Howard Homer Wins It in 11! #ChachiNow

2016 Chachi #40

Phillies 4, Indians 3 (11)
Game 23 - Friday Night, April 29th in Philadelphia
Record - 13-10, 3rd place, 2 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Ryan Howard won the game with an 11th inning walk-off home run against the Indians.

What It Means:  These Phillies are exciting!  Who saw this coming?  The pitching staff's 240 strikeouts currently leads the Majors.

What Happened:  Howard had quite a night, going 3 for 5 with a single, double and his dramatic home run.

Adam Morgan was recalled to take Charlie Morton's place in the rotation, as Morton is now lost for the season with a bad hamstring injury.  Morgan struck out seven in his five innings of work, allowing all three Indians runs.  The bullpen was phenomenal, pitching six scoreless innings and striking out 11.  Andrew Bailey and David Hernandez each pitched a pair of scoreless frames.

Featured Card:  A walk-off home run by the veteran qualifies in my book for a Chachi Highlight card.  (I'm happy to see Howard has received a Topps Now card.)

Field Report:  Now in the interest of full disclosure, we were not around for Howard's game winning heroics.  A very cold night, coupled with a very early Saturday morning wake-up call for Doug's soccer tournament, meant we needed to leave relatively early.  We left after the fifth inning with the score tied at three.

Before the game, we admired the new giant Topps line-up cards for David Lough, Morgan and Peter Bourjos.  Walking through the concourse, we stopped by the radio booth and listened to the end of Jim Jackson's interview of Aaron Nola.  When Nola exited the booth, he was kind enough to pose for a picture with Doug.  Doug and I agreed that we needed to be better prepared next time with a Sharpie and an extra team photo card set for autograph purposes.

Transaction:  Morgan was recalled from Lehigh Valley on Friday afternoon and reliever Luis Garcia was optioned down to the IronPigs.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Chachi #13 Emmanuel Burriss

#15
Emmanuel Allen Burriss
Infield

Bats:  Switch  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  190
Born:  January 17, 1985, Washington, DC
Home:  Washington, DC
Drafted:  Selected by the San Francisco Giants between the 1st and 2nd rounds of the June 2006 draft
Teams:  San Francisco Giants 2008-2012; Washington Nationals 2015; Phillies 2016
Acquired:  Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Washington Nationals, December 3, 2015

2008 Topps Update #UH177

2016 Phillies Team Issue #15

1 Burriss Baseball Card in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #15
First Phillies Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #15
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #15
Latest Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #15

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2008 Topps Update #UH177

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi #7

Card statistics through 4/29/16.

Series Preview - Indians at Phillies: April 29th to May 1st

Friday and Saturday 7:05, Sunday 2:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Indians 10-9, Tied for 3rd place in the A.L. Central, 4 games behind the White Sox
Phillies 12-10, 3rd place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Indians Probables:  Corey Kluber (1-3, 4.67), Trevor Bauer (1-0, 4.76), Danny Salazer (2-1, 2.35)
Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (0-0, 0.00), Jerad Eickhoff (1-3, 4.07), Vince Velasquez (3-1, 1.78)

At the Ballpark:  Sunday afternoon is Mother's Appreciation Day with all women 15 and over receiving a Phillies infinity scarf.  My wife explained to me that an infinity scarf is basically a big loopy scarf without two ends.

Indians Leaders
Average:  Tyler Naquin - .333
Runs:  Francisco Lindor and Mike Napoli - 12
Home Runs:  Mike Napoli - 4
RBIs:  Three tied with - 11
Stolen Bases:  Rajai Davis - 6

Wins:  Josh Tomlin - 3
ERA:  Danny Salazer - 2.35
Strikeouts:  Corey Kluber - 29
Saves:  Cody Allen - 7

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez and Odubel Herrera - .292
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 14
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 5
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 14
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 4

Wins:  Vince Velasquez - 3
ERA:  Vince Velasquez - 1.78
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 37
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 7

1970 Topps #59

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Dick Ellsworth goes solo for this edition of 1970 Topps Appreciation. Ellsworth pitched just one season for the Phillies, traded to the club in December 1966 from the Cubs for Ray Culp.  He started 21 games for the 1967 Phillies and relieved in another 11 games.  He finished the season with a 6-7 record and a 4.38 ERA, and he was traded after the season to the Red Sox in the deal that brought Mike Ryan to Philadelphia.

1970 was to be Ellsworth's penultimate season in the Majors, splitting time between the Indians and Brewers.  In 43 games that season, all but one in relief, he had a 3-3 record and a 3.79 ERA.

2016 Phillies Team Issue #29 Cameron Rupp

Phillies 3, Nationals 0
Game 22 - Thursday Afternoon, April 29th in Washington
Record - 12-10, 3rd place, 2 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies shockingly swept the Nationals with a three-run ninth inning at the expense of their all-time saves leader, Jonathan Papelbon.

What It Means:  It was the first sweep of the Nationals in Washington since 2009.  The Phillies are two games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 2012 season.

What Happened:  The game was scoreless entering the ninth when the Phillies loaded the bases with nobody out.  Papelbon was brought into the game and struck out Darin Ruf before Cameron Rupp blasted a two-run double to right, beyond the reach of Bryce Harper.  David Lough would later single home an additional insurance run.

Aaron Nola threw an incredible game, striking out seven and allowing two hits in his seven innings of work.  Elvis Araujo struck out Harper on three pitches to end a bases loaded threat in the eighth. Jeanmar Gomez pitched a scoreless ninth for his seventh save.

Featured Card:  As the team's primary catcher this season, hopefully Rupp starts appearing on some more baseball cards.  This is card from the team issued photo card set.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Chachi #12 Andres Blanco

#4

Andres Eloy Blanco

Infielder

Bats:  Switch  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'10"  Weight:  196

Born:  April 11, 1984, Urama, Carabobo, VZ

Home:  Urama, Carabobo, VZ

Signed:  Signed by the Kansas City Royals as an amateur free agent, August 2, 2000

Teams:  Kansas City Royals 2004-2006; Chicago Cubs 2009; Texas Rangers 2010-2011; Phillies 2014-

Acquired:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the Washington Nationals organization, March 31, 2012

2004 Topps Traded #T114

2012 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #2

2014 Chachi #56

2015 Phillies Team Issue #4

10 Blanco Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2012 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #2
First Phillies Card:  2015 Phillies Team Issue #4
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2015 Phillies Team Issue #4
Latest Card:  2016 Topps Phillies #PP-15

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2004 Topps Traded #T114

Complete Chachi Checklist
2014 Chachi #56
2015 Chachi #11
2016 Chachi #12

Card statistics through 4/27/16.

2016 Topps Phillies #PP-16 Jeremy Hellickson

Phillies 3, Nationals 0
Game 21 - Wednesday Night, April 27th in Washington
Record - 11-10, 3rd place, 3 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jeremy Hellickson and two relievers combined for the two-hit shutout against the Nationals, sealing a series win.

What It Means:  This is the first time the Phillies have a winning record this late in the season since they were 15-14 on May 4, 2014.

What Happened:  Hellickson struck out eight in his outing, handing the ball over to Hector Neris and Jeanmar Gomez who each pitched perfect innings.  Gomez saved his sixth game.

The Phils got their runs on a Darin Ruf sacrifice fly, a Peter Bourjos fielder's choice and an eighth inning solo home run from Carlos Ruiz.

Featured Card:  Hellickson is featured in the Topps Phillies retail team set in a Photoshopped Phillies uniform.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Topps Phillies #PP-15 Andres Blanco

Phillies 4, Nationals 3
Game 20 - Tuesday Night, April 27th in Washington
Record - 10-10, 3rd place, 4 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Andres Blanco and Maikel Franco led the way for the Phillies in an exciting 4-3 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  This was actually a fun game to watch.  The Phillies are playing much better than the horrible team everyone predicted they'd be.

What Happened:  Blanco started things off with a two-run home run off Max Scherzer in the first inning, and he fell a triple short of the cycle.  Franco's double in the seventh broke a 3-3 tie and gave Vince Velasquez his third win of the season.  Velasquez allowed three runs on five hits in his six innings.  The bullpen trio of David Hernandez, Hector Neris and Jeanmar Gomez shut down the Nationals over the final three frames.  With the tying run on first, Gomez got the white hot Bryce Harper to ground out to third to end the game.

Featured Card:  Blanco has been one of the most surprising players of this 2015-2016 Phillies era, coming off the bench to provide steady defense and timely hits.  This is a preview of his likely Series Two card, currently available in the Topps Phillies retail team set.  Coincidentally, as is sometimes the case, this card uses the same photo as Blanco's 2016 Chachi card.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Chachi #11 Darin Ruf

#18

Darin Cortland Ruf

First Base-Left Field

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  248

Born:  July 28, 1986, Omaha, NE

Home:  Omaha, NE

Drafted:  Selected by the Phillies in the 20th round of the June 2009 draft

Teams:  Phillies 2012-

Acquired:  Via draft

2010 Multi-Ad Lakewood BlueClaws #21

2010 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP12

2012 Chachi #57

2013 Topps #83

39 Ruf Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2010 Multi-Ad Lakewood BlueClaws #21
First Phillies Card:  2010 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP12
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2013 Topps #83
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2013 Phillies Team Issue #18
Latest Card:  2016 Topps Phillies #PP-13

Complete Chachi Checklist
2012 Chachi #57
2013 Chachi #48
2014 Chachi #43
2015 Chachi #13
2016 Chachi #11

Card statistics through 4/26/16.

Series Preview - Phillies at Nationals: April 26th to April 28th

Tuesday and Wednesday 7:05, Thursday 4:05
Nationals Park - Washington, DC

Phillies 9-10, 3rd place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games behind the Nationals
Nationals 14-4, 1st place in the N.L. East, 3 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables:  Vince Velasquez (2-1, 0.93), Jeremy Hellickson (1-1, 5.21), Aaron Nola (1-2, 4.50)
Nationals Probables:   Max Scherzer (2-1, 4.32), Gio Gonzalez (1-0, 1.42), Tanner Roark (2-2, 2.63)

At the Ballpark:  Tonight, the first 20,000 fans will receive a Racing President Teddy Plush Window Cling.  I've included a picture solely to prove that I'm not making this up.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Maikel Franco - .296
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 11
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 5
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 13
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 4

Wins:  Jeanmar Gomez and Vince Velasquez - 2
ERA:  Vince Velasquez - 0.93
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 30
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 4

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Daniel Murphy - .397
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 15
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 9
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 23
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 3

Wins:  Stephen Strasburg - 3
ERA:  Gio Gonzalez - 1.42
Strikeouts:  Stephen Strasburg - 31
Saves:  Jonathan Papelbon - 7

1970 Topps #591

1970 Topps #332

1970 Topps Appreciation:  For the second series preview post in a row, I've showing off two cards of former Phillies who also coached together.  Two of the longest tenured coaches in Phillies history, Mike Ryan coached for the team from 1980 to 1995 and Bobby Wine coached between 1972 and 1983.

Ryan served as the team's back-up catcher in 1970 behind Tim McCarver.  He hit .179 (24 for 134) that season with two home runs and 11 RBIs.  He stuck around until 1974 when the Phillies traded him to the Pirates for Jackie Hernandez.

Wine began his coaching career with the Phils as Ryan was wrapping up his playing career.  In 1970, he was Gene Mauch's starting shortstop for the Expos, hitting .232 in a career-high 159 games.

2016 Chachi #10 Cameron Rupp

#29

Cameron Arthur Rupp

Catcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  263

Born:  September 28, 1988, Dallas, TX

Home:  Plano, TX

Drafted:  Selected by the Phillies in the 3rd round of the June 2010 draft

Teams:  Phillies 2013-

Acquired: Via draft

2010 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #17

2010 Bowman Draft Prospects #BDPP41

2013 Chachi #63

21 Rupp Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2010 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #17
First Phillies Card:  2010 Bowman Draft Prospects #BDPP41
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2015 Phillies Team Issue #29
Latest Card:  2016 Topps Phillies #PP-14

Complete Chachi Checklist
2013 Chachi #63
2014 Chachi #53
2015 Chachi #10
2016 Chachi #10

Card statistics through 4/25/16.

2016 Chachi #9 Jeremy Hellickson

#58
Jeremy Robert Hellickson
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  190
Born:  April 8, 1987, Des Moines, IA
Home:  Des Moines, IA
Drafted:  Selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 4th round of the June 2005 draft
Teams:  Tampa Bay Rays 2010-2014; Arizona Diamondbacks 2015; Phillies 2016
Acquired:  Traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Sam McWilliams, November 14, 2015

2011 Topps #165

2016 Topps #104

2016 Topps Heritage #4

4 Hellickson Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2016 Topps #104
First Phillies Card:  2016 Topps Heritage #4
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #58
Latest Card:  2016 Topps Phillies #PP-16

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2011 Topps #165

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi New Additions #2
2016 Chachi #9

Card statistics through 4/24/16.

2011 Bowman Prospect Autographs #BPA-DS Domingo Santana

Brewers 8, Phillies 5
Game 19 - Sunday Afternoon, April 24th in Milwaukee
Record - 9-10, 3rd place, 5 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  A six-run sixth inning was the Phillies undoing, as the Brewers avoided the sweep with an 8-5 win.

What It Means:  This game was background noise in our house yesterday as we officially celebrated Ben's sixth birthday with our family.

What Happened:  Jared Eickhoff struggled for the first time this season, allowing seven runs on nine hits, but striking out seven in the process.

Featured Card:  There wasn't a logical choice for a Phillies card for this game summary post, so here's an autographed card of former Phillies prospect and current Brewers right fielder Domingo Santana.  Santana was the player to be named later sent by the Phillies to the Astros back in August 2011 in the Hunter Pence deal.  He spent parts of four seasons in the Astros system before being traded to the Brewers in the Mike Fiers/Carlos Gomez deal last July.

Transaction:  As expected, Charlie Morton was placed on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain.  The Phillies will need to recall a starting pitcher when his rotation turn comes up again, but for now, they've recalled reliever Luis Garcia.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Topps Heritage #498 Odubel Herrera

Phillies 10, Brewers 6
Game 18 - Saturday Night, April 23rd in Milwaukee
Record - 9-9, 3rd place, 4 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Led by Odubel Herrera and Maikel Franco, the offense finally came to life in a 10-6 win over the Brewers.

What It Means:  Charlie Morton left the game after the first inning when he pulled a hamstring running out a ball to first.  The Phillies placed him on the disabled list on Sunday, and he'll miss at least a few starts.

What Happened:  Herrera went 3 for 4 with four runs scored, two RBIs and two stolen bases.  Not to be outdone, Franco went 3 for 5 with four RBIs.  Both players hit home runs - Franco, his fifth and Herrera, his second.

Andrew Bailey made his Phillies debut in this game and pitched two scoreless innings.

Featured Card:  Herrera gets the nod over Franco, by the slimmest of margins.  This is card from this year's Topps Heritage set.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Chachi #8 Freddy Galvis

#13

Freddy Jose Galvis

Shortstop

Bats:  Switch  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'10"  Weight:  186

Born:  November 14, 1989, Punto Fijo, Falcon, Venezuela

Home:  Punto Fijo, Falcon, Venezuela

Signed:  Signed as an amateur free agent, July 2, 2006

Teams:  Phillies 2012-

Acquired:  Via free agency

2007 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #8

2009 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP149

2012 Chachi #8

2014 Topps #637

30 Galvis Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2007 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #8
First Phillies Card:  2009 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP149
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2012 Phillies Team Issue First Edition #13
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2014 Topps #637
Latest Card:  2016 Topps Phillies #PP-6

Complete Chachi Checklist
2011 Chachi Almost #4
2012 Chachi #8
2013 Chachi #11
2013 Chachi #39 - Walk-Off HL (with Erik Kratz)
2014 Chachi #35
2015 Chachi #8
2016 Chachi Preview #5
2016 Chachi #8

Card statistics through 4/23/16.

Franco & Nola Lead the Phillies to Victory in Milwaukee

2016 Topps Gypsy Queen Mini Variations #80

2016 Topps Gypsy Queen Mini Variations #95

Phillies 5, Brewers 2
Game 17 - Friday Night, April 22nd in Milwaukee
Record - 8-9, 3rd place, 4 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Maikel Franco hit two home runs and Aaron Nola returned to form in this 5-2 victory over the Brewers.

What It Means:  Franco hit .103 (3 for 29) in his previous seven games with no extra base hits, so it was nice to see him find his swing again.  Both his home runs were absolute blasts to left field.

What Happened:  Nola gave up a run in the first, but then settled in to pitch six scoreless innings. He ended up allowing just the first inning run and four hits while striking out seven.  Freddy Galvis broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI triple in the fifth.  Cameron Rupp, not the fleetest of foot, stole his first career base in the fourth.

Featured Cards:  The fact that both Franco and Nola shined in this game gives me a chance to feature their mini variation cards from this year's Gypsy Queen set.  Mini variations are exclusive to hobby boxes as box toppers, and there are 100 variations in all featuring different photos than the base and regular mini Gypsy Queen cards.  The only Phillies appearing in the mini variation set are Franco and Nola.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Chachi #7 Peter Bourjos

#17
Peter Christopher Bourjos
Right Field

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  185
Born:  March 31, 1987, Park Ridge, IL
Home:  Scottsdale, AZ
Drafted:  Selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 10th round of the June 2005 draft
Teams:  Los Angeles Angels 2010-2013; St. Louis Cardinals 2014-2015; Phillies 2016
Acquired:  Claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals, December 2, 2015

2010 Topps Update #US146

2016 Phillies Team Issue #17

1 Bourjos Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #17
First Phillies Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #17
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #17
Latest Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #17

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2010 Topps Update #US146

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi New Additions #5
2016 Chachi #7

Card statistics through 4/22/16.

Series Preview - Phillies at Brewers: April 22nd to April 24th

Friday 8:10, Saturday 7:10 and Sunday 2:10
Miller Park - Milwaukee, WI

Phillies 7-9, 3rd place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Nationals
Brewers 7-9, 5th place in the N.L. Central, 5 games behind the Cubs

Phillies Probables:  Aaron Nola (0-2, 5.68), Charlie Morton (1-1, 3.86), Jared Eickhoff (1-2, 1.89)
Brewers Probables:  Zach Davies (0-1, 19.29), Chase Anderson (1-1, 2.25), Wily Peralta (0-3, 8.35)

At the Ballpark:  On Sunday afternoon, not only do kids eat free, but they get to run the bases after the game.  According to the Brewers website, the eat free part consists of a voucher for a hot dog, apple slices, ice cream and bottled water.  Not a bad deal at all.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .255
Runs:  Three tied with - 5
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 4
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 8
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 2

Wins:  Jeanmar Gomez and Vince Velasquez - 2
ERA:  Vince Velasquez - 0.93
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 29
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 4

Brewers Leaders
Average:  Ryan Braun - .333
Runs:  Scooter Gennett - 11
Home Runs:  Chris Carter - 4
RBIs:  Chris Carter - 13
Stolen Bases:  Keon Broxton and Aaron Hill - 2

Wins:  Jimmy Nelson - 3
ERA:  Chase Anderson - 2.25
Strikeouts:  Jimmy Nelson - 19
Saves:  Jeremy Jeffress - 5

1970 Topps #125

1970 Topps #556

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Deron Johnson and Dave Bristol were on the Phillies coaching staff together between 1982 and 1984 for managers Pat Corrales and Paul Owens.  Johnson coached first while Bristol coached over at third.  Johnson was let go following the 1984 season, and Bristol stuck around for one more season.  He came back briefly as a coach again in 1988.

In 1970, Johnson was in his second full season with the Phillies and his first full season as their starting first baseman.  He'd hit .256 that season with 27 home runs and 93 RBIs, with both marks leading the team by far.  Johnson would stay with the Phillies until May 1973 when he was traded to the A's where he'd contribute to Oakland's World Series run.

Bristol never actually managed the Pilots.  The Seattle Pilots played their first and last season in 1969 under manager Joe Schultz.  In the spring of 1970, Bristol took over with the Pilots ownership group actively looking for a buyer to save the cash-strapped franchise.  With just a week to go before opening day in 1970, the team was sold to Milwaukee car dealer Allan "Bud" Selig.  Selig moved the team to Milwaukee and the Brewers were born.  Bristol's tenure as the Brewers manager lasted until 30 games into the 1972 season when he was fired.  His record with the club as the first Brewers manager was 144-209.