2015 Topps Opening Day #153 Cole Hamels

Red Sox 8, Phillies 0
Game 1 - Monday Afternoon, April 6th in Philadelphia
Record - 0-1, Tied for 3rd Place, 1 game behind the Braves and Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies were victimized by five Red Sox home runs, dropping their home opener in depressing fashion by an 8-0 score.

What It Means:  This is the first time the Phils have been shut out on opening day since 1998 when they lost to the Mets 1-0 in 14 innings.

2010 Topps Opening Day #13

What Happened:  Cole Hamels looked awful, allowing four home runs (including two to Dustin Pedroia) in his five innings of work while walking three.  Jake Diekman served up a grand slam to Hanley Ramirez in the ninth.  The offense managed three hits, including a double from Ryan Howard.

Featured Cards:  He didn't really earn it, but I feel obligated to feature this Topps Opening Day card for Hamels.  And it was great to see the Flyin' Hawaiian again.

Field Report:  Doug and I attended this game along with my Mom and my sister's family.  Doug's grandmother had kindly purchased opening day tickets for us as part of our Christmas present this year and it was Doug's first ever opening day.  The actual on-field performance of the team stunk, but everything else was awesome.

Once again, the Phillies delivered with an impressive pre-game ceremony featuring the entire team and coaching staff entering the ballpark from the center field stands.  It was also great to welcome back Shane Victorino to Philadelphia.  Victorino received a warm standing ovation from the crowd when he came to bat in the second.

I'm off to an 0-1 start this season and I'll have a full separate post shortly on the new team issued set.

Herrera's new giant line-up card

The 2015 Phillies entering the field

National Anthem

Shane's back!