alert reader Steve F. recently clued me in to a current eBay auction offering up a signed Schierholtz card featuring the design of Phillies Team Issue 2. He contacted the Phillies directly and received this reply:
The card that you found on e-bay was from the Phillies Phestival that supports ALS. That card most likely came from a mystery grab bag and not added in the second series set of cards. Those cards would have gone through the community outreach department and not merchandising as it was for the Phestival.But Steve astutely realized that Schierholtz joined the Phillies two days after the Phestival, so that information can't be accurate.
It came from the updated postcard set you get at the stadium.Wait what?
So Phillies Team Issue 2.1 exists? Will this be yet another White Whale search for me, akin to the 1984 or 1988 Tastykake Update sets or the 1990 Tastykake set? Will one of these sets hit eBay and if so, will the seller be savvy enough to differentiate between Team Issue 2.0 and Team Issue 2.1? Maybe the set is currently for sale at the Majestic Clubhouse Store at the ballpark? And how awesome is my wife for appearing to be genuinely interested in this pressing matter when I explained to her the discovery of what could be a potential Schierholtz card from Team Issue 2.1? It boggles the mind.
8 comments:
Interesting discovery...the players also have the photo cards on the tables during the Phestival. They are available for use in cases where fans don't have something specific for that playere/coach. From what I've noticed in the past they are from the issued stadium set, but I guess in cases like this they may need to produce a limited run.
The Phillies merchandising person got back to me on Friday and told me that there actually was a version 2.1 (my description, not theirs). The person in merchandising told me to call 1-877-PHILLIES (or something like that) and ask to order "Set #3". So it exists! Not sure who else is in it. I was tied upon Friday, but I'll be ordering it Monday.
That's what I get for having a huge tailgate with lots and lots of beer flowing before the final game and not being on my game enough to check one last time!
Any word as to whether 2.1 actually did come out? If so, please let me know -- I need to get it too.
I stopped by the Majestic Clubhouse Store at the ballpark after work today and they were sold out. The lady who was working there knew exactly what I was talking about ("Oh, you mean the 4 x 6 postcard set?") and she said they had sold out over the weekend.
Steve - Please let us know what you find out. I'm going to try to call them tomorrow as well if I can break away at work.
The hunt continues!
So the number is 1-877-GOPHILS, and they do have the third set in stock. I have a couple of them on the way. Unfortunately, their shipping is through the roof ($8 for my order with the cards and a few programs), and they also charge tax, unlike at the park. I believe what you can buy from merchandising is here:
http://mlb.mlb.com/phi/fan_forum/experiences_merch.jsp
See especially the Publications and DVDs links. I ended up filling in a couple programs I had missed as well, and an extra 2008 photo card set. Might as well have it all shipped together.
They should put all of that "Merchandising" stuff in the Majestic store. I bet they get at most a few orders a week for the items on that site. They probably had to blow significant amounts of dust off the programs I ordered.
Anyway, call now so it doesn't become your next white whale!
Awesome information Steve. I just placed my order for the "Update 3" 4 x 6 photo card set, as they're calling it.
The guy on the phone seemed puzzled when I asked if they also had a 1984 Tastykake Update set available.
; )
In case anyone is interested, the players added to 2.1 were Brown, Frandsen, Lindblom, Martinez, Rosenberg and Schiertholtz. They replaced Blanton, Fontenot, Pence, Pridie, Sanches and Victorino.
Haha re the 1984 Update set!
Thanks for the player list, Brian. In reverse, it looks like it could have been the results from an update set for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. (Well, except for Pence, Victorino and Blanton...)
I suppose when the Phillies placed the printing order for the update set, they refused to pay the expedite fee, thinking they'd be selling them right through the postseason. No such luck. Now they'll have to dump them out at seas with the 1952 Topps high numbers!
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