Sunday, April 30, 2023

2023 Chachi #11 Garrett Stubbs


#21
Garrett Patrick Stubbs
Catcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'10"  Weight:  170
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  May 26, 1993, San Diego, CA
Acquired:  Traded by the Houston Astros to the Phillies for Logan Cerny, November 19, 2021
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2024
Major League Teams:  Houston Astros 2019-2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023
World Series Appearances:  Houston Astros 2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2022

The universally recognized Vibe Captain for the Phillies, Garrett Stubbs has embraced his role as the seldom used back-up for the best catcher in baseball.  It was Stubbs who cultivated the clubhouse post-win playlist last season, and he was typically found in the middle of the champagne-fueled parties following the clinching of a Wild Card spot, the defeat of the Cardinals in the Wild Card Series, and following the wins against the Braves and Padres in the NLDS and NLCS respectively.

Stubbs batted a career high .264 in 2022, making 32 starts behind the plate and appearing in 46 games overall.  He hit a dramatic three-run, walk-off home run against the Marlins on June 16th last season, just as the Phillies fortunes were beginning to turn around.  Stubbs is the kind of guy whose numbers might not be impressive, but he's a fan favorite and someone we'll probably see returning for years to future Alumni Weekends.

2022 Chachi New Additions #5
2022 Chachi #11
2023 Chachi Preview #3

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP213
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (3):  2020-2022
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps Now World Baseball Classic #WBC-29
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  4 as of 4/30/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2023 Chachi #11

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Game 28 - Wheeler, Clemens Shut Down Astros

2022 Topps Allen & Ginter #325
Phillies 6, Astros 1
Game 28 - Saturday Afternoon, April 29th in Houston
Record - 15-13, Tied for 3rd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler got a little revenge on the Astros and hometown kid Kody Clemens sealed the win with a two-run home run as the Phillies took care of the Astros, 6-1.

What It Means:  After hopefully completing the series sweep this afternoon, the Phillies could find themselves potentially in second place and 2 1/2 games behind the Braves.  A late night three-game series looms in Los Angeles with the Dodgers, beginning on Monday.

What Happened:  Wheeler battled through six innings, shutting down the Astros while striking out seven.  The Astros didn't score until Jeremy Pena hit a solo home run to greet Andrew Vasquez as he started the eighth.  The game was scoreless until Nick Castellanos homered in the fourth.  Brandon Marsh followed that up by scoring on a shallow pop fly to right from J.T. Realmuto.  With his famous father and entire family watching, Clemens hit his second home run of the season to give the Phillies a 4-0 lead in the sixth.  Alec Bohm and Jake Cave drove in the final two runs in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Here's Wheeler's card from 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter, and this is one of the short-printed cards from the set.  Topps didn't release the set until November, so none of these cards were featured in any game summary posts from 2022.  I figure I can use these to fill in as needed until more 2023 sets are released.

Transaction:  Unfortunately, Cristian Pache (of) tore the meniscus in his right knee on Saturday, and needed to be placed on the injured list.  Dalton Guthrie (of) was recalled to take his place.

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Saturday, April 29, 2023

2023 Chachi #10 Aaron Nola


#27
Aaron Michael Nola
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  200
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  June 4, 1993, Baton Rouge, LA
Acquired:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 1st round (7th pick) of the 2014 amateur draft, June 5, 2014
Contract Status:  Signed through 2023
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2015-2023
World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

Durable and reliable Aaron Nola has been with the Phillies for nine seasons at this point, and when he hopefully signs a multi-year contract extension he'll remain with the Phillies for several more seasons.  With Rhys Hoskins, Nola was one of the key building blocks already in place when the Phillies front office started making moves that ultimately led to a World Series appearance in 2022.  Nola has made six straight opening day starts and surpassed the 200-innings pitched plateaus in 2018 (his All-Star season), 2019 and 2022.  He's finished in the top 10 for Cy Young voting in three seasons, including a third place finish in 2018 when he won 17 games and led all National League pitchers with a 9.7 bWAR.

As evidenced below, Nola has been a frequent autograph signer over the years, posing annually with our sons for a quick picture and always offering a smile.

2016 Chachi
Special Edition #6
2017 Chachi
Phillies Phestival #20
2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #17
2019 Chachi Phillies Phestival #10
2019 Chachi
Friendly Encounters #23

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2014 Bowman Draft #DP4
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (8):  2016-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps #278
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  246 as of 4/29/23.

2022 Chachi #70 - NLWCS Game 2
2022 Chachi #77 - NLCS Game 2
2023 Chachi #10

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Game 27 - Phils Win on Nola's Gem, Casty's Catch

2023 Topps Big League #244
Phillies 3, Astros 1
Game 27 - Friday Night, April 28th in Houston
Record - 14-13, Tied for 3rd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola looked All-Starish and Nick Castellanos robbed Alex Bergman of a first inning home run in this 3-1 win over the defending World Champions.

What It Means:  I didn't feel like paying $6.99 to start my Apple TV+ subscription, so we streamed the audio broadcast of the game.  If more Phillies games start appearing on Apple TV+, I'll likely bite the bullet and sign up.

The game was a crisp 2:26, and the Phillies have won 10 of their last 14 games.

What Happened:  The Phillies scored first when Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run in the first.  Jeremy Pena quickly tied the score with a solo home run in the bottom of the inning off Nola.  That would be the only run allowed by Nola, as Castellanos dramatically brought back a home run, leaping above the right field fence to catch the ball.  Cristian Pache would double home Edmundo Sosa in the fifth to give the Phillies the lead, but Pache would have to leave the game after injuring his knee on the play.  His replacement, Brandon Marsh, singled home Sosa for an insurance run in the seventh.  Jose Alvarado continued his ninth inning dominance with a perfect inning, striking out two and securing his fifth save.

Featured Card:  Nola's card from the recently released 2023 Topps Big League set gets the foil treatment, and features a photo taken as Nola emerged from the dugout before Game 2 of the Wild Card series last season in St. Louis.
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Friday, April 28, 2023

Game 26 - Strahm, 4 Relievers Shut Down M's

2004 Fleer Tradition This Day in History #9
Phillies 1, Mariners 0
Game 26 - Thursday Afternoon, April 27th in Philadelphia
Record - 13-13, Tied for 3rd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Matt Strahm and four relievers combined to shut out the Mariners, as the Phillies squeaked by in this 1-0 victory.

What It Means:  The Phillies have reached .500 for the first time this season, they won the series against the Mariners, and they'll open a weekend series against the Astros on Friday night.

What Happened:  Strahm has been stellar.  He pitched five innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five.  Seranthony Dominguez, Connor Brogdon, Gregory Soto and Craig Kimbrel followed him, holding the Mariners' offense to just one more hit throughout the end of the game.  The lone Phillies run scored in the bottom of the second when Nick Castellanos singled to start the inning, and came all the way around to score with two outs on a Kody Clemens single to center.

Featured Card:  I'd like to feature a Strahm or Clemens card here, but having none, I'll feature a card with historic significance.  20 years ago, on April 27th, 2003, Kevin Millwood pitched a no-hitter with my Dad and me in attendance.  We didn't leave our seats or sit down over the final two innings.  To celebrate the anniversary of his feat, Millwood was on hand to throw out the first pitch before this game against the Mariners, with Larry Bowa serving as his catcher.  Millwood's no-hitter was also won by a score of 1-0, with Ricky Ledee hitting a solo home run in the first inning.
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Phillies at Astros: April 28th to April 30th

2014 Topps Heritage High Numbers #H555
1965 Topps #80

Friday 8:10, Saturday 5:10 and Sunday 7:10
Minute Maid Park - Houston, TX

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies return to the scene of the crime for this weekend series in Houston.  Tonight, the first 10,000 fans will receive a Jeremy Pena replica jersey, and there's also a postgame fireworks show.  On Saturday, the giveaway is an Orbit (Astros' mascot) World Series flag bobblehead, and on Sunday, fans will receive a set of Astros World Champions coasters.  Blah.

Phillies 13-13
Tied for 3rd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

 Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (1-2, 5.40)
Zack Wheeler (2-1, 4.73)
Bailey Falter (0-4, 4.50)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryson Stott - .339
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 22
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 5
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 20
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto and Trea Turner - 4

Wins:  Three tied with - 2
ERA:  Bailey Falter - 4.50
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 34
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 4
Astros 14-11
Tied for 1st Place in the A.L. West, 1/2 game ahead of the Angels

 Astros Probables
Framber Valdez (2-2, 2.25)
Cristian Javier (2-0, 3.21)
Jose Urquidy (1-2, 5.64)

Astros Leaders
Average:  Mauricio Dubon - .330
Runs:  Mauricio Dubon and Jeremy Pena - 18
Home Runs:  Yordan Alvarez - 6
RBIs:  Yordan Alvarez - 27
Stolen Bases:  Jeremy Pena - 6

Wins:  Hunter Brown - 3
ERA:  Framber Valdez - 2.25
Strikeouts:  Framber Valdez - 34
Saves:  Bryan Abreu and Ryan Pressly - 2
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Thursday, April 27, 2023

Game 25 - Several Singles Seal Comeback Win

2022 Topps 3D #448
Phillies 6, Mariners 5
Game 25 - Wednesday Night, April 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 12-13, Tied for 3rd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Down 5-2 after two innings, the Phillies plated four unanswered runs in the final six innings to earn the 6-5 come-from-behind victory.

What It Means:  Hopefully the Phillies can ride the good vibes from their third comeback win in the last five games to a series win this afternoon.  They're now tied for third place with the Marlins, still trailing the Mets and Braves in the division.

What Happened:  Taijuan Walker, who left the game with tightness in his pitching arm, gave up five runs in his four innings of work, including a second inning grand slam to J.P. Crawford.  The Phillies had scored their first two runs on a first inning two-run home run from Nick Castellanos, his third of the season.  The next four Phillies runs all came on RBI singles from Kyle Schwarber in the third, Castellanos in the fifth, J.T. Realmuto and finally Alec Bohm in the eighth.  Bohm's single was the fourth straight of the inning, putting the Phillies on top.  Jose Alvarado made quick work of the Mariners in the ninth, striking out Julio Rodriguez to end the game and notch his fourth save.

Featured Card:  Bohm had the winning hit, but Castellanos did the most overall damage in this game, going 3 for 4 with three RBIs and raising his season average to .333.  He struggled the bulk of last season, so I didn't have many opportunities to feature any of his 2022 baseball cards.  This is his card from the on demand Topps 3D set, released exclusively through Topps' website.  The scan doesn't do the card justice as lenticular technology has come a long way since the Kellogg's and Sportflics days.
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Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Game 24 - Mariners Take Care of Phils, Falter

2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #7
Mariners 5, Phillies 3
Game 24 - Tuesday Night, April 25th in Philadelphia
Record - 11-13, 4th Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A few home runs and a hot Mariners team took care of Bailey Falter and the Phillies in this 5-3 loss.

What It Means:  I'm completely missing these games.  Still busy at work, and with my late afternoons/evenings dominated by high school baseball action, there's been no time to sit and enjoy (?) much of the Phillies action against the Rockies, and so far against the Mariners too.  I saw the final inning of this game, on mute, and that was it.  Hopefully by the time I'm able to sit and watch a full game again, the Phillies have remembered how to win.

What Happened:  Falter pitched six solid innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits while striking out seven.  Two of the hits were costly home runs allowed to Jarred Kelenic in the fifth and Teoscar Hernandez, a two-run blast, in the sixth.  Edmundo Sosa got the Phillies on the board with a solo home run in the fifth.

Featured Card:  Old friend J.P. Crawford was back in town, manning shortstop for the Mariners and contributing an RBI-infield single in the fifth.  Crawford has found a home in Seattle, and while I was sad to see him go at the time, acquiring Jean Segura proved to be the right move.  Without Segura, the Phillies likely don't make it to the World Series in 2022.  Here's a blast from the past from the gone but not forgotten ALS Phillies Phestival from June 2018.  Crawford and both our sons look like absolute babies here.
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Game 23 - Wheeler, 4 Home Runs Down Rockies

2023 Topps Big League #90
Phillies 9, Rockies 3
Game 23 - Sunday Afternoon, April 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 11-12, 4th Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler and four home runs paced the Phillies in this 9-3 victory over the Rockies.

What It Means:  With the win, the Phillies won the series, three games to one, and a good Mariners team comes to town next for a three-game series.

What Happened:  Wheeler struck out 11 in his six innings of work, allowing three runs on three hits.  All Rockies runs scored in a shaky fourth inning by Wheeler.  The quartet of home runs were courtesy of Trea Turner in the first, Kody Clemens (his first) in the third, Bryson Stott in the seventh and Brandon Marsh in the eighth.  Alec Bohm had a double and two RBIs.

Featured Card:  I've not put away my 2023 Topps Big League Phillies team set yet, and given it's within reach, here's the Wheeler card from that set.

Transaction:  The Phillies added Yunior Marte (rhp) to the their bullpen, optioning down Cristopher Sanchez (lhp), who had started Saturday's game.

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Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Mariners at Phillies: April 25th to April 27th

2014 Topps Heritage #144
2014 Topps Heritage #16

Tuesday and Wednesday 6:40, Thursday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Tuesday is the second Dollar Dog Night of the season, and following the afternoon game on Thursday, seniors are welcome to stroll the bases.

Mariners 10-12
4th Place in the A.L. West, 4 1/2 games behind the Rangers

 Mariners Probables
Logan Gilbert (1-1, 3.57)
Marco Gonzales (1-0, 3.78)
George Kirby (2-1, 3.57)

Mariners Leaders
Average:  Jarred Kelenic - .319
Runs:  Ty France and Julio Rodriguez - 17
Home Runs:  Jarred Kelenic - 6
RBIs:  Ty France and Eugenio Suarez - 15
Stolen Bases:  Julio Rodriguez - 5

Wins:  Three tied with - 2
ERA:  Luis Castillo - 1.52
Strikeouts:  Luis Castillo - 34
Saves:  Paul Sewald - 6
Phillies 11-12
4th Place in the N.L. East, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

 Phillies Probables
Bailey Falter (0-3, 4.50)
Taijuan Walker (2-1, 3.80)
Matt Strahm (1-2, 3.00)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .364
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 19
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 5
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 18
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto and Trea Turner - 4

Wins:  Taijuan Walker and Zack Wheeler - 2
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 4.73
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 34
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 3
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Sunday, April 23, 2023

Game 22 - Castellanos, Pache Power Phils to Victory

2023 Topps Big League #230
Phillies 4, Rockies 3
Game 22 - Saturday Afternoon, April 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 10-12, 4th Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Castellanos connected for two home runs in this 4-3 winning effort against the Rockies.

What It Means:  Castellanos already looks much more comfortable at the plate than he did all last season.  He was 3 for 4 on the day with his two home runs and a double, raising his season average up to .310.  The Phillies will attempt to win the four-game series with the afternoon series finale today.

What Happened:  All runs came from Castellanos or the unlikely source of Cristian Pache.  Pache made a few nice plays in the outfield and hit a two-run home run in the third, his first with the Phillies.  Castellanos' homers came in the first and in the sixth, breaking a 3-3 tie.

Cristopher Sanchez got the call for the start, as the double header last week necessitated a sixth starter.  Sanchez allowed three runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings for his season debut.  He struck out five.  Craig Kimbrel pitched a perfect (and quick) ninth inning to record his second save.

Featured Card:  Here's the newest card added to my Phillies collection for Castellanos, from the Topps Big League set, released a few weeks ago.

Transaction:  Sanchez (lhp) was activated from the Injured List and Andrew Bellatti (rhp) took his place with right triceps tendinitis.
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2023 Chachi #9 Brandon Marsh


#16
Brandon Chase Marsh
Center Field

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  215
Opening Day Age:  25
Born:  December 18, 1997, Buford, GA
Acquired:  Traded by the Los Angeles Angels to the Phillies for Logan O'Hoppe, August 2, 2022
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2025
Major League Teams:  Los Angeles Angels 2021-2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023
World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2023

Brandon Marsh came to the Phillies at the trade deadline last season, and immediately solidified the center field position for the club.  Before Marsh's arrival, center field had been patrolled by Matt Vierling, Simon Muzziotti, Odubel Herrera, Roman Quinn and Mickey Moniak.  Marsh batted .288 in 41 games with the team, providing a much-needed offensive spark plug along with above average outfield defense.  His three-run home run in the second inning of NLDS Game 4 against the Braves helped power the Phillies to victory and advance to the NLCS.  The opening day center fielder in 2023, Marsh is batting .355 through his first 19 games and currently leads the National League in triples with three and with an OPS of 1.122.

2022 Chachi #58
2022 Chachi #74

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP241
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2022-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps Gold #237
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  24 as of 4/22/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2022 Chachi #58
2023 Chachi #9

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Saturday, April 22, 2023

Game 21 - Sosa's Clutch Single Completes Comeback

2022 Topps Now #818
Phillies 4, Rockies 3
Game 21 - Friday Night, April 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 9-12, 4th Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Down 3-0 in the first inning, the Phillies mounted an impressive comeback and won this game, 4-3, thanks to an Edmundo Sosa RBI-single in the eighth.

What It Means:  Hopefully this is the momentum swing the team needs, and they can win the next two games against the struggling Rockies.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola allowed a three-run home run to Ryan McMahon in the first inning, but then settled down to pitch six scoreless innings.  He'd allow just four hits overall and only one hit between the second and seventh innings.  Seranthony Dominguez and Jose Alvarado kept the Rockies scoreless over the final two frames, with Alvarado saving his third game.

The comeback started in the fourth when Nick Castellanos scored from third on a balk.  Jake Cave singled home Brandon Marsh for the Phillies' second run later that inning.  In the seventh, Kyle Schwarber tied it up with a solo home run, his fifth of the season, to right.  In the eighth, off former Phillie Brad Hand, J.T. Realmuto doubled to start the inning, stole third base and came home on Sosa's big hit.

Featured Card:  Here's another pseudo Sosa Phillies card from last year's Topps Now run of cards.  Sosa is shown here with Nick Maton celebrating an 18-2 win over the Diamondbacks on August 31st.
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Game 20 - Phils Look Lifeless in Loss to Rockies

2023 Topps #283
Rockies 5, Phillies 0
Game 20 - Thursday Night, April 20th in Philadelphia
Record - 8-12, 4th Place, 6 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Ryan Feltner and two Rockies relievers baffled the Phillies line-up, as the Rockies prevailed, 5-0.

What It Means:  The Rockies entered this series with a 5-14 record and having lost eight in a row.  They had been swept by the Mariners and Pirates, with the Pirates scoring 14 runs off the Rockies' pitching staff twice.  The Phillies line-up looked awful and wasted a solid start from Matt Strahm.

What Happened:  Strahm allowed a first inning two-run home run to C.J. Cron, but then settled in for the next five innings.  He'd pitch into the sixth, and his final line shows three runs allowed on three hits and 11 strikeouts.  The Phillies had six hits and went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position, with the one hit an infield single.

Featured Card:  Hopefully Strahm gets a few Phillies cards in late season releases, and this is his newest mainstream card from 2023 Topps Series One.
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Game 19 - Trea and Taijuan Lead Phils to Victory

2023 Topps Now
World Baseball Classic #WBC-68
Phillies 5, White Sox 2
Game 19 - Wednesday Afternoon, April 19th in Chicago
Record - 8-11, 4th Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner hit his first home run with the Phillies and Taijuan Walker had another strong start as the Phillies downed the White Sox, 5-2.

What It Means:  The Phillies left Chicago with a series win, and headed home to face the Rockies for four games.

What Happened:  Walker pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing a pair of runs on five hits while striking out three.  His sole blemish was a two-run home run allowed to Andrew Vaughn in the first inning.  Turner had homered in the top half of the first, his first of surely many home runs with the club.  He'd fall a triple short of the cycle in this game.  Brandon Marsh homered in the second to quickly tie the game at 2-2, and Nick Castellanos broke the tie by singling home Turner with the Phillies' third run.  Bryson Stott and Turner added RBI doubles in the fourth inning.

Featured Card:  I'm still waiting for my first Phillies baseball card of Turner, and here's another Topps Now World Baseball Classic card celebrating his five home runs during that series.
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Friday, April 21, 2023

Happy Birthday Ben!


Our youngest son Ben officially enters his teenage years today, which is a somewhat terrifying sentence to type and then read back.  Time is seemingly speeding up, and I'm focused on enjoying every moment and soaking up as much as I possibly can.

Ben's final pre-teen year was a blur as he continued to develop his amazing piano skills, he spent a ton of time on the tennis courts and he ran cross country and track for his middle school.  He's now proud of his status as a world traveler, having toured London and Paris this past summer.  Ben has also been showing off his creative side with a few inventive and imagination-fueled blogs of his own that are designed for family viewing only at this point.  He speaks his mind, he knows what he likes and I'm proud of his kind heart.  

He's silly, smart and a great kid.  Ben cracks me up.  He has a knack of giving a look, making a noise or saying things that catch me off guard and make me laugh unexpectedly.  And now he's 13.  Hard to believe.

Memory Lane
2010 - Welcome Ben!
2010 - Ben is born, Roy Halladay wins, all is right with the world
2011 - Ben turns one as Roy Oswalt pitches the Phillies past the Padres
2012 - Happy 2nd Birthday Ben!
2013 - Happy 3rd Birthday Ben!
2014 - Ben is Four!
2015 - Ben is Five!
2016 - Ben and Chewbacca
2017 - Ben is Seven!
2018 - Ben is Eight!
2019 - Ben at the Grand Canyon
2020 - Ben is Ten! (Social distancing version)
2021 - Ben, accomplished piano player, amazing kid, turns 11
2022 - This kid, with unlimited potential and an unrivaled imagination, is 12.
2023 - Ben enters teen years. (What?)
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Thursday, April 20, 2023

Rockies at Phillies: April 20th to April 23rd

2014 Topps Heritage #218
2014 Topps Heritage #310

Thursday 6:40, Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:05 and Sunday 12:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies will have their Jackie Robinson Salute as part of Thursday night's game, and on Saturday all kids 14 and under will receive a Phillies knit hat.  Sunday is the annual Phanatic's birthday party celebration, with all kids getting a Phanatic t-shirt.

Rockies 5-14
5th Place in the N.L. West, 6 games behind the Diamondbacks

 Rockies Probables
Ryan Feltner (0-2, 8.78)
Noah Davis (0-0, 0.00)
Kyle Freeland (2-1, 3.80)
Jose Urena (0-3, 9.82)

Rockies Leaders
Average:  Elias Diaz - .345
Runs:  Kris Bryant - 10
Home Runs:  C.J. Cron - 4
RBIs:  Elias Diaz - 10
Stolen Bases:  Yonathan Daza and Ryan McMahon - 1

Wins:  Kyle Freeland and German Marquez - 2
ERA:  Kyle Freeland - 3.80
Strikeouts:  Jake Bird - 16
Saves:  Pierce Johnson - 3
Phillies 8-11
4th Place in the N.L. East, 6 games behind the Braves

 Phillies Probables
Matt Strahm (1-1, 2.13)
Aaron Nola (1-2, 5.91)
Cristopher Sanchez (0-0, 0.00)
Zack Wheeler (1-1, 4.79)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .368
Runs:  Nick Castellanos and Trea Turner - 15
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 4
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 16
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 4

Wins:  Taijuan Walker - 2
ERA:  Taijuan Walker - 3.80
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 23
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 2
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2023 Chachi #8 Jake Cave


#44
Andrew Jacob Cave
Outfield

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  200
Opening Day Age:  30
Born:  December 4, 1992, Hampton, VA
Acquired:  Selected off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, December 2, 2022
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2024
Major League Teams:  Minnesota Twins 2018-2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2023

The 2023 opening day left fielder for the Phillies, Jake Cave earned a spot on the roster on the strength of his solid spring training.  He had played in parts of five seasons with the Twins before coming to Philadelphia, spending time as a back-up at all three outfield spots and at designated hitter.  Cave's best season to date was his first, when he batted .265 with 13 home runs and 45 RBIs for the Twins in 2018.  The Phillies were the second team to claim Cave off waivers during the offseason, with the Orioles picking him up on October 11th and the Phillies adding him a month and a half later on December 2nd.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2015 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP204
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (3):  2019-2021
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  N/A
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  0 as of 4/19/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2023 Chachi #8

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Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Game 18 - Phils Nearly No-Hit in Loss

2020 Topps Total #453
White Sox 3, Phillies 0 (Game 2)
Game 18 - Tuesday Night, April 18th in Chicago
Record - 7-11, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bailey Falter pitched well but the Phillies were nearly no-hit in this 3-0 loss in the second game of Tuesday's double header.

What It Means:  There's one more game on Wednesday afternoon against the White Sox before the Phillies head home for seven games with the Rockies and Mariners.

What Happened:  Falter's only mistake came in the first inning when Jake Burger hit a three-run home run.  He'd settle down after that, pitching seven innings and allowing only three hits in total.  The White Sox pitching was better.  Starting pitcher Lucas Giolito and reliever Kendall Graveman combined for seven no-hit innings.  In the eighth, with Aaron Bummer on the mound, Brandon Marsh led off with a double to left for the team's only hit of the game.

Featured Card:  Old friend Adam Haseley made a brief appearance in this game for the White Sox, entering in right field in the eighth and moving to left field in the ninth.  Haseley has spent much of the past two season with the Charlotte Knights, the White Sox top farm club.  At the end of spring training last year, Haseley was dealt to the White Sox with the Phillies getting reliever McKinley Moore in return.

Transaction:  Following the game, Yunior Marte (rhp) was returned to Lehigh Valley.

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2023 Chachi #7 Alec Bohm


#28
Alec Daniel Bohm
Third Base

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'5"  Weight:  218
Opening Day Age:  26
Born:  August 3, 1996, Omaha, NE
Acquired:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 1st round (3rd pick) of the 2018 amateur draft, June 4, 2018
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2024
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2020-2023
World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

The Phillies' 1st round draft pick in 2018, Alec Bohm made his big league debut during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.  He'd bat .338 with four home runs and 23 RBIs, finishing as the runner-up that season in Rookie of the Year voting behind the Brewers' Devin Williams.  He suffered through a sophomore slump in 2021, which included a stint back in Lehigh Valley, but in 2022 Bohm proved he was up with the Phillies to stay.  After a rough beginning to his season, Bohm would go on to bat .280 with 13 home runs and 72 RBIs, starting 132 games at third base and five games at first base.  He batted .286 (6 for 21) in the 2022 World Series, with a home run and three RBIs.

So far in 2023, Bohm has split his time between third and first base, given the void at first caused by injuries to Rhys Hoskins and Darick Hall.

2018 Chachi Almost #6
2020 Chachi #40
2021 Chachi #5
2022 Chachi #12

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2018 Bowman Draft #BD-25
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (3):  2021-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps #128
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  94 as of 4/18/23.

2022 Chachi #88 - World Series Game 6
2023 Chachi #7

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