2017 Phillies Team Issue #17 Pat Neshek

Mets 7, Phillies 6
Game 79 - Saturday Afternoon, July 1st in Flushing
Record - 26-53, 5th place, 20 games behind the Nationals

Overdue and Unnecessary Post-Vacation Catch-Up, Part 5

One Sentence Summary:  Pat Neshek suffered through his first rough outing with the Phillies as the Mets won, 7-6.

What It Means:  Neshek has been nearly unhittable this year, and he was recently named the team's solo representative at this year's All-Star Game. Checking the box score while on vacation, I had expected to see any other reliever besides Neshek as the culprit in this loss and it was shocking to see he had allowed three earned runs (including a two-run home run to Asdrubal Cabrera) in the seventh.

What Happened:  The comeback from the Mets wasted a four RBI day from Tommy Joseph, who doubled in the fifth to tie the game and hit a three-run home run (14) in the seventh to give the Phillies a temporary lead.

Featured Card:  Neshek has appeared in the Topps Heritage and Gypsy Queen sets this year with the Phillies, but this is his only baseball card to date featuring him in a non-Photoshopped actual Phillies uniform.

Bobby D. and Me

Padres 4, Phillies 3
Game 85 - Friday Night, July 7th in Philadelphia
Record - 28-57, 5th place, 22 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Hector Neris couldn't keep the Padres off on the board in the ninth and . . . WHO CARES ABOUT THE GAME, I MET BOB DERNIER.

What It Means:  The Phils have lost four in a row.

What Happened:  A strong outing from Nick Pivetta (7 innings, 3 runs, 9 strikeouts) was wasted as the offense went 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.  Neris allowed the eventual winning run to score in the ninth on an Austin Hedges sacrifice fly.  Hedges had previously homered twice in the game.

Tommy Joseph hit his 15th home run, a solo shot, in the fourth. The game was interrupted in the seventh by a violent rain storm, resulting in a 90-minute rain delay.  A truly amazing fireworks displayed followed the disappointing ending to the game.

Featured Card/Field Report:  Doug and I attended this game and we were looking forward to the '80s Retro Night. Chewbacca and R2-D2 greeted us when we entered the ballpark, and the Phillies promotional team did a great job of maintaining the '80s theme throughout the night.  Pre-game, as has become his ritual, Doug stationed himself by the Phillies dugout and received autographs from Joseph, Andres Blanco and Phillies TV announcer Gregg Murphy.

But the big event was getting to meet Bob Dernier for the second time in my life.  I still haven't fully told the story of the first time I met Dernier, but it involves me playing catch with him in the outfield of Veterans Stadium during the summer of 1982.  He immediately became my favorite player, and I was devastated when Dernier was traded to the Cubs in 1984.  Walking around pre-game, Doug spied Dernier signing autographs in the concourse and I made a bee-line straight to his table.

We were the last two in line.  I told Dernier he was my all-time favorite player, he had played catch with me in 1982, I had written to him every year between 1982 and the end of his career and he had usually written back and that I couldn't believe I was meeting him again.  I babbled.  I stared uncomfortably.  Doug asked at one point if I was all right.

Dernier asked Doug if he was my son and who was his favorite player.  Doug replied Joseph was his current favorite player to which Dernier replied, "That's a great choice."  We asked for a photo and he graciously complied before being whisked away for a radio interview.  Soon afterwards, I watched as he threw out the first pitch to Larry Bowa.  Dernier shared hugs and lengthy conversations with both Bowa and Juan Samuel and I don't think I've stopped smiling yet.

2017 Topps Pro Debut #182 Nick Williams

Mets 2, Phillies 1
Game 78 - Friday Night, June 30th in Flushing
Record - 26-52, 5th place, 20 games behind the Nationals

Overdue and Unnecessary Post-Vacation Catch-Up, Part 4

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Williams made his Phillies debut, but Jacob deGrom ruined the party as the Mets prevailed, 2-1.

What It Means:  Despite the excitement surrounding Williams' arrival, the Phillies dropped the series opener to the Mets.  With many veterans expected to be dealt in the coming weeks, Williams could be the first of many top prospects to make their way onto the Phillies roster.

What Happened:  deGrom struck out 12 over seven innings of work, and allowed just three hits.  A Ty Kelly RBI single accounted for the sole Phillies run.

Featured Card/Phillies Debut:  2017 baseball cards for Williams can be found within the IronPigs' team set (just released), the Reading Top 30 Prospects set and the Topps Pro Debut set.  Williams became the ninth player to make his major league debut for the Phillies this season, and the 17th new Phillies player overall.

17.  Nick Williams (lf) - Started in left and batted sixth.  Struck out (called) against deGrom in the second, lined out to center in the fifth, singled to center off deGrom in the seventh and was on-deck when Maikel Franco grounded out to end the game.

Transaction:  Williams' promotion was necessitated by Howie Kendrick going back on the disabled list with his bad left hamstring.

Series Preview - Padres at Phillies: July 7th to July 9th

Friday 6:35, Saturday 4:05 and Sunday 1:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Padres 36-49, 4th Place in the N.L. West, 21 games behind the Dodgers
Phillies 28-56, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 21 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Padres Probables:  Clayton Richard (5-8, 4.85), Jhoulys Chacin (7-7, 4.52), Trevor Cahill (3-2, 2.96)
Phillies Probables:  Nick Pivetta (2-4, 4.85), Aaron Nola (6-5, 3.73), Jerad Eickhoff (0-7, 4.93)

At the Ballpark:  Despite the product on the field, it should be a great weekend to visit Citizens Bank Park!  Tonight is 1980s Retro Night and both teams will be wearing uniforms from their 1983 seasons.  Following the game will be the second of the two annual fireworks shows.  On Saturday, all fans will receive a Mike Schmidt bobblehead and kids on Sunday will receive a Retro Pullover Jacket.  Play ball!

Padres Leaders
Average:  Yangervis Solarte - .268
Runs:  Wil Myers - 44
Home Runs:  Wil Myers and Hunter Renfroe - 16
RBIs:  Wil Myers - 42
Stolen Bases:  Manuel Margot and Wil Myers - 9

Wins:  Jhoulys Chacin - 7
ERA:  Jhoulys Chacin - 4.52
Strikeouts:  Jhoulys Chacin - 82
Saves:  Brandon Maurer - 17

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Aaron Altherr - .280
Runs:  Cesar Hernandez - 40
Home Runs:  Tommy Joseph - 14
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 44
Stolen Bases:  Howie Kendrick - 8

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 6
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 4.49
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 72
Saves:  Hector Neris - 7

1982 Topps #434

1982 Topps Traded #73T

1982 Topps Appreciation:  On May 22, 1983, the Padres and Phillies completed a trade sending Joe Lefebvre to the Phillies and Sid Monge to San Diego.  Monge had been one of the team's best relievers in 1982, compiling a record of 7-1 and a 3.75 ERA.  Filling Monge's hole in the bullpen was Willie Hernandez, also acquired that May 22nd from the Cubs.

The addition of Lefebvre was a huge boost to the club and he played a key role in helping the team win the National League pennant.  In 1983, he set or tied career highs in most offensive categories including average (.306), home runs (8) and RBIs (39).  Lefebvre played all over the field, starting 44 games in right field, 14 games in left field, six games at third base and coming in as a defensive replacement at catcher three times.  He was red hot in July, hitting .356.  Unfortunately, injuries derailed the rest of Lefebvre's career as he appeared in just 52 games in 1984, missed the entire 1985 season, and hit .111 in 14 games in 1986 before retiring.

2017 Chachi In Action #5 Andrew Knapp

Phillies 5, Mariners 4
Game 77 - Wednesday Afternoon, June 28th in Seattle
Record - 26-51, 5th place, 20 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Overdue and Unnecessary Post-Vacation Catch-Up, Part 3

One Sentence Summary:  The unlikely duo of Ricardo Pinto and Andrew Knapp helped lock in the 5-4 win for the Phillies as they swept the quick two-game series in Seattle.

What It Means:  Carlos Ruiz, hitting .194 as of this writing, did not appear in the series for the Mariners.

What Happened:  The Phillies mounted an impressive ninth inning comeback, started with a Tommy Joseph (13) solo home run.  With the score tied and two outs recorded, Cam Perkins walked, went to second on a balk and was singled home by Knapp.  Knapp had scored in the third when Ty Kelly hit his first home run of the year.

The comeback was made possible due to three scoreless innings from Pinto, who picked up his first big league win.

Featured Card:  Knapp gets the In Action treatment for his game-winning hit.

2017 Topps Archives #156 Maikel Franco

Phillies 8, Mariners 2
Game 76 - Late Tuesday Night, June 27th in Seattle
Record - 25-51, 5th place, 20 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Overdue and Unnecessary Post-Vacation Catch-Up, Part 2

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola, Maikel Franco and Aaron Altherr all contributed to this late night, 8-2 win in Seattle.

What It Means:  Maybe Freddy Galvis should get angry and yell at the team more often?

What Happened:  With the score tied at two in the seventh, Franco came through with a clutch solo home run (10).  Galvis added RBI singles in the eighth and ninth while Altherr capped the scoring with a two-run home run (13).  Aaron Nola cruised through seven innings, striking out nine and allowing two runs on five hits.

Featured Card:  Franco's season has been a disappointment so far, and his two hits in this game raised his average to a dismal .225.  I'll take an opportunity to feature one of the dozens of recent Franco cards whenever I get it, so here's his card from the recently released Topps Archives set.

This looks almost as good as a card from the 2017 Chachi set!  Too bad the designers didn't pay close attention to the detail of the original 1982 Topps set and use "3rd BASE" as his position instead of "THIRD BASEMAN".

2017 Phillies Team Issue #13 Freddy Galvis

Diamondbacks 6, Phillies 1
Game 75 - Monday Afternoon, June 26th in Phoenix
Record - 24-51, 5th place, 20 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Overdue and Unnecessary Post-Vacation Catch-Up, Part 1

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Greinke and four relievers held the Phillies offense to five singles in this 6-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  As we began our now annual summer vacation, the Phillies dropped an uneventful series finale in Phoenix.

What Happened:  Nick Pivetta suffered a rough outing, allowing all six runs in just 2 2/3 innings. The Phillies were 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position and new lead-off hitter Daniel Nava had two hits.

Featured Card:  Following the game, emerging team leader Freddy Galvis dropped several F bombs when asked to comment on the state of the Phillies.  This was part of the G-rated portion of his comments per the Phillies website:  "We played well for five or six games and then we go to another six or seven-game losing streak.  Then we win one and keep going.  It's hard.  It's hard to see it.  It's hard to believe it."

Transaction:  The struggling Edubray Ramos was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and reliever Ricardo Pinto was recalled.

2017 Chachi #46 Nick Williams

#5
Billy Nicholas Williams
Outfield

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  195
Born:  September 8, 1993, Galveston, TX
Home:  La Marque, TX
Drafted:  Selected by the Texas Rangers in the 2nd round of the June 2012 draft
Teams:  Phillies 2017
Acquired:  Acquired with Jerad Eickhoff, Matt Harrison, Jorge Alfaro, Jake Thompson and Alec Asher from the Texas Rangers for Cole Hamels, Jake Diekman and cash considerations, July 31, 2015

2015 Topps Pro Debut #191

2016 Bowman Prospects #BP105

14 Williams Baseball Cards in My Collection per The Phillies Room Checklist
First Card:  2015 Topps Pro Debut #191
First Phillies Card:  2016 Bowman Prospects #BP105
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A
Latest Card:  2017 Topps Pro Debut #182

Click to enlarge

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi Almost #25
2016 Chachi IronPigs Signing Autographs #4
2017 Chachi #46

Card statistics through 7/6/17.

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #12 Manny Martinez

#34
Manuel (de Jesus) Martinez
Outfield

I mean no disrespect to Manny Martinez with this next observation, but if I can't remember one thing about your time with the Phillies, you're truly an obscure Phillies player.  I have zero recollection of Martinez playing with the Phillies for 13 games in July and August 1996.

Claimed off waivers from the Mariners on July 11th, Martinez was recalled from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on July 22nd when the Phillies parted ways with J.R. Phillips.  Over the next four weeks, Martinez started 10 games for the Phillies, with nine starts in right field and one start in center field. He hit .222 (8 for 36) with a pair of triples with nary a home run or RBI in sight.  Sent back to Scranton on August 15th in favor of Wendell Magee, Jr., Martinez's Phillies career was over.

He'd re-appear in the National League a few years later, playing 73 games with the 1998 Pirates and serving as the Expos' regular center fielder in 1999.  Martinez played professional baseball through 2008, making stops in Korea, Mexico and the independent Atlantic League.

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  169
Born:  October 3, 1970, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic
Signed:  Signed by the Oakland Athletics as an amateur free agent, March 10, 1988.
Major League Teams:  Seattle Mariners 1996; Phillies 1996; Pittsburgh Pirates 1998; Montreal Expos 1999
Professional Affiliations:  Oakland Athletics 1988-1994; Chicago Cubs 1995; Seattle Mariners 1996; Phillies 1996; Pittsburgh Pirates 1997-1998; Montreal Expos 1999; Florida Marlins 2000

Phillies Career
13 games, .222 (8 for 36), 2 triples, 11 strikeouts, 2 stolen bases
Acquired:  Selected off waivers from the Seattle Mariners, July 11, 1996.
Debut:  July 22, 1996 - Started the second game of a double header against the Reds in center field, as the lead-off hitter, going 1 for 4 with a single off Scott Service.
Final Game:  August 15, 1996
Departed:  Granted free agency, October 15, 1996. Signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates, December 19, 1996.

1997 Best Calgary Cannons #17

2000 MLB Showdown 1st Edition #271

2000 Pacific #266

1 Martinez Baseball Card in My Collection
First Card:  1997 Best Calgary Cannons #17
Last Card:  1997 Best Calgary Cannons #17

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2000 MLB Showdown 1st Edition #271
First Topps Base Card:  N/A
Last Mainstream Card:  2000 Pacific #266
Other Notable Cards:  1990 ProCards #3433, 1996 Best Tacoma Rainiers #17

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s
1 Louie Meadows
2 Dave LaPoint
3 Darrin Chapin
4 Mickey Weston
5 Bob Wells
6 Tom Edens
7 Omar Olivares

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

10 Chuck Ricci
11 Dennis Springer
12 Manny Martinez
13 Rafael Quirico
14 Bronson Heflin
15 Glenn Dishman
16 Rob Butler
17 Mike Robertson
18 Matt Whiteside
19 Robert Dodd
20 Joel Bennett
21 Joe Grahe
22 Domingo Cedeno
23 Torey Lovullo

This is a continuing series looking at those players who spent time with the Phillies but possess no baseball card proof of their time in Philadelphia.  In some cases, the First and Last Mainstream cards listed above have been subjectively chosen if multiple cards were released in that year.

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #10 Chuck Ricci

#37
Charles Mark Ricci
Relief Pitcher

After a successful season with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons (3.05 ERA over 68 games), Chuck Ricci was one of a slew of September call-ups by the Phillies in 1995.  Ricci is from the area, having attended Shawnee High School in Medford, NJ, so getting the call from the Phillies must have been a thrill.  He pitched well in his seven relief appearances, compiling a 1.80 ERA over 10 innings, but he'd never make it back to the majors again.

Originally drafted by the Orioles in 1987, Ricci was signed by the Phillies as a minor league free agent prior to the start of the 1994 season.  Following two seasons with the Phillies' organization, he spent the 1996 and 1997 seasons pitching in the minors for the Red Sox, Athletics and Expos.

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  180
Born:  November 20, 1968, Abington, PA
Drafted:  Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 4th round of the June amateur player draft, June 2, 1987.
Major League Teams:  Phillies 1995
Professional Affiliations:  Baltimore Orioles 1987-1993; Phillies 1994-1995; Boston Red Sox 1996; Oakland Athletics 1997; Montreal Expos 1997

Phillies Career
7 games, 1-0, 1.80 ERA, 10 innings pitched
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the Baltimore Orioles, April 7, 1994.
Debut:  September 8, 1995 - Pitched three innings of relief against the Astros after Tyler Green, Mike Mimbs and Paul Fletcher had all been roughed up.  Allowed a run on two hits.
Final Game:  October 1, 1995
Departed:  Granted free agency, October 16, 1995, and signed with the Boston Red Sox, December 26, 1995.

1994 Fleer ProCards #2061

1995 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Dunkin' Donuts #22

1995 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Team Issue #20

2 Ricci Baseball Cards in My Collection
First Card:  1995 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Dunkin' Donuts #22
Last Card:  1995 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Team Issue #20

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  N/A
First Topps Base Card:  N/A
Last Mainstream Card:  N/A
Other Notable Cards:  1989 ProCards #1783, 1991 Classic Best Federick Keys #7, 1994 Fleer ProCards #2061

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s
1 Louie Meadows
2 Dave LaPoint
3 Darrin Chapin
4 Mickey Weston
5 Bob Wells
6 Tom Edens
7 Omar Olivares

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

10 Chuck Ricci
11 Dennis Springer
12 Manny Martinez
13 Rafael Quirico
14 Bronson Heflin
15 Glenn Dishman
16 Rob Butler
17 Mike Robertson
18 Matt Whiteside
19 Robert Dodd
20 Joel Bennett
21 Joe Grahe
22 Domingo Cedeno
23 Torey Lovullo

This is a continuing series looking at those players who spent time with the Phillies but possess no baseball card proof of their time in Philadelphia.  In some cases, the First and Last Mainstream cards listed above have been subjectively chosen if multiple cards were released in that year.

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #18 Matt Whiteside

#37
Matthew Christopher Whiteside
Relief Pitcher

A successful relief pitcher with the Texas Rangers in the early 1990s, Matt Whiteside was released at the end of spring training in 1998 and signed on with the Phillies.  He made the club's opening day roster and was used sparingly throughout April and May, appearing in only 10 games.  He was hit hard in his final appearance on May 29th, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits over three innings and was designated for assignment the following day.  Whiteside played out the remainder of the 1998 season with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, appearing in 30 games and compiling a 6.48 ERA.

Following his short time with the Phillies organization, Whiteside pitched in parts of eight more seasons in professional baseball, including a stint in Japan in 2003.

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  185
Born:  August 8, 1967, Charleston, MO
Drafted:  Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 25th round of the 1990 amateur player draft.
Major League Teams:  Texas Rangers 1992-1997; Phillies 1998; San Diego Padres 1999-2000; Atlanta Braves 2001; Toronto Blue Jays 2005
Professional Affiliations:  Texas Rangers 1992-1997; Phillies 1998; San Diego Padres 1999-2000; Atlanta Braves 2001; Colorado Rockies 2002, 2003; Yokohama Bay Stars (Japan) 2003; Atlanta Braves 2004; Toronto Blue Jays 2005; Pittsburgh Pirates 2006

Phillies Career
10 games, 1-1, 8.50 ERA, 18 innings, 6 home runs allowed
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the Texas Rangers, March 27, 1998.
Debut:  April 3, 1998 - Pitched two innings of scoreless relief (following Mike Grace and Darrin Winston) in a 5-1 loss to the Braves.
Final Game:  May 29, 1998
Departed:  Granted free agency, October 16, 1998.  Signed as a free agent with the San Diego Padres, November 16, 1998.

1993 Topps #468

1994 Donruss #606

1995 Topps #254

1996 Fleer #266

0 Whiteside Baseball Cards in My Collection
First Card:  N/A
Last Card:  N/A

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1993 Topps #468
First Topps Base Card:  1993 Topps #468
Last Mainstream Card:  1996 Fleer #266
Other Notable Cards:  1991 ProCards #2689, 1993 Bowman #283, 1993 Pinnacle #590, 1993 Upper Deck #390, 1994 Donruss #606, 1994 Topps #629, 1995 Topps #254, 2006 Choice Indianapolis Indians #28

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s
1 Louie Meadows
2 Dave LaPoint
3 Darrin Chapin
4 Mickey Weston
5 Bob Wells
6 Tom Edens
7 Omar Olivares

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

10 Chuck Ricci
11 Dennis Springer
12 Manny Martinez
13 Rafael Quirico
14 Bronson Heflin
15 Glenn Dishman
16 Rob Butler
17 Mike Robertson
18 Matt Whiteside
19 Robert Dodd
20 Joel Bennett
21 Joe Grahe
22 Domingo Cedeno
23 Torey Lovullo

This is a continuing series looking at those players who spent time with the Phillies but possess no baseball card proof of their time in Philadelphia.  In some cases, the First and Last Mainstream cards listed above have been subjectively chosen if multiple cards were released in that year.

Series Preview - Pirates at Phillies: July 3rd to July 6th

Monday 7:05, Tuesday 4:05, Wednesday 7:05 and Thursday 6:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  On Thursday night, fans will enjoy the first of two post-game fireworks shows scheduled.

1982 Topps #543

1982 Topps Traded #24T

1982 Topps #352

1982 Topps Traded #100T

1982 Topps Appreciation:  I like seeing the before and after cards of players appearing in the base Topps set and then later in the Traded series.  The two players featured above - Dick Davis and Bill Robinson - were traded for each other . . . technically speaking.

In a three-team trade on June 15, 1982, which was then the non-waiver trading deadline, the Phillies sent outfielder Dick Davis to the Blue Jays for Wayne Nordhagen.  The Phillies then turned around and immediately sent Nordhagen off to the Pirates for Bill Robinson.

As a postscript to the deal, a week later on June 22nd, the Pirates and Blue Jays again swapped Nordhagen and Davis.  Nordhagen appeared in just one game for the Pirates while Davis made it into three games with the Blue Jays.

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #16 Rob Butler

#5
Robert Frank John Butler
Outfield

I find Rob Butler to be a surprising addition to this Missing Links list, as he appeared in 43 games with the Phillies during the awful 1997 season.  He hit a respectable .292 (26 for 89) while starting 25 games in each of the three outfield positions.  The Phillies had planned on veterans Danny Tartabull and Rex Hudler getting a lot of playing time in the outfield, but early season injuries to both resulted in Butler's promotion from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  Seemingly looking for a little more production from the outfield, the Phillies claimed Midre Cummings off waivers from the Pirates on July 8th and Butler's Phillies career was over.  He was sent back down to Triple-A and didn't return when rosters expanded in September.

Of particular interest to Phillies fans is that Butler had two at-bats against the team as a member of the Blue Jays in the 1993 World Series.  In Game 4, he pinch-hit for Todd Stottlemyre and grounded into a force out against Roger Mason.  In Game 5, he had one of five hits against Curt Schilling, with a pinch-hit single in the eighth.  He was stranded at second when Schilling worked out of his only real trouble of the night.

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  5'11"  Weight:  185
Born:  April 10, 1970, East York, Canada
Signed:  Signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as an amateur free agent, September 24, 1990
Major League Teams:  Toronto Blue Jays 1993-1994; Phillies 1997; Toronto Blue Jays 1999
Professional Affiliations:  Toronto Blue Jays 1991-1994; Phillies 1995-1997; Houston Astros 1998; Toronto Blue Jays 1999

Phillies Career
43 games, .292 (26 for 89), 9 doubles
Acquired:  Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays as part of a conditional deal, December 5, 1994.
Debut:  April 13, 1997 - Pinch hit for Mark Leiter in the sixth in a game against the Padres, striking out against Joey Hamilton.
Final Game:  July 6, 1997
Departed:  Granted free agency, October 1, 1997.  Signed as a free agent with the Houston Astros, December 22, 1997.

1992 Bowman #603

1993 Topps Traded #15T

1995 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Team Issue #3

1997 Best Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #9

2 Butler Baseball Cards in My Collection
First Card:  1995 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Team Issue #3
Last Card:  1997 Best Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #9

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1992 Bowman #603
First Topps Base Card:  1993 Topps Traded #15T
Last Mainstream Card:  1995 Pacific #438
Other Notable Cards:  1991 ProCards #3406, 1994 Donruss #558, 1994 Topps #361, 1995 Topps #116, 1996 Best Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #9

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s
1 Louie Meadows
2 Dave LaPoint
3 Darrin Chapin
4 Mickey Weston
5 Bob Wells
6 Tom Edens
7 Omar Olivares

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

10 Chuck Ricci
11 Dennis Springer
12 Manny Martinez
13 Rafael Quirico
14 Bronson Heflin
15 Glenn Dishman
16 Rob Butler
17 Mike Robertson
18 Matt Whiteside
19 Robert Dodd
20 Joel Bennett
21 Joe Grahe
22 Domingo Cedeno
23 Torey Lovullo

This is a continuing series looking at those players who spent time with the Phillies but possess no baseball card proof of their time in Philadelphia.  In some cases, the First and Last Mainstream cards listed above have been subjectively chosen if multiple cards were released in that year.

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #11 Dennis Springer

#47
Dennis LeRoy Springer
Starting Pitcher

In 1995, two different pitchers with the surname Springer pitched for the Phillies.  Russ Springer, a right-handed relief pitcher, appeared in 14 games.  Dennis Springer, a knuckle-balling right-hander, started four games for the Phillies.  Russ stuck around through 1996, appearing on two Phillies baseball cards.  Dennis moved on following the season and was doomed to never have a cardboard appearance with the Phillies.

A September call-up along with Chuck Ricci, Springer's best start came against the Marlins on September 19th when he pitched seven innings allowing just a run on four hits.  He'd finish the season with an 0-3 record and a 4.84 ERA.  Springer bounced around a little after leaving the Phillies, pitching in a career high 38 games for the 1999 Florida Marlins and compiling a record of 6-16.  On October 7, 2001, while pitching for the Dodgers, Springer allowed Barry Bonds' record-setting 73rd home run of the season.

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'10"  Weight:  185
Born:  February 12, 1965, Fresno, CA
Drafted:  Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 21st round of the 1987 amateur draft.
Major League Teams:  Phillies 1995; California Angels 1996; Anaheim Angels 1997, Tampa Bay Devil Rays 1998; Florida Marlins 1999; New York Mets 2000; Los Angeles Dodgers 2001-2002
Professional Affiliations:  Los Angeles Dodgers 1987-1993; Phillies 1994-1995; California Angels 1996; Anaheim Angels 1997, Tampa Bay Devil Rays 1998; Florida Marlins 1999; New York Mets 2000; Los Angeles Dodgers 2001-2002

Phillies Career
4 games, 0-3, 4.84 ERA, 22 1/3 innings pitched
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, May 19, 1994.
Debut:  September 13, 1995 - Pitched 5 1/3 innings against the Expos, allowing five runs (three earned) on eight hits.
Final Game:  September 29, 1995
Departed:  Granted free agency on December 21, 1995 and signed with the California Angels on January 5, 1996.

1995 Dunkin' Donuts Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #22

1998 Topps #243

1998 Collector's Choice #503

2000 MLB Showdown 1st Edition #185

1 Springer Baseball Card in My Collection
First Card:  1995 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Dunkin' Donuts #22
Last Card:  1995 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Dunkin' Donuts #22

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1998 Topps #243
First Topps Base Card:  1998 Topps #243
Last Mainstream Card:  2000 MLB Showdown 1st Edition #185
Other Notable Cards:  1990 CMC #414, 1998 Collector's Choice #503, 1998 Upper Deck #294

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s
1 Louie Meadows
2 Dave LaPoint
3 Darrin Chapin
4 Mickey Weston
5 Bob Wells
6 Tom Edens
7 Omar Olivares

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

10 Chuck Ricci
11 Dennis Springer
12 Manny Martinez
13 Rafael Quirico
14 Bronson Heflin
15 Glenn Dishman
16 Rob Butler
17 Mike Robertson
18 Matt Whiteside
19 Robert Dodd
20 Joel Bennett
21 Joe Grahe
22 Domingo Cedeno
23 Torey Lovullo

This is a continuing series looking at those players who spent time with the Phillies but possess no baseball card proof of their time in Philadelphia.  In some cases, the First and Last Mainstream cards listed above have been subjectively chosen if multiple cards were released in that year.

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #9 Jim Deshaies

#44
James Joseph Deshaies
Starting Pitcher

Jim Deshaies was at the end of his 12-year major league career when the Phillies came calling in need of starting pitching depth.  In the midst of the 1994-1995 player's strike, the Phillies signed Deshaies in late February 1995 and he started the season with the team's AAA affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  The Phillies needed a starting pitcher in late July when Curt Schilling went on the disabled list and Deshaies, who had started 19 games for the Red Barons, got the call.  It didn't go well.  Deshaies started two games, giving up six runs in each outing, and he was promptly released.

Deshaies' best years came with the Houston Astros, where he was a 15-game winner in 1989.

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  222
Born:  June 23, 1960, Massena, NY
Drafted:  Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 21st round of the 1982 amateur draft.
Major League Teams:  New York Yankees 1984; Houston Astros 1985-1991; San Diego Padres 1992; Minnesota Twins 1993; San Francisco Giants 1993; Minnesota Twins 1994; Phillies 1995
Professional Affiliations:  New York Yankees 1982-1985; Houston Astros 1985-1991; Oakland Athletics 1992; San Diego Padres 1992; Minnesota Twins 1993; San Francisco Giants 1993; Minnesota Twins 1994; Phillies 1995

Phillies Career
2 games, 0-1, 20.25 ERA, 5 1/3 innings, 12 earned runs, 15 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the Minnesota Twins, February 26, 1995
Debut:  July 25, 1995 - Started against the Rockies at Veterans Stadium, allowing six runs on 10 hits, including a three-run home to Dante Bichette.
Final Game:  July 30, 1995
Departed:  Released, July 31, 1995

1986 Donruss Rookies #34

1987 Topps #167

1995 Pacific #246

1995 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Team Issue #6

4 Deshaies Baseball Cards in My Collection
First Card:  1987 Sportflics #156 (with Mike Schmidt and Don Sutton)
Last Card:  1995 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Dunkin' Donuts #7

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1986 Donruss Rookies #34
First Topps Base Card:  1987 Topps #167
Last Mainstream Card:  1995 Pacific #246
Other Notable Cards:  1987 Topps #2 RB, 1990 Donruss #7 DK, 1993 Upper Deck #648

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s
1 Louie Meadows
2 Dave LaPoint
3 Darrin Chapin
4 Mickey Weston
5 Bob Wells
6 Tom Edens
7 Omar Olivares

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

10 Chuck Ricci
11 Dennis Springer
12 Manny Martinez
13 Rafael Quirico
14 Bronson Heflin
15 Glenn Dishman
16 Rob Butler
17 Mike Robertson
18 Matt Whiteside
19 Robert Dodd
20 Joel Bennett
21 Joe Grahe
22 Domingo Cedeno
23 Torey Lovullo

This is a continuing series looking at those players who spent time with the Phillies but possess no baseball card proof of their time in Philadelphia.  In some cases, the First and Last Mainstream cards listed above have been subjectively chosen if multiple cards were released in that year.