Monday, August 29, 2022

Phillies at Diamondbacks: August 29th to August 31st

2000 Topps Traded #T120
2000 Topps #32

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9:40

Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ

At the Ballpark:  It's ASU Night at the ballpark in Monday night, and there's no explanation given for this, but Wednesday night is Paint at the Park per the Diamondbacks' website.

The Phillies Room staff are currently enjoying an offsite late summer training and wellness seminar, and daily posting will return in early September. 

Friday, August 26, 2022

Pirates at Phillies: August 26th to August 28th

2000 Topps #22
2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #6

Friday 7:05, Saturday 6:05 and Sunday 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  It's Margaritaville Night on Friday with the first 2,000 fans to purchase special theme tickets receiving a Margaritaville Night Phillies bucket hat.  On Saturday, all kids receive a Nick Castellanos t-shirt and on Sunday all kids receive a J.T. Realmuto back to school cooler bag.

The Phillies Room staff are currently enjoying an offsite late summer training and wellness seminar, and daily posting will return in early September. 

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

1965 Topps - 3rd Series Phillies Alumni

It took us a while, but we finally finished off the third series of the 1965 Topps set we've been collecting since late 2019.  I'm getting closer to completely wrapping up the set, and the blog celebrating every card in the set, so I'd expect these series review posts to start to come a little quicker.

Here's a look at the 20 cards in the set's third series featuring a former Phillies player, coach or manager.  Clicking on the card number underneath each picture will take you to that card's post.

#184
#186
#187
#190
#192
#198
#201
#203
#207
#210
#211
#213
#225
#228
#239
#248
#252
#253
#256
#264

Monday, August 22, 2022

Reds at Phillies: August 22nd to August 25th

2000 Topps #21
2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #7

Monday to Thursday 7:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  There are three theme nights on tap for this four-game series against the Reds.  Monday is PEANUTS night, and the first 3,000 fans to purchase special theme tickets will receive a Lucy Phillies bobblehead.  Tuesday is German Heritage Celebration night and Thursday is Goya Latino Family Celebration night.

The Phillies Room staff are currently enjoying an offsite late summer training and wellness seminar, and daily posting will return in early September. 

2022 Chachi #61 Bradley Zimmer


#18

Bradley Clarke Zimmer
Outfield

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  185
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  November 27, 1992, San Francisco, CA
How Obtained:  Claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, August 18, 2022
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2023, free agency eligible in 2025
Major League Teams:  Cleveland Indians 2017-2021; Toronto Blue Jays 2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2022

First Phillies Card:
  N/A
Newest Card Added:  N/A
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (3):  2017-2018, 2022

0 - Zimmer baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/20/22.
Complete Chachi Checklist
2022 Chachi #61
2017 Topps Update #US275
2018 Topps #374
2022 Topps #407


Sunday, August 21, 2022

Game 120 - Falter Halts the Mets as Phils Win

2022 Phillies Photo Cards #70
Phillies 4
, Mets 1 (Game 2)
Game 120 - Saturday Night, August 20th in Philadelphia
Record - 66-54, 3rd Place, 11 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Bailey Falter pitched the best game of his young career, as the Phillies held on to beat the Mets, 4-1.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for a series split in this afternoon's series finale.

What Happened:  Falter went six strong innings, allowing a run on two hits and two walks.  The Mets run scored in the first inning on a wild pitch.  The Phillies received big, much-needed hits from J.T. Realmuto, singling in the first to tie the game, and Alec Bohm, doubling in the third to drive in a pair of runs and give the Phillies a 3-1 lead.  Rhys Hoskins added an insurance run with an RBI-single in the eighth.  With Seranthony Dominguez apparently experiencing tightness in his triceps, David Robertson secured the two-inning save.

Featured Card:  It's got to be Falter, and this is his team-issued photo card, still available for sale at the ballpark at $6 for the set.

Field Report:  Doug and I joined roughly 40,000 other fans at this game, getting our new sustainable Phillies hats at the front gate and then heading immediately to Bull's BBQ for dinner.  The biggest shocker of the night was seeing Ron Reed signed Wall of Fame baseballs for sale at the Phillies Authentics stand prior to the start of the game.  We agreed to return to the stand during the game to secure a Reed ball for Doug's collection.  Returning in the eighth inning, we were shocked to learn all Reed balls had been sold out, and I'm assuming he didn't sign many of them.  Lesson learned, and we'll be sure to buy something when first seen from here on out.

Game 119 - Phils Drop Twin Bill Matinee to Mets

1965 Topps #364
Mets 8
, Phillies 2 (Game 1)
Game 119 - Saturday Afternoon, August 20th in Philadelphia
Record - 65-54

One Sentence Summary:  A lifeless Phillies team dropped a forgettable game against the Mets in the Saturday double header matinee.

What It Means:  It means the Phillies need to win the final two games of the series in order to earn a split with the Mets.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler struggled, similar to Aaron Nola the night before.  Wheeler went 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out six.  Nick Nelson got roughed up for four more runs in the top of the ninth, with Darick Hall needing to enter the ballgame to record the final out.  The Phillies offense left eight runners on and were 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  Rhys Hoskins was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts.

Featured Card:  Games like this make it hard to come up with a featured card, as there was nothing remotely memorable about it from a Phillies' fan perspective.  So I'll use this opportunity to point out I'm quickly nearing the end of one of my other blogs, Collecting the 1965 Topps set.  I'm still catching up on posts featuring cards purchased at the Philly Show back in March, and as of this morning we're six cards away from a complete set.  Galen Cisco was one of the Mets' best pitchers during their early years, and he'd later serve as the Phillies' pitching coach between 1997 and 2000.

Transaction:  Bailey Falter (lhp) was added to the roster as the 27th man for the double header.

2022 Chachi #60 Sam Coonrod


#54

Samuel Timothy Coonrod
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  225
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  September 22, 1992, St. Louis, MO
How Obtained:  Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carson Ragsdale, January 9, 2021
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2023, free agency eligible in 2026
Major League Teams:  San Francisco Giants 2019-2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2021-

First Phillies Card:
  2022 Phillies Photo Cards #54
Newest Card Added:  2022 Phillies Photo Cards #54
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2019

1 - Coonrod baseball card in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/20/22.
Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi New Additions #5
2021 Chachi #21
2022 Chachi #60
2019 Topps Update #US238


Saturday, August 20, 2022

Game 118 - Phils Throw It Back to the '90s with Loss

1995 Donruss
Diamond Kings #DK-18
Mets 7
, Phillies 2
Game 118 - Friday Night, August 19th in Philadelphia
Record - 65-53, 3rd Place, 11 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Mets offense hit Aaron Nola early and often, and the Phillies offense couldn't string together meaningful hits in this 7-2 loss.

What It Means:  Frustrating night at the ballpark, exacerbated by the obnoxious Mets fans in attendance who lost their minds every time a Mets player did anything remotely positive.  (Disclaimer - Not all Mets fans are obnoxious.)

What Happened:  Nola labored through five innings, allowing five runs on eight hits, including a two-run home run to Pete Alonso in the third.  Andrew Bellatti coughed up two more runs in the seventh, and the game was pretty much out of reach at that point.  Phillies pitchers struck our 14, but allowed 11 hits.

Kyle Schwarber knocked in the only Phillies runs of the game with a two-run single in the fifth.  J.T. Realmuto had three hits and Nick Castellanos stranded four baserunners.

Featured Card:  This Lenny Dykstra Diamond Kings card is perhaps the most '90s card in my entire extensive Phillies baseball card collection, and I thought it fitting to post here given the events of the evening - see below.


Field Report:  We attended this game with my brother-in-law Andy and his wife Wendy, and while the company was good, the game was not.  However, I need to talk about the I Love the ‘90s concert we attended following the game.  It was surreal, and here's a quick recap:
  • DJ Jazzy Jeff - Great set, excellent skills, fun opener. 
  • Tone Lōc - Good effort, very sweaty, felt nostalgic. 
  • Rob Base - Genuinely enjoyable, still has it although he might be a bit slower now (we all are).
  • Vanilla Ice - WHAT IS HAPPENING? Why is there an inflatable polar bear and an upside down clown on stage? HERE COMES A NINJA TURTLE?? 

Transaction:
  Brandon Marsh suffered a bone bruise and sprained ankle after coming down hard during Tuesday night's game in Cincinnati, attempting to reel in a home run ball.  Marsh (of) was placed on the injured list and Bradley Zimmer (of) was claimed off waivers from the Blue Jays to replace him.  Zimmer was immediately inserted into Friday night's line-up, going 1 for 4 with a run scored.  He's a five year veteran and has a surprising amount of baseball card appearances.  Bryce Harper (of) was moved to the 60-day injured list to make room for Zimmer, but the expectation is Harper will return in early September.

Friday, August 19, 2022

Mets at Phillies: August 19th to August 21st

2000 Topps #293
2000 Topps #258

Friday 7:05, Saturday 1:05 and 7:15, Sunday 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Following tonight's Phillies victory there will be an I Love the '90s postgame concert featuring Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, Rob Base and DJ Jazzy Jeff.  Word to your mother.  On Saturday night, all fans will receive a sustainable Phillies hat.  I'm not sure what makes it sustainable?  And on Sunday, all kids will receive a Phillie Phanatic Pop! Vinyl figurine.

Mets 76-43
1st Place in the N.L. East, 3 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Mets Probables
Chris Bassitt (10-7, 3.27)
David Peterson (6-2, 3.30)
Trevor Williams (2-5, 3.02)
TBD

Mets Leaders
Average:  Jeff McNeil - .315
Runs:  Francisco Lindor - 76
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 29
RBIs:  Pete Alonso - 99
Stolen Bases:  Starling Marte - 15

Wins:  Carlos Carrasco - 13
ERA:  Chris Bassitt - 3.27
Strikeouts:  Chris Bassitt - 134
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 27
Phillies 65-52
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 10 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (8-9, 3.07)
Zack Wheeler (11-6, 2.92)
Bailey Falter (0-3, 4.85)
Kyle Gibson (8-5, 4.30)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .288
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 71
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 34
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 69
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 15

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.92
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 165
Saves:  Corey Knebel - 12

2022 Chachi #59 Noah Syndergaard


#43

Noah Seth Syndergaard
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'6"  Weight:  242
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  August 29, 1992, Mansfield, TX
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Los Angeles Angels for Jadiel Sanchez and Mickey Moniak, August 2, 2022
Contract Status:  Signed through 2022
Major League Teams:  New York Mets 2015-2019, 2021; Los Angeles Angels 2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2022

First Phillies Card:
  N/A
Newest Card Added:  N/A
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (8):  2015-2022

0 - Syndergaard baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/13/22.
Complete Chachi Checklist
2022 Chachi #59
2015 Topps Update #US157
2016 Topps #43
2018 Topps #600
2019 Topps #359
2022 Topps #584


Thursday, August 18, 2022

Game 117 - Ranger Outing Wasted in Shutout Loss

2004 Upper Deck
McDonald's Phillies #4
Reds 1
, Phillies 0
Game 117 - Wednesday Afternoon, August 17th in Cincinnati
Record - 65-52, 3rd Place, 10 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Reds' pitchers Nick Lodolo and Alexis Diaz baffled the Phillies, and the Reds walked this one off with a ninth inning single from Jose Barrero.

What It Means:  It would have been nice to sweep this series, especially with the four-game series coming up beginning Friday against the Mets.  The last four games lost by the Phillies have all been shutouts.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez deserved better.  Suarez went seven innings, striking out eight and allowing three hits.  Seranthony Dominguez coughed up the winning run, reminding us that he is actually human.  The Phillies offense had five hits and went 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  I got nothing, and I want to save my few remaining Suarez cards for a game in which the Phillies win.  So here's a card of current Reds manager David Bell, the last Phillies player to hit for the cycle, back on June 28, 2004.

Transaction:  Andrew Vasquez (lhp), designated for assignment on Monday, was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco Giants.  Vasquez had been on the team's 40-man roster for less than two weeks.

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Game 116 - Gibson K's 11 as Hoskins Homers Twice

2022 Topps Now Road to
Opening Day #OD-272
Phillies 11
, Reds 4
Game 116 - Tuesday Night, August 16th in Cincinnati
Record - 65-51, 3rd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Rhys Hoskins and the Phillies offense pounded Reds' pitching in support of Kyle Gibson's gem of a game.

What It Means:  The Phillies are on a roll, and they also won their 10,000th game in franchise history.

What Happened:  There was quite a bit going on in this game, which is fitting given the Phillies have now done this 10,000 times.

- Kyle Gibson struck out a career-high 11 batters, picking up his eighth win.  He allowed a pair of home runs and three runs overall in his stellar performance.
- Brandon Marsh had to leave the game after coming down hard on a leaping catch at the wall in the third inning.  The ball ended up being a home run by Jonathan India, and Marsh left the game with what was later diagnosed as a bone bruise and a sprained ankle.  Nick Maton saw his first big league action in left field, making a few nice catches.
-  Rhys Hoskins stayed hot, hitting a pair of home runs, his 25th and 26th of the season.  Hoskins also stole his second base of the season, and was 3 for 6 overall with five RBIs.
- Darick Hall, Nick Castellanos and Garrett Stubbs all also homered for the Phillies.

Featured Card:  I love that I've featured so many of Hoskins' cards this season, and it's great to see the slugger with a supporting cast of hitters surrounding him in the line-up.  Here's his Topps Now Road to Opening Day card, which is the newest card of his in my collection.

2022 Chachi #58 Brandon Marsh


#16

Brandon Chase Marsh
Outfield

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  215
Opening Day Age:  24
Born:  December 18, 1997, Buford, GA
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Los Angeles Angels for Logan O'Hoppe
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2025, free agency eligible in 2028
Major League Teams:  Los Angeles Angels 2021-2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2022

First Phillies Card:
  N/A
Newest Card Added:  N/A
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2022

0 - Marsh baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/13/22.
Complete Chachi Checklist
2022 Chachi #58
2022 Topps #243


Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Game 115 - Thor and Edmundo Star in Win

2022 Topps Heritage #141
Phillies 4
, Reds 3
Game 115 - Monday Night, August 15th in Cincinnati
Record - 64-51, 3rd Place, 10 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Noah Syndergaard pitched his best game yet for the Phillies and Edmundo Sosa drove in three runs while making a pair of stellar plays in the field in this 4-3 win over the Reds.

What It Means:  This will be know as The Edmundo Sosa Game.

What Happened:  Syndergaard pitched into the eighth inning and was pulled after allowing an eighth inning home run to Jake Fraley.  Thor allowed three runs while striking out six.  Seranthony Dominguez pitched a perfect, and quick, ninth inning for his ninth save.

Bryson Stott was 3 for 5, as he continues to bat lead-off while Kyle Schwarber is out with a calf injury.  Sosa had a two-run single in the third and an RBI-double in the fifth.

Featured Card:  Sosa first popped up in Bowman sets back in 2014.  He's in the 2019 Topps Heritage set on a Rookie Stars card with Adolis Garcia, and his first solo mainstream cards can be found in the 2022 Topps flagship and Topps Heritage releases.

Transaction:  Corey Knebel (rhp) was placed on the injured list with a right lat strain and Sam Coonrod (rhp) was activated from the 60-day injured list.  Andrew Vasquez (lhp) was designated for assignment to make room for Coonrod on the 40-man roster.