Game 162 - Phils Clinch Wild Card Spot in Final Game of '26

Tampa Bay Rays	3
Philadelphia Phillies	7

Sunday Afternoon, September 27th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
88-74, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies made things interesting (and at times, depressing) but they punched their ticket to the 2026 postseason with this convincing 7-3 win over the Rays.

What It Means:  After a celebration yesterday afternoon, the Phillies flew to Atlanta.  They'll face off against the division-winning Braves in the Wild Card Series on Tuesday, Wednesday and potentially Thursday afternoons.  A win in this series would put the Phillies in the NLDS against the Dodgers.

What Happened:  The ballpark was tense and the game started a half hour early due to the threat of upcoming heavy rain.  Zack Wheeler struck out the side in the first to set the tone, and Bryson Stott's double in the bottom of the first to bring home Kyle Schwarber, who had singled to reach, was enough to allow the fans to breathe a little.  J.T. Realmuto broke his 0 for 34 hitless streak with a double in the bottom of the second to score Edmundo Sosa, who had reached earlier on a double.  Trea Turner kept things going with a sharp single to center and Schwarber plated two more runs with a cathartic double to right, giving the Phillies a 4-0 lead.  Wheeler allowed a solo home run to Jonny DeLuca in the fifth, but was otherwise solid.  He allowed five hits overall in six innings, striking out five.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Phillies broke the game open.  Bryce Harper laced a line drive home run that just cleared the right field wall.  Bryson Stott doubled and would later come home on a Brandon Marsh sac fly.  Sosa then added to his day with a solo home run, giving the Phillies a 7-1 lead.  It got a little dicey in the seventh as Alex McFarlane allowed a pair of runs and the Diamondbacks came back to tie the Padres in their game.  Jesus Luzardo, activated before the game, needed four pitches to shut down the Rays in the eighth and Jhoan Duran struck out a pair in the ninth on the way to sending the Phillies to the postseason.  On to Atlanta!

Featured Card/Field Report:  Jenna and I, poncho'd up, actually enjoyed this game from the Diamond Club with my brother-in-law Bill and his Dad.  The rain was heavy at times, but with the Phillies in control the entire game, I really didn't mind.  I'm hoping we get to see the Phillies face the Dodgers in NLDS Game 3, which would take place on October 6th.

Transaction:  Luzardo (lhp) was activated from the injured list and Jose Urquidy (rhp) was designated for assignment.

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Game 160 - Phillies in Complete Freefall

Tampa Bay Rays	2
Philadelphia Phillies	0

2019 Chachi Phillies Phestival #3

Friday Night, September 25th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
87-73, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The frigid, lethargic offense supported a strong pitching effort from Cristopher Sanchez with four singles and non-competitive at bats in this 2-0 loss to the Rays.

What It Means:  The Diamondbacks have won six in a row and are a game behind the Phillies for a Wild Card spot with two games remaining to play.  Over the last 15 games, the Phillies have seven home runs.  Kyle Schwarber (.150), Brandon Marsh (.148), Trea Turner (.244) and J.T. Realmuto (0 for 32) are horrendous right now.  And while I'm at it, here are some rantings of a frustrated, cranky, tired Phillies fan in no particular order:

1. I'm tired of this version of the Phillies, and what's frustrating is I don't think anything drastic can or will change for 2027* given the contracts handed out in recent years.  They're either red hot or ice cold with nothing in between.  Over the past three seasons, this team's core has consistently come up small in big moments, going into freefall whenever games matter most.
2. *Assuming there's baseball in 2027.
3. I'm less than impressed with the front office, and I'm looking right in your direction, Dave Dombrowski.  Your bullpen acquisitions have been atrocious, and the line-up you've built relies on the long ball or bust.
4. Why are we carrying three catchers on the roster, and only using the one currently mired in an historic slump?
5. The interim manager and the coaching staff undoubtedly have worked hard, but they've got to go.  Whatever they're doing, it's not working.
6. And they should take the City Connect uniforms with them.  I initially liked the quirkiness of the design, and friends and family know I'm partial to the blue and yellow color scheme, but after three full seasons of them, I now think they look ridiculous.
7. The baby blue retro uniforms should be the full-time road uniforms.
8. The Phillies need an overall rebrand. The current look and logo have been in place since 1992, meaning 2027 will be the 36th season with the same logo and red-pinstriped home uniform.  For comparison, the prior maroon uniforms with the fat P logo were worn for 22 seasons between 1971 and 1991.  I'd vote for the Field of Dreams look or let's get nuts and go to blue/yellow as our primary colors.  We need to start a new era and a new look.
9. Listening to a TV broadcast is painful, especially when you know the quality of broadcasting and game calling going on with the radio team, led by Scott Franzke.  I love John Kruk, but the other guys have never heard of taking a pause and letting the game breathe.  TMac's consistent over the top delivery is particularly jarring when the team is playing horribly.  At least Franzke tones it down and seems to emphasize with the distraught fans when he's describing the action on the field.

What Happened:  Sanchez allowed two runs in the first two innings, but then settled in to pitch five scoreless innings and strike out 10.  He struck out the side in the sixth and seventh innings before yielding to the bullpen.  The Phillies offense looked lost.

Featured Card:  I was sad to hear that Bill Giles passed away yesterday at the age of 92.  Giles is responsible for giving us Harry Kalas and the Phillie Phanatic, two very important and key figures in any Phillies fan's life over the past 40-plus years.  We saw Giles at quite a few events in recent years, and he was always friendly and warm towards us, and I hope he realized how many people he made happy.

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Tampa Bay Rays at Philadelphia Phillies: Playoff Berth in Reach?

2006 Topps #114

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #14

Friday, September 25th - 6:40
Saturday, September 26th - 7:15
Sunday, September 27th - 3:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
The end of the regular season is upon us, and I wish I was feeling more optimistic about the Phillies these days.  There are two more Mystery Squishy Dumpling Bundle theme nights tonight and Saturday, and Sunday is the annual and popular Fan Appreciation Day.

Tampa Bay Rays 96-63
1st Place in the A.L. East, 4 games ahead of the Yankees

Rays Probables
Freddy Peralta (4-2, 3.60)
Griffin Jax (8-10, 3.62)
Nick Martinez (15-5, 2.94)

Rays Leaders
Average:  Chandler Simpson - .308
Runs:  Junior Caminero - 96
Home Runs:  Junior Caminero - 41
RBIs:  Junior Caminero - 99
Stolen Bases:  Chandler Simpson - 46

Wins:  Drew Rasmussen - 16
ERA:  Drew Rasmussen - 2.67

Strikeouts:  Drew Rasmussen - 174
Saves:  Bryan Baker - 40

Philadelphia Phillies 87-72
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 6 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (18-6, 2.93)
TBD
Zack Wheeler (13-5, 3.06)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .270
Runs:  Trea Turner - 100
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 95
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 26

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 18
ERA:  Jesus Luzardo - 2.87

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez - 221
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 33

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Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets: Magic Number is 6

2026 Chachi Previews #1

2006 Topps #431

Thursday, September 17th - 7:15
Friday, September 18th - 7:15
Saturday, September 19th - 4:10
Sunday, September 20th - 1:10

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
The first 18,000 fans tonight will receive a Francisco Lindor bobblehead, and the first 15,000 fans on Friday will receive a Snoopy plush.  On Saturday, fans will receive a Carlos Beltran bobblehead and it's also Beltran's Mets Hall of Fame induction and number retirement night.  Finally, a Howie Rose retirement ceremony will be held on  Sunday afternoon.

Philadelphia Phillies 84-68
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (6-10, 4.69)
TBD
Andrew Painter (3-9, 5.54)
Cristopher Sanchez (17-6, 2.93)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .270
Runs:  Trea Turner - 96
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 95
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 25

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 17
ERA:  Jesus Luzardo - 2.87

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 221
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 31

New York Mets 69-83
5th Place in the N.L. East, 19 1/2 games behind the Braves

Mets Probables
Nolan McLean (11-9, 3.24)
Zac Thornton (4-5, 3.44)
Christian Scott (4-5, 3.76)
Jonah Tong (2-1, 3.43)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Carson Benge - .270
Runs:  Carson Benge - 78
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 25
RBIs:  Bo Bichette - 74
Stolen Bases:  A.J. Ewing - 24

Wins:  Nolan McLean - 11
ERA:  Nolan McLean - 3.24

Strikeouts:  Nolan McLean - 184
Saves:  Devin Williams - 16

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Game 135 - SOSA SLAMS PHILS TO WIN; LC Tribute

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Los Angeles Angels	3

2026 Topps Now #611

Late Friday Night, August 28th

Angel Stadium - Anaheim, CA
75-60, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Edmundo Sosa hit a pinch-hit grand slam in the top of the ninth inning, sending the Phillies to an amazing 5-3 win over the Angels.

What It Means:  Yes, I stayed up for this entire game but I almost turned it off in the seventh and went to bed.  I'm glad I didn't!

What Happened:  Andrew Painter suffered through a typical first inning for him, allowing three runs on two hits, two walks and two wild pitches, before settling down and pitching well the next five innings.  He didn't allow another hit the rest of the way and struck out six overall.  The Phillies pushed across a run in the fifth on a bunt single from Derek Hill, scoring Alec Bohm.  

Angels' reliever Ben Joyce came on in the ninth to try and hold a 3-1 lead.  Bohm was hit by a pitch and Justin Crawford walked, and Bryson Stott hit a fly ball to right that would have been a home run if not for an incredible leaping catch by Wade Meckler.  With two outs, J.T. Realmuto drew another walk and Sammy Peralta relieved Joyce.  Sosa connected for his slam, giving the Phillies a 5-3 lead and stunning the Angel Stadium crowd.

Featured Card:  Sosa rightfully earned a Topps Now card, but I also wanted to pay tribute to Larry Christenson, who passed away on Friday.  Christenson was a career Phillie, and a member of the 1980 World Championship team.  He won 83 games in his 11-year career, but I'll remember him most for being omnipresent at Phillies alumni events, special ceremonies and even just regular games.  He never didn't sign or pose for a picture with our oldest son, Doug, and I'd venture to guess Doug probable has at least a dozen Christenson autographs in his collection on Wall of Fame prints, baseballs, photo cards and score cards.  LC will be missed.

1977 Topps #59

1982 Donruss #219

2017 Chachi Alumni Weekend #1

2018 Chachi Friendly Encounters #18

2019 Chachi Friendly Encounters #7

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Philadelphia Phillies at Seattle Mariners: West Coast Swing Begins

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #11

2006 Topps #358

Monday, August 24th - 9:40
Tuesday, August 25th - 9:40
Wednesday, August 26th - 4:10

T-Mobile Park - Seattle, WA
The first 10,000 fans will receive a Mariners jersey as part of their Native American Heritage Night tonight.  It's also Care Bears Night, with special themed tickets available.

Philadelphia Phillies 73-58
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.92)
Aaron Nola (5-9, 5.12)
Jesus Luzardo (11-5, 3.35)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .277
Runs:  Trea Turner - 86
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 39
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 78
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.62

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez - 194
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 28

Seattle Mariners 62-69
2nd Place in the A.L. West, 3 games behind the Astros and Rangers

Mariners Probables
Logan Gilbert (10-7, 3.35)
George Kirby (8-10, 4.18)
TBD

Mariners Leaders
Average:  Randy Arozarena - .275
Runs:  Randy Arozarena - 84
Home Runs:  Randy Arozarena - 20
RBIs:  Randy Arozarena - 58
Stolen Bases:  Josh Naylor - 25

Wins:  Logan Gilbert - 10
ERA:  Logan Gilbert - 3.35

Strikeouts:  Logan Gilbert - 157
Saves:  Andres Munoz - 23

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St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies: Looking to Extend Winning Streak

2006 Topps #84

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #7

Friday, August 21st - 6:40
Saturday, August 22nd - 6:05
Sunday, August 23rd - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Two great promotions are on deck for this weekend series.  Tonight, all fans receive a Kyle Schwarber bobblehead, with Schwarber wearing the popular, retro baby blue uniform.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Bryce Harper football jersey.

St. Louis Cardinals 66-63
3rd Place in the N.L. Central, 13 1/2 games behind the Brewers

Cardinals Probables
Hunter Dobbins (3-3, 3.42)
Andre Pallante (12-6, 3.57)
Kyle Leahy (10-4, 3.24)

Cardinals Leaders
Average:  Alec Burleson - .288
Runs:  JJ Wetherholt - 85
Home Runs:  Jordan Walker - 26
RBIs:  Jordan Walker - 94
Stolen Bases:  Jordan Walker - 17

Wins:  Andre Pallante - 12
ERA:  Michael McGreevy - 3.54

Strikeouts:  Matthew Liberatore - 125
Saves:  Riley O'Brien - 33

Philadelphia Phillies 70-58
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (11-5, 3.23)
Andrew Painter (2-8, 6.43)
Cristopher Sanchez (16-4, 2.51)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .274
Runs:  Trea Turner - 84
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 37
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 74
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.51

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 187
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 28

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2026 Chachi Field of Dreams Set

I knew I'd create a few custom cards from the Field of Dreams game for my 2026 Chachi set, but when walking from the movie site to the actual ballpark, I had the idea for an insert set to commemorate the event.  There was a meandering gravel path between the two locations with some concessions, helpful ushers and what looked to be somewhat sturdy, life-size standees of stars from the Phillies and Twins.  I took pictures of all the Phillies and the one ex-Phillie, with Jenna posing with a few of her favorites.

Shown here are those 11 photos, presented on a 1941 Play Ball design, which is close enough to represent the 1939 throwback uniforms worn by the Phillies.

Game 123 - The Field of Dreams Game

2026 Chachi #69

2026 Chachi Friendly Encounters #8

2026 Topps Now #551

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Minnesota Twins	1

Thursday Night, August 13th

Field of Dreams - Dyersville, IA
65-58, 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  On a magical night for baseball, the Phillies shined in a 7-1 win over the Twins at baseball's Field of Dreams, situated in the middle of a huge corn field in Iowa.

What It Means:  This is easily the best regular season Phillies game I've ever attended.

What Happened:  After a moving pregame ceremony in which both teams and two dozen Hall of Famers emerged from the corn stalks in right field, Kyle Schwarber hit the third pitch of the game into the corn over the right field wall.  Bryce Harper walked, went to third on a Luis Arraez single and scored on a Bryson Stott single to center.  The Phillies scored three more runs in the fourth on a two-run home run from Schwarber that bounced off the glove of Twins' right fielder Luke Keaschall and over the wall.  Trea Turner then doubled and Harper singled him home.  Brandon Marsh capped the scoring with a two-run home run in the seventh.  Every Phillie in the starting line-up had a hit in the game, except for catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Aaron Nola allowed a second inning home run to Keaschall, but settled in and allowed five hits overall while striking out nine in his five inning outing.  Brooks Raley, Jonathan Bowlan, Orion Kerkering and Jhoan Duran kept the Twins off the scoreboard over the final four innings.

Featured Card:  I wanted to create a Chachi highlight card to celebrate the game, and given the hundreds of pictures I took during the day it was hard to parse down the photos to just a few to show here.  I also decided to create an insert set using photos of the Phillies standees located on the path leading between the movie site and the actual ballpark.  Given the Phillies chose to wear 1939-inspired uniforms, I kept the insert card design simple and based it on the 1941 Play Ball set.  I feature these in a future post.

Field Report:  It was incredible.  Jenna and I decided we needed to go to this game as soon as it was announced the prior year.  With both boys working and occupied with summer activities, we received their permission to make it a solo trip.  We pulled into Dyersville around 1:15 after the 90 minute drive from Cedar Rapids.  After waiting in line for the parking lots to open at 2pm, we quickly parked, trekked across the muddy grass parking lot and waited in line again for our early access passes from travel group, On Location.  The early access was amazing, as we were able to explore the movie site and the surrounding stores with very few other fans around at that point.  Jenna captured a selfie with Shane Victorino, we spent an appropriate amount of money on souvenirs and I took in the Field of Dreams from the movie, standing on the pitching mound, enjoying the view from second base and of course, thinking about my Dad.

In a truly magical touch, fans needed to cross through the corn field from the movie site to the ballpark area.  There was a meandering path lined with cutouts of Phillies and Twins players and then more merchandise and food concessions outside the larger (and new) ballpark.  We watched in awe as Mike Schmidt and Adrian Beltre stood in line with other fans for merchandise.  We made our way to our lofty seats in Section 304, Row DD, and enjoyed the view before the pregame ceremonies.  The game itself was extremely enjoyable as well, especially given the Phillies were in command from the outset.  Lifelong memories were created.

Transaction:  Kameron Misner (of) was recalled from Lehigh Valley as the 27th man for the game, but did not make an appearance.

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Game 119 - Phils Walk It Off in 12th on Hill's Clutch Hit

2006 Chachi #59

2008 Chachi #20

2022 Chachi #33

2022 Chachi #50

Toronto Blue Jays	6
Philadelphia Phillies	7

12 Innings

Sunday Afternoon, August 9th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
63-56, 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies got a much-needed win when Derek Hill singled home J.T. Realmuto with the game's winning run in the 12th inning.

What It Means:  They avoided a Blue Jays sweep and next headed out on the road (and the corn fields) with stops in St. Louis, Dyersville and Minneapolis.

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo was fantastic, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out 12 over seven innings.  The Phillies led 5-2 upon Luzardo's exit, powered by a three-run home run from Kyle Schwarber in the third, a solo homer from Schwarber in the fifth and an RBI-single from Alec Bohm in the sixth.  Orion Kerkering blew it in the eighth, giving up three runs on four hits and allowing the Blue Jays to tie the game.  The Blue Jays took a brief lead in the top of the 12th, scoring off Caleb Kilian, but clutch RBI singles from Bryson Stott and Hill in the bottom of the 12th led to the win.

Featured Card:  In advance of the Field of Dreams game on Thursday, the Phillies did something really cool prior to this game by having four of their own "ghost players" throw out ceremonial first pitches.  Tim Granville (2006), Tim Lahey (2008), Jeff Singer (2022) and Will Toffey (2022) were all on the Phillies active roster briefly, but never appeared in a game with the club.  Of course, they all have their own Chachi cards, shown here.

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended the Twins-Brewers game at American Family Field in Milwaukee.  It was a gorgeous ballpark, and while a thunderstorm raged outside, we sat comfortably dry inside with the retractable roof closed.  The Brewers walked it off in the 10th on a Jake Bauers single.  Highlights from the game included Jacob Misiorowski's 200th strikeout of the season and a few leaping catches in right field by Luis Lara.

Transaction:  Alan Rangel (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Chase Shugart (rhp) was optioned back down.

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Miami Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies: It's Good to be Home

2006 Topps #397

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #3

Monday, August 17th - 6:40
Tuesday, August 18th - 6:40
Wednesday, August 19th - 6:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
The Phillies Room support staff is back from a fantastic trip that took us through Milwaukee, Dyersville and Minneapolis.  We'll slowly get caught back up, but for now a three-game series with the Marlins is on tap.  On Tuesday, fans can stay after the game for a Flo Rida concert.

Miami Marlins 64-61
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

Marlins Probables
Janson Junk (6-7, 4.41)
TBD
Sandy Alcantara (13-7, 3.43)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Otto Lopez - .308
Runs:  Otto Lopez - 73
Home Runs:  Heriberto Hernandez - 18
RBIs:  Liam Hicks - 62
Stolen Bases:  Esteury Ruiz - 29

Wins:  Sandy Alcantara - 13
ERA:  Sandy Alcantara - 3.43

Strikeouts:  Eury Perez - 133
Saves:  Pete Fairbanks - 18

Philadelphia Phillies 67-58
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (15-4, 2.54)
Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.89)
Aaron Nola (4-9, 5.33)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .274
Runs:  Trea Turner - 82
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 37
RBIs:  Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber - 72
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 15
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.54

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 185
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 26

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