2009 Chachi #33 Barack Obama HL

As has become tradition for the prior year's World Champions, the Phillies visited the White House today to be recognized by the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.

The President lauded the Phils for being "a team that never gave up." He also paid tribute to Harry Kalas: "Harry left us as he lived -- in the ballpark, preparing to call another game for his beloved Phillies. And I know a season without the warm comfort of his voice is difficult, but I also know this, that Harry is here with us in spirit today and he is proud of all of you."

Jimmy Rollins, serving as the team's spokesman, presented the President with a personalized Phillies jersey and a baseball autographed by the entire team.

1983 Fleer Stickers #143 Al Oliver & Pete Rose

I miss the Expos.

Jenna and I attended one of the last Expos' games at Olympic Stadium in September 2004, when the Phillies were trying to overtake the Astros for the NL Wild Card. The paid attendance for the game was 12,382 - although I'd seriously challenge the accuracy of this number.

A few dozen fans held a protest outside the stadium before the game, even though it was a foregone conclusion the Expos were leaving Montreal. The game day atmosphere inside the dome was dreary. It was like a poorly attended, poorly lit JV baseketball game. The thing that bothered me the most was that there was probably some kid there, some die-hard Expos fan who had an Expos binder with all his Expos cards, and his team was leaving. I hope this kid is rooting for the Nationals and Ryan Zimmerman now.

However, I hope the Phils pummel his team this weekend and I'd like to see Zimmerman go 0 for 16. Sorry kid.

Phillies at Nationals: May 15th through May 17th

Friday 7:05, Saturday 1:05 & 7:05, Sunday 1:35

Records: Phillies 16-16, Tied for 2nd place in NL East (2 games behind the Mets); Nationals 11-21, 5th place in NL East

Last Trade Between the Phillies and Nationals: Phillies traded Marlon Byrd to the Nationals for Endy Chavez, May 14, 2005
Unsolicited Phillies Room Rant: The Phils need to take this series. Phillies fans (myself included) are concerned because the offense has been craptastic and Brad Lidge is pitching like Arthur Rhodes (the 2006 version). The Nationals are the worst team in the Majors. We need at least 3 wins this weekend.

Double Dip: The Saturday day-night double header is a result of the April 15th rain-out.
Phillies Probables: Joe Blanton, Brett Myers, J.A. Happ, Chan Ho Park

Nationals Probables: John Lannan, Scott Olsen, Daniel Cabrera, TBD

1993 Ultra #437 Mark Davis

1993 Phillies - Supporting Cast

Uniform Numbers: 43 (1980-1981); 48 (1993)
1993 Stats: Appeared in 25 games with the Phils, compiling a 1-2 record with a 5.17 ERA.

1993 Notable: Briefly appears in the video, Whatever It Takes Dude, clowning around with fellow reliever Larry Andersen.
How Acquired: First stint - Drafted by the Phillies in the 1st round of the 1979 amateur draft (secondary phase), January 9, 1979; Second stint - Acquired from the Atlanta Braves for Brad Hassinger, April 13, 1993

Phillies Career: 1980-1981; 1993
How Departed: First stint - Traded with Charles Penigar and Mike Krukow to the San Francisco Giants for Al Holland and Joe Morgan, December 14, 1982; Second stint - Released, July 2, 1993 (Signed with the San Diego Padres)

Mark lasted 2 ½ months with the Phils in 1993, replaced on the roster by Mike Williams in early July. A former Cy Young winner (1989), Mark's success with the San Diego Padres can be partly attributed to then Padres manager Larry Bowa, who named Mark the team's closer in 1988.

1993 Donruss #200 Juan Bell

1993 Phillies - Supporting Cast

Uniform Number: 24

1993 Stats: 24 games, .200 average, 9 errors in 99 chances.

1993 Notable: I got nothing.

How Acquired: Acquired from the Baltimore Orioles for Steve Scarsone, August 11, 1992

Phillies Career: 1992-1993

How Departed: Selected off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers, June 1, 1993

Juan Bell was the Phils' 1993 opening day shortstop. My recollection was that Juan was let go to immediately to make room for Kevin Stocker, but this wasn't the case. The Phils tried a combination of Mariano Duncan, Kim Batiste and Joe Millette at shortstop for a month before finally deciding to purchase Kevin Stocker from AAA Scranton on July 7th.

2008 Chachi #74 Clinch NLCS HL

As Doug and Jenna slept soundly, I paced the living room floor until Nomar Garciaparra hit a foul pop-up caught by Carlos Ruiz for the final out of the 2008 NLCS. (Commemorated here, in the 2009 Chachi set). Jimmy Rollins' lead-off home run eased some of the tension, but not all of it. For the first time since I was a sophomore at Wake, watching from the Taylor dorm as the Phils defeated the Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies were going back to the World Series. Can you believe it?

2008 Chachi #73 NLCS Game 5/Jimmy Rollins & Brad Lidge

NLCS Game 5 - October 15, 2008
Phillies 5, Dodgers 1

From the Phillies.com report of the game: For the sixth time in franchise history and the first since '93, the Phillies are back in the World Series, beating the Dodgers in five games in the NLCS. And the series clincher was a collaborative effort - led by ace left-hander Cole Hamels, who was named the MVP of the NLCS.

NLCS MVP Cole Hamels: "To get an award like this is just something surreal. It takes a whole team to get here. I was able to go out there and play the way I know I'm able to do, but it's because of my teammates. We had some big plays."

Jimmy Rollins: "After hearing about the '93 team and the '80 team over and over and over, we finally have a chance to make our mark. It's crazy. We're here now, four games away."

Charlie Manuel: "We've got one more big step, then we're going to take a grand parade."

2008 Chachi #72 NLCS Game 4/Matt Stairs

NLCS Game 4 - October 13, 2008
Phillies 7, Dodgers 5

From the Phillies.com report of the game: Down by two in the eighth, the Phillies made a thrilling comeback to take Game 4 from the Dodgers. Two batters after Shane Victorino hit a game-tying two-run homer, Matt Stairs slammed a mammoth two-run, pinch-hit homer to move Philly within one win of its first World Series appearance since 1993.

Matt Stairs: "You want to get that one big hit where you feel like you're part of the team. Not that I don't feel like I'm part of the team, by no means, but when you get that nice celebration coming into the dugout and you're getting your [bum] hammered by guys, it's no better feeling than to have that done."

Shane Victorino: "I think from Day 1 we always talked about how we play 27 outs. With this team, it's the character. We pull for each other . . . [I]t takes 25 guys collectively to win a ballgame."

2005 Topps Heritage #60 Larry Bowa MG

So instead of posting a 2009 Chachi card celebrating Jamie Moyer's 250th win tonight . . . I guess I'll post a card of Larry Bowa.

One of the best things about Jayson Werth's steal of home last night was Larry Bowa's reaction from the Dodgers' dugout. Bowa was disgusted. He actually had to leave the dugout and head back to the clubhouse to hide his disdain. It's that fiery temperament the fans loved, but apparently his players hated.

Larry managed the Phils from 2001 until 2004. He closed the Vet and opened the Bank. He never led the team into the Postseason, but most everyone (myself included) lamented his firing at the end of the 2004 season. We lamented the hiring of Charlie Manuel even more, but Charlie was able to lead the team to a World Championship. I guess that shows what we know.

2008 Chachi #71 NLCS Game 3/Benches Clear

NLCS Game 3 - October 12, 2008
Dodgers 7, Phillies 2

From the Phillies.com report of the game: Game 3 had a little bit of everything, including a benches-clearing incident, but in the end, the result didn't translate into a commanding NLCS lead for veteran left-handed starter Jamie Moyer and the Phillies, who couldn't overcome a Dodgers five-run first.

Charlie Manuel, discussing Moyer's struggles: "They hit some balls hard, and it also seemed like everything they hit went through for a hit. We got behind quick."

Shane Victorino: "Someone was bound to get hit on our team. We knocked down [Russell] Martin twice and threw behind [Manny Ramirez by] Brett [Myers on Friday]. The situation called for it. Just don't throw at my head. That's what I told Russell. I said, 'If you're going to hit me hit me, hit me anywhere else. That's all I ask. We'll leave it at that.'"

2008 Chachi #70 NLCS Game 2/Shane Victorino

NLCS Game 2 - October 10, 2008
Phillies 8, Dodgers 5

From the Phillies.com report of the game: If L.A. thought it had to be worried about Brett Myers on the mound, well, it should have been concerned about his bat; that's where he did his most damage. Along with Shane Victorino's four RBIs, the righty drove in three runs to give the Phils a 2-0 edge over the Dodgers. In the clubhouse after the big win, however, it was two losses that weighed on the minds of the team as the coaches and players mourned the passing of June Manuel, Charlie Manuel's mother, and Irene Victorino, Shane Victorino's grandmother.

Shane Victorino: "Maybe she helped me make that catch. It's definitely an emotional time."

Brett Myers on Charlie Manuel: "I went up to him as I was getting ready for the game. I told him, 'I'm going to win this for your Mom today.' So it was in the back of my mind, for sure. But he's been so good to us. We've got to show him some love, too."

Brett Myers on the pitch thrown behind Manny Ramirez:"I tried to throw it too hard. It slipped -- the balls were a little slippery."

Jenna and Jim enjoyed the game from Section 144, behind Pat Burrell and Manny Ramirez.

2006 Chachi #49 Randy Wolf

Now pitching for the Dodgers, Randy Wolf will try to thwart Jamie Moyer's attempt tonight to win his 250th game.

Randy pitched with the Phils from 1999 until 2006, and was a large part (unfortunately) of the underachieving Phillies' teams of the early '00s. He was the Phillies' lone representative at the 2003 All-Star Game, a year in which he won 16 games. Since Randy was around for so long, I was surprised to not find his name in any category in the Phillies career pitching top 10 listings.

I wonder if the Wolf Pack, Randy's fan group from back in the day, will be present at tonight's game?

2008 Chachi #69 NLCS Game 1/Pat Burrell

NLCS Game 1 - October 9, 2008
Phillies 3, Dodgers 2

From the Phillies.com report of the game: In their matchups at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies had not lost to the Dodgers at home this season, and they kept it that way after rallying during a three-run sixth behind two homers by Chase Utley and Pat Burrell to take Game 1 of the NLCS from Los Angeles.

Cole Hamels: "I missed some spots in the first, but I was able to come in the second, third, fourth inning and really hit. That's when you let another team know you can't take too many pitches, because he's going to throw strikes no matter what. That's what I was able to establish."

2009 Topps Heritage #389 World Series Game 4/Jayson Werth

Led by Raul Ibañez' 2-run double, Chan Ho Park's quality start and Jayson Werth's 4 stolen bases, the Phils beat the Dodgers tonight, 5-3.

Jayson Werth stole 4 bases, including 2nd, 3rd and home (yes, home) in the 7th inning, becoming the first Phillie to steal 4 bases in a game since Garry Maddox did it in 1978. In his post-game interview, Jayson credited coach Davey Lopes with helping him with his running game.

Now we just need the Braves to take care of the Mets in extra innings tonight . . .

1978 Topps #631 Danny Ozark MG

Danny Ozark was the manager of the Phillies when I attended my first Phillies game in 1979. Sadly, Danny passed away Thursday at the age of 85.

Prior to being named the Phils' manager in 1972, Danny spent 8 years (1965-1972) as Walter Alston's 3rd base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his 6+ years as the Phillies manager, he led the team to NL East titles in 1976, 1977 and 1978. (1976 was the Phillies first Postseason appearance since 1950). Only Hall of Famer Harry Wright (1,227) and Gene Mauch (1,331) have managed more Phillies games than Danny Ozark (1,105).

1993 Fleer #97 Ruben Amaro, Jr.

1993 Phillies - Supporting Cast

Uniform Numbers: 33 (1992-1993, 1998); 37 (1996-1997)
1993 Stats: Played in 25 games for the Phillies, batting .333 with a home run and 6 RBI. (The home run and 3 of the RBI came on June 25th).
1993 Notable: Had a career high 4 hits against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 25th, leading the Phillies to victory.
How Acquired: First stint - Acquired with Kyle Abbott from the California Angels for Von Hayes, December 8, 1991; Second stint - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays' organization, May 6, 1996
Phillies Career: As a batboy - 1980-1983; As a player - 1992-1993 and 1996-1998; As assistant general manager - 1999-2008; As general manager - 2009 - ?
How Departed: First stint - Traded to the Cleveland Indians for Heathcliff Slocumb, November 2, 1993; Second stint - Retired and named assistant GM to then GM Ed Wade.

Ruben started as the Phillies' bat boy, eventually played for the Phillies, and is currently the team's general manager. Not a bad career path! Ruben Sr. also spent a considerable number of years employed by the Phils.

Dodgers at Phillies: May 12th through May 14th

Tuesday & Wednesday 7:05, Thursday 1:05

Records: Dodgers 22-11, 1st Place in NL West; Phillies 15-14, 3rd Place in NL East (1 game behind the Mets)
Former Phillies with the Dodgers: Pitcher Randy Wolf (1999-2006) will start against the Phils on Wednesday night. First base coach Mariano Duncan (1992-1995) was a member of the '93 Phils and will be featured in a future post. Third base coach Larry Bowa was a long-time fixture in Philly as a player (1970-1981), coach (1988-1996) and manager (2001-2004). Bullpen coach Ken Howell (1989-1990) was not a fixture in Philly. Fernando Valenzuela (1994) is in his 7th season providing color commentary for the Dodgers' Spanish radio broadcasts.
Notable: I'm back from vacation . . . I hope the Phillies come back from vacation as well. (Oh, and something happened with Manny Ramirez while I was gone).
Dodgers Probables: Clayton Kershaw, Randy Wolf, Chad Billingsley
Phillies Probables: Chan Ho Park, Jamie Moyer, Cole Hamels

2007 Chachi #70 Greg Dobbs HL

Don't get me wrong, Jenna had me completely hooked pretty early on in our courtship. However, I still remember the day she showed me her baseball card collection as one of the pivotal moments in the development of a beautiful relationship. When she asked if she could come to a baseball card show with me to work on some of her sets, I probably should have asked her to marry me then and there.

She's still collecting baseball cards (2009 Upper Deck Series 1 currently), and now she's a loving, caring, wonderful mother to our son.

Happy Mother's Day, Jenna!

1982 Topps #100 Mike Schmidt

No, your eyes do not deceive you. I have not mistakenly posted the same card side by side. The card at left is Mike Schmidt's actual 1982 Topps card and the card at right is an almost exact replica, drawn by me when I was 8.

A few years ago, my Mom found a dozen or so cards I had drawn circa 1982, mounted them on red cardboard and had them framed for me. This is the kind of thing my Mom does regularly. She has never wavered in her support for everything I do, and she has always encouraged me to focus on the things in life that make me happy. Maybe that's part of the reason I never stopped collecting baseball cards.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I couldn't have done it without you!

Braves at Phillies: May 8th through May 10th

Friday 7:05, Saturday 3:40, Sunday 12:35

Records: Braves - Hopefully 13-15; Phillies - Hopefully 15-11
Played with the Braves and Phillies: Per Baseball Reference.com, 233 players have played for both the Braves (Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta) and the Phillies, including: Steve Bedrosian, Ron Gant, Gene Garber, Stan Lopata, Gary Matthews, Dale Murphy, Todd Pratt, Lonnie Smith and Milt Thompson.
Braves Probables: Jo-Jo Reyes, Javier Vazquez, Kenshin Kawakami
Phillies Probables: Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, Brett Myers

1996 Collector's Choice #256 Mickey Morandini

M-I-C

See you real soon . . .

K-E-Y

Why? Because we like you.

M-O-R-andini.

1970 Topps #324 Tony Taylor

Fan favorite Tony Taylor had two stints playing with the Phillies, from 1961 until 1971, and again from 1974 to 1976. His 15 seasons with the Phillies are matched only by Steve Carlton and Chuck Klein (15 each) and topped only by Granny Hamner (16 seasons) and Mike Schmidt (18 seasons).

Tony is in the all-time Phillies top 10 lists for games played (1,669), at-bats (5,799) and singles (1,178). He was recently pushed out of the Top 10 for stolen bases (169) by Bobby Abreu and Jimmy Rollins. He has played more games at second base (1,003) than any other Phillie, although Chase Utley is creeping up the list.

Following his playing days, he coached with the Phils from 1977 to 1979, and again from 1988 to 1989. In 2002, Tony was named to the Phillies Wall of Fame.

1994 Collector's Choice #326 John Kruk CL

For my 1993 retrospective, I had planned on starting with some of the supporting players from the 1993 Phillies team. However, due to tonight's 1-0 loss to the Mets, I'm in need of a good John Kruk card.

The Krukker had a ton of great cards from the mid-'90s, and this is one of my favorites. It's just a cool, no frills, retro-style card featuring John in all his scruffy glory.

1993 Philadelphia Phillies

Harry Kalas, October 13, 1993: "Swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Phillies are the '93 National League Champions! Mitch Williams, a 1-2-3 save and this place is bedlam at Veterans Stadium!"

The 1993 Philadelphia Phillies captured the hearts and imagination of the entire city. They were called throwbacks, they were called crazies, they were called "a motley crew of hairy, beer-soused brutes" by an out-of-town newspaper. Most importantly, for a town that had watched and suffered through a decade of mediocre baseball teams, this was a team you could actually like. This was a team you could root for and a team that never gave up. They lost the World Series, but they still rank just as high as the 1980 and 2008 teams in terms of overall popularity in Philly.

Prologue - 1992 Phillies

Jim Fregosi, manager

John Vukovich, bench coach

Johnny Podres, pitching coach

Denis Menke, hitting coach

Mel Roberts, 1st base coach

Larry Bowa, 3rd base coach

Mike Ryan, bullpen coach

Starting Line-Up

Darren Daulton, c

John Kruk, 1b

Mickey Morandini, 2b

Kevin Stocker, ss

Dave Hollins, 3b

Milt Thompson, lf

Lenny Dykstra, cf

Jim Eisenreich, rf

Starting Rotation

Curt Schilling

Danny Jackson

Tommy Greene

Terry Mulholland

Ben Rivera

The Bench

Mariano Duncan, inf

Pete Incaviglia, lf

Wes Chamberlain, rf

Ricky Jordan, 1b

Kim Batiste, inf

Todd Pratt, c

Tony Longmire, lf

The Bullpen

Mitch Williams

David West

Larry Andersen

Roger Mason

Bobby Thigpen

Supporting Cast: Juan Bell, ss; Ruben Amaro, Jr., of; Jeff Manto, inf; Joe Millette, inf; Doug Lindsey, c; Mark Davis, p; Mike Williams, p; Jose DeLeon, p; Donn Pall, p; Tim Mauser, p; Bob Ayrault, p; Tyler Green, p; Kevin Foster, p; Brad Brink, p; Paul Fletcher, p

Phillies at Mets: May 6th and May 7th

Wednesday & Thursday, 7:10

Records: Phillies 14-10, 1st Place in NL East (½ game ahead of the Marlins) ; Mets 12-13, 3rd Place in NL East
Played with the Mets and Phillies: Per Baseball Reference.com, 97 players have played for both the Mets and the Phillies, including: Richie Ashburn, Ricky Bottalico, Lenny Dykstra, Dallas Green, Gregg Jefferies, Jerry Koosman, Tug McGraw, Ricky Otero, Juan Samuel and Del Unser. That's right, a Ricky Otero reference.
The Phillies Room Keys to the Games: It's time for Jimmy Rollins to walk the walk (again). Chan Ho could be pitching to keep his job . . . He at least needs to give the bullpen a rest.
Phillies Probables: Chan Ho Park, Jamie Moyer
Mets Probables: Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey

1981 Topps Home Team Photos 5x7 #NNO Tug McGraw

The first time I saw Tug McGraw's 1974 Topps card, I thought someone was playing a joke on me. There was no way Tugger had once pitched for the Mets. Are you sure about this? (And now you're telling me Steve Carlton once pitched for the Cardinals? This is crazy talk!)

Sure enough, as confirmed by the back of his 1981 Topps card (and I definitely checked at the time), Tug pitched for the Mets from 1965 until 1974. In the early '80s, I had a Phillies binder in which I kept all my Phillies cards organized in Enor pages. The front of the binder was reserved for the pages containing my favorite Phillies. Until Bob Dernier came along, the front of the binder was occupied by either Mike Schmidt or Tug McGraw as I could never pick my favorite between the two.

1992 Medford Phillies #NNO Uniforms Through the Years

Prologue – 1992 Phillies

On the afternoon of April 7, 1992, the Phillies were playing the Cubs and introducing their new red pinstriped and blue accented retro-themed uniforms in their home opener. The maroon pinstripes and accompanying bubble "P" logo with the baseball in the middle had been burned into my brain since I was a wee lad. I was now a senior in high school. I wanted to see the new fancy uniforms in person. I needed to be there. So a few friends and I got tickets to the game. That in itself was not a bad choice.

Before heading to the game, we decided to stop by Wawa to pick up snacks. Not a bad choice per se, but probably not a wise choice. Things began to unravel for us when the secretary from the vice principal of discipline’s office was also in Wawa picking up her morning coffee.

Seeing as we were already blatantly guilty of truancy, some in our little group (the guilty shall remain nameless) thought it would be amusing to ride by our high school on the way to the game, horns-a-honking, waving and yelling out our sun roofs. This was a bad choice.

In retrospect, I’m still very glad I went to that game. Even though it resulted in a few days of in-school suspension, it was incredible to see those shiny new uniforms in person. Also, it was one of the best memories I have from the latter part of my senior year of high school, spent with good, good friends with whom I’ve unfortunately lost touch. (Seriously, these were a great bunch of guys).

The Opening Day giveaway was a poster (reproduced here in the Phillies’ annual team issued card set) depicting current players wearing different Phillies uniforms through the years. This poster has hung on one of my walls wherever I happened to be living from 1992 until now.

Change was in the air in 1992. The Phillies would finish last in the NL East and I found myself on foreign soil in North Carolina. The following year would be much better.

2008 Topps Heritage #227 Shane Victorino

The Phils just completed a 2-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals, giving them sole possession of 1st place in the NL East. Shane Victorino finished the game a triple shy of the cycle, going 4 for 5 with 3 RBI. Jayson Werth added a key 3-run home run in the 5th inning. Jimmy Rollins and Pedro Feliz each had 2 hits a piece.

Brett Myers looked shaky at times, but pitched into the 6th inning. Albert Pujols continued his complete ownership of Brad Lidge in the 9th with a solo home run off the Phils' closer.

On to New York . . .

P.S. Thanks again to Dinged Corners for this card!

1994 Topps Archives 1954 #78 Ted Kazanski

In 1994, Topps reproduced the 1954 set in its entirety under the "Archives" label. This card of Ted "Can't Hitski" Kazanski is from that reprint set.

Ted played with the Phillies from 1953 to 1958, his only years in the Majors. Serving as confirmation of my Dad's nickname for Ted is his lifetime batting average of .217. Ted wore #7 throughout his Phillies career.

1995 Collector's Choice SE #168 Fernando Valenzuela

On this day in 1862, the Mexican army defeated French forces at the Battle of Puebla. As a result of this victory and per Wikipedia (so it must be accurate), Cinco de Mayo has come to be observed annually as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride in the U.S. and around the world.

I'd like to take a few moments this Cinco de Mayo to appreciate the 8 games Fernando Valenzuela pitched for the Phillies during the strike-shortened 1994 season. Born in Navojoa, Mexico in 1960 (possibly), Fernando burst upon the national scene in 1981 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He finished that season as a NL All-Star, the NL Rookie of the Year and as the NL Cy Young.

In June 1994, the Phillies took a chance on Fernando and thrust him into a starting rotation decimated by injuries. He pitched to a respectable record of 1-2 with a 3.00 ERA, with 19 strikeouts over 45 innings pitched. Alas, Fernandomania was not to last in Philly, as he left after the season via free agency to sign with the San Diego Padres.

¡Viva Fernando!

1996 Leaf Signature Autographs #NNO Ricky Bottalico AU

Ricky Bottalico is currently working for Comcast Sportsnet as a pre-game and post-game Phillies analyst. I'm going to get this right out of the way: I think he does a great job. Maybe not as great as John Kruk or (surprisingly) Mitch Williams, but I enjoy Ricky's commentary and insight into the game.

In 1996, Ricky was the lone Phillies All-Star representative when Veterans Stadium hosted the Mid-Summer Classic. He pitched with the Phils from 1994 until 1998, and again from 2001 until 2002, saving a total of 78 games.

This 1996 Leaf card was (I believe) one of the first full-fledged insert sets featuring an on-card autograph of the player pictured.

1983 Fleer #165 Gary Matthews

BAM! Gary "Sarge" Matthews has provided color commentary on the Phillies' TV broadcasts since 2007.

Wearing #34, Sarge played with the Phillies from 1981 until 1983. He was the MVP of the 1983 NLCS, hitting .429 with 3 home runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In March 1984, along with Bob Dernier and Porfi Altamirano, Sarge was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Bill Campbell and Mike Diaz. (Yet another miserable Phillies trade with the Cubs.) In 1984, he finished 5th in the NL MVP voting while leading the Cubs' to the NL East title.

Sarge has designed his own collection of hats, which are now available for sale at Citizens Bank Park. I will be purchasing several of these hats for my Dad's Father's Day gift this year.

2009 Topps Heritage #300 Ryan Howard

What do Kaz Matsui and Ryan Howard have in common? They both have hit grand slams off Kyle Lohse.

Or, as Sarge described it, "BAM! Ryan just jumped into his Cadillac!"

The Phils took a 6-1 lead in the 5th tonight thanks to Ryan's 2nd grand slam of 2009. It was the 7th grand slam of Ryan's career, tying him with Mike Schmidt on the all-time Phillies career list.

(And so far Joe Blanton looks pretty good . . . )

UPDATE: Here's hoping Cardinals' outfielder Rick Ankiel is OK. Ankiel ran head first into the outfield wall tracking down a Pedro Feliz fly ball. He was taken off the field on a stretcher and gave the fans a thumbs up as he was leaving the field.

2007 Chachi #50 Kyle Lohse

I didn't attend any 1980 or 1983 Phillies' Postseason games. As a Sunday season ticket holder, we received tickets to the 1993 Postseason, but I didn't attend any games as I was in school in North Carolina at the time. The first Phillies Postseason game I attended was Game 2 of the 2007 NLDS against the Rockies on October 4, 2007.

Kyle Kendrick loaded the bases in the top of the 4th and gave way to Kyle Lohse. Kyle Lohse promptly surrendered a grand slam to the Rockies' Kaz Matsui which gave the Rockies a 6-3 lead. And that's all I have to say about Kyle Lohse.

2006 Chachi #19 Ryan Franklin

Current Cardinals' closer Ryan Franklin has been perfect so far this season successfully converting 7 save opportunities with a 0.00 ERA. If only that had been the case during Ryan's brief tenure with the Phillies in 2006 . . .

Ryan, who made no secret of the fact he wanted to be a starting pitcher all through Spring Training, pitched in relief in 46 games for the Phils in 2006, compiling a 1-5 record with a 4.58 ERA. He was part of the July 2006 roster purge which saw the Phillies part with Sal Fasano, David Bell, Bobby Abreu, Cory Lidle and (sadly) Rheal Cormier.

2000 Phillies Team Issue #46 Trever Miller

In 14 games with the 2000 Phillies, Trever Miller managed to allow 9 walks and 19 hits over 14 innings. Trever was acquired at the end of Spring Training 2000 from the Houston Astros for Yorkis Perez, another favorite of mine. He was released in mid-May and picked up by the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he pitched just 2.1 innings, but somehow accumulated an impressive ERA of 23.14.

Obviously, Trever has had success in the Majors since then, as he's still employed. In fact, over the past several years, he's been one of the most consistent left-handed relievers in baseball, while pitching for the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays, the Houston Astros (again) and now the St. Louis Cardinals.

Phillies at Cardinals: May 4th and May 5th

Monday & Tuesday, 8:15

Records: Phillies 12-10, 2nd Place in NL East (½ game behind the Marlins); Cardinals 17-8, 1st Place in NL Central
Former Phillies with the Cardinals: Current Cardinals' closer Ryan Franklin (2006) crashed and burned as a Phillie. Starting pitcher Kyle Lohse (2007) crashed and burned in NLDS Game 2 as a Phillie. Relief pitcher Trever Miller (2000) contributed an 8.36 ERA to the 2000 Phillies debacle. I have no negative comments regarding reserve infielder Joe Thurston (2006). Hitting coach Hal McRae served as a coach with the Phillies (1997-2000).
The Phillies Room Keys to the Games: The Phillies need Joe Blanton to pitch better - much better. The Phils need to find a way to cool off the Cardinals who (along with the Dodgers) are the best team in the NL right now.
Phillies Probables: Joe Blanton, Brett Myers
Cardinals Probables: Kyle Lohse, Adam Wainwright

1967 Topps #326 Bob Uecker

This card is a recent win from eBay. I highlighted some of the ex-Phillies now with the Brewers a few weeks ago, and I was shocked and dismayed to learn I did not have a Bob Uecker Phillies card in my collection.

That problem has now been solved.

"Mr. Baseball" played with the Phillies from 1966 until his trade to the Atlanta Braves in June 1967. In 96 games with the Phils, as a back-up catcher, Bob hit .202 with 7 home runs. Fortunately for him, Bob has found much more success as an actor and broadcaster. In 2003, Bob was elected into the broadcasters' wing of the Hall of Fame.

2007 Chachi #48 Joe Thurston

Joe Thurston is doing a decent job so far as the Cardinals' starting third baseman.

Joe played in 18 games for the Phillies in 2006, serving mainly as a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner, and getting a few starts in left field. In July 2007, Joe was immediately recalled from AAA Ottawa when Chase Utley's hand was broken by a John Lannan fastball. (Jenna and I were at this game). He was only on the active roster for one day before he was unceremoniously designated for assignment upon the acquisition of Tadahito Iguchi from the White Sox.

1997 Phillies Team Issue #56 Hal McRae CO

Current St. Louis Cardinals' hitting coach Hal McRae served in that same capacity with the Phillies from 1997 until 2000. This Terry Francona era in Phillies history is viewed by most as a bleak period, best left unmentioned.

Hal is probably best known to Phillies fans as the Kansas City Royals' designated hitter during the 1980 World Series. He hit .375 during that World Series. In Game 6, Phillies' closer Tug McGraw struck out Hal with the bases loaded in the 8th inning for the final out of the inning. The strike out preserved a 4-1 Phillies lead, and Tug would pitch a scoreless ninth to clinch the Phils' first World Series title.

2005 Chachi #40 Billy Wagner AS

Curt Schilling, Scott Rolen, Billy Wagner . . . perhaps Endy Chavez? When you ask a Phillies fan to list his or her least favorite ex-Phillies, these names are undoubtedly going to be on the list.

Billy saved 59 games for the Phillies in 2004 and 2005, and was named to the NL All-Star team in 2005. He left the Phils after the 2005 season and signed with the arch-rival New York Mets. (Pat Burrell would later reportedly refer to Billy Wagner as a "rat".)

Billy had Tommy John surgery in late 2008, which will cause him to miss the entire 2009 season.

2001 Topps Archives #275 Ferguson Jenkins 66

Rain, rain go away . . .

Prior to the Cubs-Marlins game today in Chicago, the Cubs will retire #31 in honor of both Greg Maddux and Fergie Jenkins. Fergie pitched in 8 games for the Phillies in 1965 and 1966 before his trade to the Cubs in late April 1966. (What's the deal with the Phillies trading future Hall of Famers to the Cubs?)

I'll let Fergie's Hall of Fame plaque speak for itself: "Canada's first Hall of Fame member, Fergie Jenkins used pinpoint control and effectively changed speeds to win 284 games. Cast in the same mold as finesse artists like Catfish Hunter and Robin Roberts, Jenkins forged an impressive 3.34 ERA despite playing 12 of his 19 seasons in hitters' ballparks -- Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. A diligent workhorse, Jenkins used an easy, uncomplicated motion to reach the 20-win mark seven times and capture the National League Cy Young Award in 1971".

1956 Topps #PR3 Elmer Valo

Elmer Valo was the Phillies' starting right fielder in 1956, hitting .289 in 90 games. Elmer is probably best known in Philadelphia for his long tenure with the Philadelphia Athletics, from 1940 to 1954. He missed the 1944 and 1945 seasons while serving his country in World War II.

Elmer finished his career with the Phillies in 1961, and served as a scout for the Phils from 1969 until 1982. The Phillies elected him to the Athletics' portion of their Wall of Fame in 1990.

Did You Know?: Elmer played on three franchises which relocated while he was on the team - the Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics (1954/1955), the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1957/1958), and the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins (1960/1961).

(From the Baseball Reference Bullpen).

1956 Topps #PR2 Stu Miller

If Harvey Haddix now has a 1956 Topps Phillies card, it's only fair that Stu Miller should now have one as well.

Stu pitched in 24 games for the Phillies, all in 1956, putting together a 5-8 record with a 4.47 ERA.

He found some success in the early '60's with the New York Giants, making the NL All-Star team in 1961. You may have heard of or seen Stu's appearance during the 1961 All-Star Game. Pitching in a strong wind in San Francisco's Candlestick Park, Stu was blown off the mound and a balk was called.

Did You Know?: On May 14, 1967, while pitching for the Baltimore Orioles, Stu surrendered Mickey Mantle's 500th career home run.

1956 Topps #PR1 Harvey Haddix

It bothered me that Harvey Haddix was pictured with the Cardinals on his 1956 Topps card, even though he only pitched 4 games with the Cardinals that year. So I've fixed that. The top card is Harvey's new and improved 1956 Topps Phillies card.

Harvey pitched for the Phils in 1956 and 1957, compiling a record of 22-21. In December 1957, the Phillies traded him to the Cincinnati Reds for Wally Post.

Kitten, as he was known during his playing days, is probably best known for the game he pitched on May 26, 1959, as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. On that day, he pitched a perfect game through 12 innings, only to lose the game in the 13th. Can you believe it?

2008 Chachi #8 Carlos Ruiz

Welcome back Chooch! Carlos Ruiz returns from the DL today and Lou Marson heads back to AAA Lehigh Valley.

The Phils' line-up is a little different today as Chase Utley is getting the day off. Raul Ibañez is batting 2nd, while Jimmy Rollins is batting 5th. I don't care who bats where, as long as they score some runs.

(TV is on mute, and I'm listening to Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen call the game on radio).

1988 Topps American Baseball #2 Steve Bedrosian

This card is part of an 88-card box set produced by Topps in 1988 for distribution to the U.K. It was also part of the shipment of Phillies cards I recently received from Dinged Corners.

1987 was Steve Bedrosian's career year. He saved 40 games for the Phils, pitched to a 2.83 ERA and was named the NL Cy Young and Rolaids Relief Man. Steve was originally acquired from the Braves in December 1985 (with Milt Thompson) and he departed the Phils in June 1989 via a trade to the San Francisco Giants.

1983 Topps #252 Luis Aguayo

This quote comes from his Whiteness courtesy of the Baseball Reference Bullpen: "Luis Aguayo is on deck. Aguayo hasn't exactly been reminding anybody of Rogers Hornsby lately."

Primarily wearing #16, Luis Aguayo was a reserve middle infielder for the Phillies from 1980 until his trade to the Yankees in July 1988. He was never a starter, but he did play in over 90 games with the Phils twice - in 1985 and again in 1987. Growing up and following the Phillies, it just seemed like Luis was always around, and that he'd always be around. His trade to the Yankees came as a little bit of a surprise to me. (Coincidentally, this trade was new GM Lee Thomas' first trade with the Phillies).

Luis served briefly as the Mets' 3rd base coach from July 2008 through the end of the season. He's currently a minor league coordinator within the Mets' organization.

Poll Results

Poll Question: Which Phillies team set or Phillies team should I cover next?

The results have been properly audited and a tie-breaking vote was not required. 13 votes were cast (the same 13 as last time?) and almost half the voters (6) want to see the 1993 Phillies team featured. This means John Kruk will soon make his debut on the blog.

The 1972 Topps team set received 3 votes, while the 1975 Topps team set and the 1980 Phillies team received 2 votes each.

The results of this poll have in no way been tainted by the fact that almost half the voters are family members.

Mets at Phillies: May 1st through May 3rd

Friday 7:05, Saturday 3:40, Sunday 1:35

Records: Mets 9-12, 4th Place in NL East; Phillies 11-9, 2nd Place in NL East (2 games behind the Marlins)
Former Phillies with the Mets: I guess Billy Wagner (2004-2005) counts although he's out for the season and most likely won't pitch for the Mets again. When did the Mets let coach Luis Aguayo go? Luis (1980-1988) was always a personal favorite of mine, and he was brought in to coach last year during the Willie Randolph shake-up. Pitching coach Dan Warthen pitched in 3 games for the Phillies in 1977.
The Phillies Room Keys to the Games: The Phillies need to score more runs than the Mets in each game. Also, it would help if Brad Lidge came back.
Mets Probables: Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez, John Maine
Phillies Probables: Chan Ho Park, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton