2026 Topps - The First Phillie!

Spring has sprung, and it's a little different around here this year given our oldest son is now enjoying his freshman year of college.  My Dad used to tell my sister and me, "I think about you guys every day," and I honestly didn't fully understand that or think it was even possible until I had kids of my own.  We used to make a big show of opening the first baseball card packs of the year, gathering around the kitchen table, taking a few pictures, and racing to find the First Phillie.  We delayed the ceremony a little bit this year until our son was home for his spring break a few weeks ago, and it made me happy to spend a short time opening packs of the new 2026 Topps cards with him.  My wife was kind enough to find a box for us to open from Target.

Fittingly, the First Phillie this year was Bryce Harper, card #250 in the Series One release.  He's wearing the City Connect uniform, which I'm already tired of, and his Phanatic elbow pad is front and center.

Topps is celebrating its 75th anniversary with this set, as they released their first true set of baseball cards in 1951 with the Red and Blue Back sets.  There's an unobtrusive foil Topps 75 stamp on the cards, and the most prominent design element on the fronts of the cards is a swath of jersey knitting running up the side.  Player names are bold and easy to read, a position and a team logo are included, and the one design element that probably wasn't needed is a city abbreviation at the top of the card.

It's a great design, and even though the design was created in order to support dozens of parallel variations, it works very well on its own.  It's clean, memorable, and something I could see myself trying to recreate for a future Chachi set.  The backs of the card continue the stitched jersey motif with relatively easy to read full career statistics.  

Do I feel strong enough about this set and its design to try to hand collate a complete set?  Nope.  Will I enjoy collecting the Phillies cards from this set and buy a factory set in the fall?  Absolutely.

This set cracks my top two Topps flagship designs of past decade, and it might eventually nudge its way into the #1 spot once I spend more time with it.  As cynical as I've been about Topps/Fanatics and modern baseball card collecting, it's a great sign that the top five flagship designs (in my opinion) of the past decade are all within the past five years.  I'm reminded here just how awful the 2020 and 2021 Topps set designs were.

Best - 2024 Topps #194

#2 - 2026 Topps #250

#2 - 2025 Topps #7

#3 - 2023 Topps #278

#4 - 2022 Topps #249

#5 - 2019 Topps #303

#7 - 2018 Topps #26

#8 - 2021 Topps #79

#9 - 2017 Topps #247

Worst - 2020 Topps #221

Past First Phillies

2010 Topps #300 Chase Utley

2011 Topps #242 Brad Lidge

2012 Topps #98 Domonic Brown

2013 Topps #6 Ryan Howard
2014 Topps #90 Ethan Martin
2015 Topps #309 Maikel Franco
2016 Topps #15 Ryan Howard
2017 Topps #247 Hector Neris
2018 Topps #26 Cesar Hernandez
2019 Topps #303 Ranger Suarez
2020 Topps #190 Aaron Nola

2021 Topps #79 Roman Quinn

2022 Topps #249 Zack Wheeler

2023 Topps #278 Aaron Nola

2024 Topps #194 J.T. Realmuto

2025 Topps #7 Alec Bohm

2026 Topps #250 Bryce Harper

Spring Training Game 27 - Phillies and Tigers Tie it Up in Clearwater

Detroit Tigers	4
Philadelphia Phillies	4

1984 Fleer Update #U-129

Spring Training Game 27

Friday Afternoon, March 20th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 10-15-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies and Tigers played to a tie in Clearwater.

What It Means:  The regular season is less than a week away, and there are only three more games to play on the Grapefruit League schedule.

What Happened:  During this game's broadcast, Cristopher Sanchez was officially named the opening day starter by manager Rob Thomson.  Sanchez pitched five innings, allowing a run on two hits while striking out four.  Orion Kerkering made his spring debut, allowing a run on two hits in his inning of work.  Trevor Banks allowed the Tigers to tie the score in the seventh when Dillon Dingler hit a two-run home run.  

The Phillies scored all their runs in the third.  Bryce Harper, back with the team after his World Baseball Classic run, started the scoring with an RBI single.  Alec Bohm added an RBI double followed by a two-run single from Adolis Garcia.

Featured Card:  I still don't have a ton of Sanchez cards in my collection, so I'll save the new cards of his I've added over the offseason for upcoming regular season games.  Instead, and because I did something similar last spring when the Phillies played the Tigers, here's an awesome Johnny Wockenfuss card.

Camp Head Count:  40 - 1 = 39

Genesis Cabrera (lhp) was reassigned to minor league camp before the game.

Spring Training Game 26 - Phils Show Pop Against Rays

Tampa Bay Rays	2
Philadelphia Phillies	8

2022 Topps Chrome
Platinum Anniversary #348

Spring Training Game 26

Thursday Afternoon, March 19th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 10-15-1

One Sentence Summary:  Adolis Garcia, Bryson Stott and Otto Kemp all homered in this 8-2 win over the Rays, supporting a solid outing from the Phillies bullpen.

What It Means:  This was a rare spring game not broadcast on the radio at all by either team.  I spent a lot of time driving on Thursday afternoon, and I was bummed I couldn't listen to any of this game.

What Happened:  A planned bullpen game, Tim Mayza and Zach Pop pitched the first four scoreless innings for the Phillies.  Jose Alvarado gave up the only Rays' runs - two solo home runs in the fifth inning.  Stott has been hot all spring, and his two hits on the day raised his spring average to .364.  Kemp had an RBI-single in the second to go along with his big three-run home run in the sixth.

Featured Card:  Why not show off a shiny Pop card?

Camp Head Count:  45 - 5 = 40

The moves are coming fast and furious now.  Prior to the game, Seth Johnson (rhp) was optioned to the IronPigs.  Tucker Davidson (lhp), Paul McIntosh (c), Rene Pinto (c) and Bryse Wilson (rhp) were all reassigned to minor league camp.

Spring Training Game 25 - Costly Errors in Seventh Inning Doom Phils

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Atlanta Braves	3

2025 Topps Update 2007
Topps All-Stars #07AS-10

Spring Training Game 25

Wednesday Afternoon, March 18th

CoolToday Park - Venice, FL

Record - 9-15-1

One Sentence Summary:  Andrew Painter was stellar in his latest spring outing and Dylan Moore drove in both Phillies runs in this 3-2 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  Have I mentioned yet that I'm ready for the regular season to begin?

What Happened:  Painter, officially named the team's fifth starter on Friday as I'm composing this post, pitched four shutout innings, allowing a hit and striking out three.  Seth Johnson followed with two more shutout innings, lowering his spring ERA to 1.86.  Reliever Tucker Davidson was the bad luck loser in this game, allowing three unearned runs in the seventh, due his own throwing error and an error by Garrett Stubbs, seeing time at third base.  Dylan Moore drove in both Phillies runs with a bases loaded walk in the first and an RBI-single in the fifth.

Featured Card:  I have to acknowledge the dramatic home run hit by Bryce Harper in Tuesday night's World Baseball Classic championship game, which briefly tied the score 2-2.  It was an incredible moment, but Venezuela rallied to take the lead, eventually winning the game and the World Baseball Classic title for 2026.  I was hoping Harper would at least see a Topps Now card to celebrate his home run, but it was not to be.

Camp Head Count:  47 - 2 = 45

The surprising slugger Felix Reyes (inf) and World Baseball Classic legend Dante Nori (of) were reassigned to minor league camp prior to this game.

Spring Training Game 24 - St. Patrick's Day Shutout; 2026 Chachi Set Preview

2026 Chachi Preview #2

Minnesota Twins	0
Philadelphia Phillies	2

Spring Training Game 24

Tuesday Afternoon, March 17th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 9-14-1

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo dealt over five shutout innings against the Twins, while Adolis Garcia drove in both Phillies runs while going 4 for 4 in this 2-0 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies no longer get to wear green jerseys and hats on St. Patrick's Day, thanks to a weird rule from Nike limiting them to only four jersey combinations per year.  Instead, they wore a black hat with a green P and a shamrock patch on the side.  Not even close to being as cool as the full green jerseys.

What Happened:  Luzardo allowed five hits and struck out five in his outing, turning it over the bullpen quartet of Jonathan Bowlan, Trevor Banks, Kyle Backhus and Trevor Richards, who all preserved the shutout.  Garcia hit a solo home run in the fourth and singled home J.T. Realmuto in the sixth for the game's only runs.

Featured Card:  Here's a preview of the 2026 Chachi set, using the 2006 Topps design from 20 (!) years ago.  It's amazing to me how I'm suddenly nostalgic about the 2000s, but here we are.  Our first son was born in 2006, so this year holds special meaning to me.  Along with using this design for the 2026 Chachi set, now in it's 22nd year, I'll feature cards from the 2006 Topps set in my series preview posts.

Camp Head Count:  47

Spring Training Game 23 - Tigers Trounce Phils in Lakeland

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Detroit Tigers	13

2006 Topps #602

Spring Training Game 23

Monday Afternoon, March 16th

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium - Lakeland, FL

Record - 8-14-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies attempted to battle back, but couldn't overcome a seven-run first inning from the Tigers, as Phillies pitchers Chuck King and Daniel Harper were hit early and often.

What It Means:  My MLB alerts were going nuts soon after the start of this game, which I'd discover was due to the run barrage from the Tigers.

What Happened:  King gave up five runs in the first, was relieved by Harper who allowed an inherited runner and another run to score before recording the third out.  King came back to start the second and allowed four more runs before his day was over.  Felix Reyes and Otto Kemp both homered for the Phillies.  Reyes, Kemp and Alec Bohm are in a three-way tie for the team's spring home run lead as they've each hit three.

Featured Card:  I spent Sunday afternoon working on the design for the 2026 Chachi set, and I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.  Without a logical card to post for this game, this card represents a fairly blatant clue of which Topps flagship set will have its design featured heavily on this blog during the upcoming season.

Camp Head Count:  48 - 1 = 47

I don't think he's officially on the restricted list until opening day, but I'll go ahead and decrease the camp headcount by one as Johan Rojas (of) was suspended for 80 games for violating baseball's PED policy.  Rojas was going to start the season as an IronPig, but this makes the center field depth very thin for the Phillies.

Spring Training Game 22 - Phils Let Braves Squeak By in 1-0 Win

Atlanta Braves	1
Philadelphia Phillies	0

2021 Topps Now Road to
Opening Day #OD-370

Spring Training Game 22

Sunday Afternoon, March 24th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 8-13-1

One Sentence Summary:  A well-pitched game broke out in Clearwater on Sunday, with the Phillies wasting the five scoreless innings thrown by Taijuan Walker in this 1-0 loss.

What It Means:  I actually got to watch this game on TV, and I didn't even mind the in-game interviews with the players solely to promote the season's upcoming promotional giveaways.

What Happened:  Walker looked great, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out three in his five innings (60 pitched) of work.  Genesis Cabrera allowed a solo home to Tyler Tolve in the top of the ninth to give the Braves a 1-0 lead and eventually the win.  Bryson Stott, now batting .400 for the spring, had a pair of hits.

Featured Card:  Cabrera is an intriguing option for a potential bullpen piece at some point during the season.  He's appeared on very few baseball cards since the late 2010s/early 2020s when he was a top prospect with the Cardinals.  Phillies fans could remember Cabrera as the pitcher who hit Bryce Harper in the face, then drilled Didi Gregorius in the back in a game back in April 2021.

Camp Head Count:  52 - 4 = 48

Before the game, Nolan Hoffman (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley, while Andrew Walling (lhp) and Jose Rodriguez (inf) were reassigned to minor league camp.  Pedro Leon (of) was optioned to Lehigh Valley after the game.

Spring Training Game 21 - Wilson, Reyes Lead Phils Over Yankees

Philadelphia Phillies	6
New York Yankees	4

2025 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (Series 3) #27

Spring Training Game 21

Saturday Afternoon, March 14th

George M. Steinbrenner Field - Tampa, FL

Record - 8-12-1

One Sentence Summary:  Bryse Wilson had a strong start and Felix Reyes hit a tie-breaking ninth inning home run as the Phillies downed the Yankees, 6-4.

What It Means:  A work day for me, but at least the Phillies were on in the background.

What Happened:  Wilson, who I would think is either the team's sixth or emergency starter at this point, threw three scoreless innings, allowing no hits and walking a pair.  Justin Crawford drove in the first run of the game with a single to score Rene Pinto in the third, after Pinto had reached on a ground-rule double.  A throwing error and an RBI single from Dylan Moore gave the Phillies a 3-0 lead.

With the score tied 4-4 heading to the ninth, Pedro Leon reached when he was hit by a pitch and Felix Reyes untied it with a two-run home run.  Nolan Hoffman pitched a perfect bottom of the ninth to secure the save.

Featured Card:  Reyes was already the featured card earlier this spring, but thanks to the Reading Fightin Phils releasing three (!) team sets last year, I have a few more cards of his to go.

Camp Head Count:  54 - 2 = 52

Prior to the game, the Phillies optioned Alan Rangel (rhp) to Lehigh Valley and reassigned Keaton Anthony (inf) to minor league camp.

Spring Training Game 20 - Bohm Blasts Two Homers in Win

Baltimore Orioles	8
Philadelphia Phillies	11

2025 Topps Archives #237

Spring Training Game 20

Friday Afternoon, March 13th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 7-12-1

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm hit a pair of home runs and Andrew Painter struck out four in 2 2/3 innings in this 11-8 slugfest victory over the Orioles.

What It Means:   It seems like the Grapefruit League season is going much faster than usual this season?  Given opening day is the earliest (I think) ever on March 26th, maybe it's just the perception I'm getting.

What Happened:  Painter allowed three runs on five hits during his outing, including a two-run home run to Samuel Basallo in the third.  Bohm gave the Phillies a 2-0 lead in the first with his first home run, and added his second two-run home run in the fifth to give his team a 5-3 lead.  The Phillies would pile-on with an RBI single from Garrett Stubbs and an RBI double from the still-not-suspended Johan Rojas.  Liover Peguero gave them some cushion with a two-run double in the seventh, making it 11-7, Phillies.  Tucker Davidson was hit hard by the Orioles in the seventh, allowing four runs on two hits and three walks.

Featured Card:  Here's hoping for big things from Bohm in 2026.  Having recently used the 2005 Topps design for my 2025 Chachi set, it bothers me how I'm able to create a closer representation of that set than Topps is.  The last name font at the top of this 2025 Topps Archives card is way too smooshed.  See here for my version of this card.

Camp Head Count:  58 - 4 = 54

Four more players were reassigned to minor league camp prior to the game:  Carson DeMartini (inf), Aroon Escobar (inf), Bryan Rincon (inf) and Dylan Campbell (of).

Spring Training Game 19 - Phils Rain on Jays' Day

Toronto Blue Jays	5
Philadelphia Phillies	8

8 Innings

2024 Topps Archives #262

Spring Training Game 19

Thursday Afternoon, March 12th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 6-12-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense jumped on Blue Jays pitching early, scoring eight runs in the first three innings in this rain-shortened win.

What It Means:  The World Baseball Classic is reaching its crescendo, and these spring training games are barely an afterthought.  I'm ready for the regular season to start.

What Happened:  With the score tied 1-1, the Phillies took the lead for good in the second on a Rafael Marchan sacrifice fly followed by a two-run double from Trea Turner.  Alec Bohm hit a solo home run to lead off the third, the first of four runs scored that inning.  The newly extended Jesus Luzardo allowed three runs on five hits in his 3 2/3 innings of work.

Featured Card:  The Phillies announced Chase Utley would be the Wall of Fame inductee this year, in a ceremony taking place before their August 7th game.  I'm happy to report I've already secured four tickets to this game and I can't wait for the ceremony.  Here's one of the more recent Utley cards in my collection, from the 2024 Topps Archives set.  (Is it odd to feel nostalgic about the 1994 Topps set design?)

Camp Head Count:  64 - 6 = 58

With the World Baseball Classic ending and the season suddenly two weeks (!) away, the roster moves should come fast and furious at this point.  Six players were reassigned to minor league camp prior to the game:  Andrew Bechtold (rhp), Michael Mercado (rhp), Kehden Hettiger (c), Mark Kolozsvary (c), Caleb Ricketts (c) and Aidan Miller (inf).

Spring Training Game 18 - Phils Lose to Yanks; Luzardo Inks 5-Year Deal

New York Yankees	4
Philadelphia Phillies	2

2025 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (Series 3) #18

Spring Training Game 18

Tuesday Afternoon, March 10th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 5-12-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies suffered from a lack of clutch hitting in this 4-2 loss to the Yankees.

What It Means:  My work schedule was bananas this past week, so I'm using the weekend to get caught back up.

What Happened:  The Phillies put together a bullpen game.  With Aaron Nola pitching for Italy, Taijuan Walker with Mexico and Cristopher Sanchez with the Dominican Republic team, the starting pitching rotation is a little light.  Lou Trivino was touched for a pair of runs in the sixth, which was the difference in this game.  Bryan De La Cruz had an RBI-single in the second and J.T. Realmuto hit a solo home run in the third.

Featured Card:  Prior to the game, the Phillies announced they had signed Jesus Luzardo (lhp) to a five-year contract extension through 2031, with a club option for 2032.  I'm excited by this, and the Phillies starting pitching rotation looks solid for the foreseeable future.  But given the lack of Luzardo cards in my collection and my desire to use those during the regular season, here's a card of Phillies pitching prospect Chuck King, who wrapped up the bullpen game by throwing three scoreless innings against the Yankees, while striking out four.

Camp Head Count:  64

Spring Training Game 17 - Spring Training Slogs Along with Another L

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Boston Red Sox	5

2023 Topps #383

Spring Training Game 17

Monday Afternoon, March 9th

JetBlue Park - Fort Myers, FL

Record - 5-11-1

One Sentence Summary:  With the big bats at the World Baseball Classic, the Phillies offense continued to sputter along in this 5-3 loss to the Red Sox.

What It Means:  We're roughly 2 1/2 weeks away from opening day.

What Happened:  The Phillies managed six singles and went 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  They scored a pair of runs in the second on a Jose Rodriguez single and a ground ball double play from Keaton Anthony.  A fifth inning run scored when they successful pulled off a delayed double steal, with Johan Rojas taking second and Bryan Rincon coming home.  

The Red Sox scored four runs in the third, all charged to Phillies' starter Bryse Wilson.  Wilson allowed four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out one.

Featured Card:  Wilson could be a potential fifth starter for the club at some point during the season.  He's played in parts of eight big league seasons, finding the most success with the Brewers in 2023 when he was 6-0 with a 2.58 ERA in 53 relief appearances.

Camp Head Count:  65 - 1 = 64

Alex McFarlane (rhp) was optioned to Double-A Reading before the game.

Spring Training Game 16 - Phils Can't Complete Comeback Against Twins

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Minnesota Twins	7

2025 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (Series 2) #10

Spring Training Game 16

Sunday Afternoon, March 8th

Lee Health Sports Complex - Fort Myers, FL

Record - 5-10-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies mounted an impressive comeback to take the lead in the top of the seventh, but the bullpen couldn't lock it down as the Twins walked it off in the ninth.

What It Means:  This game was televised with the Twins' broadcasters calling the game, and I admittedly thought they were pretty good.  I had debated making the hour plus drive to today's Philly Show in Oaks, Pennsylvania, but opted to take a day off from driving instead.  I didn't add any cards to our set builds this weekend (1969 Topps, 1955 Bowman, 1959 Topps), but I'm way more rested than I'd be had I gone.  I also have a little more money in my pocket too.

What Happened:  Otto Kemp and Felix Reyes were the offensive stars for the Phillies, with Kemp hitting a solo home run in the first and Reyes giving his team the lead with a three-run shot in the seventh.  Twins' starting pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson shut the Phillies down for four innings following Kemp's homer.  Alan Rangel started for the Phillies and allowed three runs in the third.  Trevor Richards was touched for two runs in the sixth, and Jack Dallas was on the mound when Gabriel Gonzalez hit a sacrifice fly to score James Outman with the Twins' winning run.

Featured Card:  Reyes is likely going to be the starting first baseman for the IronPigs this year.  He's been in three minor league team sets over the past two seasons.

Camp Head Count:  65

Spring Training Game 15 - World Baseball Classic Fever?

Toronto Blue Jays	1
Philadelphia Phillies	0

2025 Choice Clearwater
Threshers #19

Spring Training Game 15

Saturday Afternoon, March 7th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 5-9-1

One Sentence Summary:  A battle of the bullpens broke out in Clearwater, with the Blue Jays prevailing in the ninth off Genesis Cabrera.

What It Means:  I find myself unexpectedly following the World Baseball Classic, and I think it's solely because our oldest son is home for spring break and he's been religiously watching all the games.  This untelevised Phillies-Blue Jays game was an afterthought when Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper are battling for Team USA, Edmundo Sosa is playing with Team Panama and Dante Nori, today's featured card, is starring for Team Italy.

What Happened:  A whole lot of nothing happened for the Phillies offense.  Dylan Moore and Bryan De La Cruz had the only hits on the day, a pair of singles.  Andrew Painter threw thee shutout innings, allowing a hit and a run.  Max Scherzer shut down the Phillies through four hitless innings and then turned it over to the bullpen.

Featured Card:  Phillies prospect Nori went 3 for 3 on Saturday morning with a pair of home runs and a double, as Italy downed Brazil, 8-0.  This is his first Phillies card in my collection, from last year's Threshers team set.

Camp Head Count:  69 - 4 = 65

Prior to the game, Jean Cabrera (rhp) and Gabriel Rincones, Jr. (of) were optioned to Lehigh Valley, and Moises Chace (rhp) and Yoniel Curet (rhp) were optioned to Reading.  Curet had a horrific spring, allowing eight runs in 1 2/3 innings pitched for a 43.20 ERA.

Spring Training Game 14 - Offense Comes to Life in Bradenton

Philadelphia Phillies	14
Pittsburgh Pirates	10

2022 Topps Update #US153

Spring Training Game 14

Friday Afternoon, March 6th

LECOM Park - Bradenton, FL

Record - 5-8-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies exploded with a nine-run fourth inning and Rafael Marchan had four RBIs in this 14-10 romp over the Pirates.

What It Means:  The World Baseball Classic is getting all the attention, and these games seem like an afterthought.

What Happened:  This game was actually tied heading into the ninth inning, but the Phillies scored four unanswered runs off Pirates' reliever Michael Darrell-Hicks.  Marchan and Paul McIntosh both had a pair of hits in the win, with Marchan collecting an RBI double early in the fourth inning and a bases-clearing double later in the fourth inning.  Otto Kemp, Felix Reyes and Bryan De La Cruz also had key doubles in the game.  Rene Pinto hit a three-run home run in the ninth to break the game open.

Featured Card:  I'm fresh out of new Marchan cards to feature, so here's a card of Pinto, the other catcher in the game with a big hit.

Camp Head Count:  69

Spring Training Game 13 - Luzardo Looks Locked In

Boston Red Sox	2
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2025 Topps #105

Spring Training Game 13

Thursday Afternoon, March 5th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 4-8-1

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo looked ready to go, pitching three shutout innings and striking out five as the Phils downed the Red Sox, 6-2.

What It Means:  The Phillies pitching rotation looks pretty good, as long as Luzardo and Aaron Nola figure out whatever went wrong in their rough starts last season.  Christopher Sanchez is the undisputed ace, at least until Zack Wheeler returns from injury, and Andrew Painter seems ready to go too.  Taijuan Walker will hold things down until Wheeler's return.

What Happened:  Luzardo allowed two hits and didn't walk anyway, needing 38 pitches to get through three innings.  The Phillies scored three times in the second inning, with a Justin Crawford ground-out bringing home Adolis Garcia, and Dylan Moore following with a two-run single.  Otto Kemp added his second double of the game in the fourth, scoring another.  Two more late runs scored on a Bryson Stott sacrifice fly and Christian Cairo solo home run.

Featured Card:  Moore is an interesting option, and he could fill the role previously occupied by the departed Weston Wilson.  It could be Moore and Bryan De La Cruz battling it out for the final bench spot.

Camp Head Count:  69

Spring Training Game 12 - Oh Canada!

Canada	5
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2015 Topps Update #US318

Spring Training Game 12

Wednesday Afternoon, March 4th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 3-8-1

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola threw three scoreless innings with four strikeouts, but Team Canada took care of the Phillies by a score of 5-3.

What It Means:  I took the photo below of a graphic displayed on a recent Phillies broadcast of all the team's players competing the next few weeks in the World Baseball Classic.  I wish I could get more excited about this exhibition tournament, and I like the concept of it, but I'm still not a huge fan.  Rojas has since been sent home from the Dominican Republic team, but he did make an impressive diving catch as the first out in this game.

What Happened:  There's a theory that Nola only pitches well in even-numbered years, so hopefully that pattern holds true come April.  Jhoan Duran made his spring debut and pitched a scoreless fourth inning.  Canada scored four of its runs off Jonathan Bowlan in the sixth as the reliever didn't retire a batter but gave up three hits and a walk.  Bryan De La Cruz, now suddenly with a potential roster spot if Rojas is suspended, had an RBI single in the second.  Alec Bohm hit a solo home run in the fourth.

Featured Card:  Phillippe Aumont, who pitched for the Phillies in 46 games between 2012 and 2015, relieved for Canada in the sixth inning, shutting down Adolis Garcia, Bryson Stott and De La Cruz.  Aumont is now 37 and last pitched professionally in 2019.  He threw three innings of relief for Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Camp Head Count:  69

Spring Training Game 11 - Phils Can't Find Runs in Florida

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Tampa Bay Rays	3

2025 Topps Heritage #632

Spring Training Game 11

Tuesday Afternoon, March 3rd

Charlotte Sports Park - Port Charlotte, FL

Record - 3-7-1

One Sentence Summary:  A pair of errors downed the Phillies in this 3-1 loss to the Rays.

What It Means:  I know these spring training records and statistics don't mean anything, but it would be nice to be winning more games than the Phillies are losing.

What Happened:  The Rays scored an unearned run in the first following an error by right fielder Brandon Marsh.  They would score an earned run in the second when Taylor Walls singled off Phillies' reliever Jack Dallas to score Ryan Vilade.  A third run, again unearned, followed in the third inning on a wild pitch by Lou Trivino and throwing error by catcher Rafael Marchan.  The offense plated one lone run in the fifth when Aroon Escobar reached on a ground rule double and scored on an RBI-single from Jose Rodriguez.

Featured Card:  Johan Rojas didn't play in this game, but there were reports the back-up outfielder is about to be suspended for 80 games for PED use.  Rojas was sent home by the Dominican Republic team competing in the World Baseball Classic.

Camp Head Count:  69

Spring Training Game 10 - Painter Shines, but Phils Fall to Yanks

New York Yankees	5
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2025 Bowman Prospects #BP-116

Spring Training Game 10

Sunday Afternoon, March 1st

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 3-6-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Yankees scored four seventh inning runs off Zach Pop and Danyony Pulido, ruining the good vibes from earlier in the game following Andrew Painter's spring debut.

What It Means:  Top pitching prospect Painter has been cleared for take-off.  With Zack Wheeler likely starting the season on the injured list, Painter is all but guaranteed a spot in the starting pitching rotation, and he helped his cause in this game with two smooth, scoreless innings.

What Happened:  Painter was perfect and set down all six batters he faced.  The Phillies tied the game at 1-1 following Bryson Stott's solo home run in the bottom of the fifth.  Stott is now batting .625 (5 for 8) for the spring with a double and two home runs.  The Yankees took a 5-1 lead in the long top of the seventh, with Pop getting charged with all four runs on three hits and a walk.  In the ninth, Pedro Leon walked and scored on Dylan Campbell's triple.  Campbell scored the final run of the game when Felix Reyes singled him home.

Featured Card:  He hasn't pitched in a big league game yet, but I've already accumulated 21 different Painter cards in my Phillies collection.  His Bowman Prospects card from last year shows off the mustache he has since sadly shaved.

Camp Head Count:  69

Spring Training Game 9 - Phils Can't Stop Jays in Dunedin

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Toronto Blue Jays	7

2022 Topps #22

Spring Training Game 9

Saturday Afternoon, February 28th

TD Ballpark - Dunedin, FL

Record - 3-5-1

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez looked ready to start the season, but the Phillies couldn't overcome a late rally from the Blue Jays in this 7-5 loss.

What It Means:  Sure I had to work most of the morning and early afternoon, but it was great to have all four of us under one roof as this game was televised.  Our oldest son is home from college for spring break and our youngest was toiling away in his room on a school project.  While our country and the rest of the world continues to make zero sense, at least everything was in its right place on the home front for an afternoon.

What Happened:  Sanchez pitched two scoreless innings, allowing a pair of hits and striking out four.  Brad Keller and Tim Mayza allowed the Blue Jays to do the most damage, with Keller allowing two runs in the third and Mayza giving up four runs (two earned) in the sixth.  Justin Crawford continued to impress with two more hits, including a double.  Before departing for the World Baseball Classic, Bryce Harper hit a solo home run in the fifth.

Featured Card:  Bryan De La Cruz has an outside chance to make the club as a bench player, and he went 2 for 2 in this game with a second inning solo home run off Blue Jays' starter Dylan Cease.  This is his rookie card from the 2022 Topps set.

Camp Head Count:  69

Spring Training Games 7 and 8 - Phils Split Squad, Split Games

Miami Marlins	2
Philadelphia Phillies	10

Spring Training Game 7

Friday Afternoon, February 27th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Philadelphia Phillies	8
Detroit Tigers	16

2025 Topps Allen & Ginter #231

Spring Training Game 8

Friday Afternoon, February 27th

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium - Lakeland, FL

Record - 3-4-1

One Sentence Summary:  On the only scheduled split-squad day of the spring, the Phillies won in Clearwater but lost in Lakeland.

What It Means:  Split squad games are always good opportunities for everyone on the roster to get a little playing time, and by the look of the box scores there were even some minor league call-ups seeing some action.

What Happened:  The Phils were clobbered by the Tigers in Lakeland.  No one fared worse than Yoniel Curet, who allowed five runs on two hits, two walks and a hit batter, and was removed without having recorded an out.  Minor leaguer Andrew Baker allowed five more runs to score in an 11-run sixth inning.  Christian Cairo had a pair of hits and Rene Pinto homered for the Phillies.

In Clearwater, the Phillies rode a four-run first inning to a 10-2 win.  Adolis Garcia, Bryson Stott and Edmundo Sosa all brought home runs in the first frame, supporting a decent outing from Aaron Nola.  Nola went two innings, allowing a run on two hits while striking out two.  Minor leaguer Robert Moore went 2 for 2 with four RBIs, and Bryan Rincon hit a solo home run in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Last season, I mostly posted Nola cards following one of his awful outings as a show of support for the long-time Phillies pitcher.  I'm hoping to have more Nola cards featured after good outings in 2026.

Camp Head Count:  69

Spring Training Game 6 - Stott, Hettiger Homer in Win Over Nats

Washington Nationals	3
Philadelphia Phillies	7

2023 Topps Archives #189

Spring Training Game 6

Thursday Afternoon, February 26th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 2-3-1

One Sentence Summary:  A four-run third inning was the difference in this game, a 7-3 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  Similar to prior years, I have every intention of watching or listening to as many spring training games possible, but then work obligations seem to get in the way.  This game started and ended without me following a single pitch, although I was happy to get the notification of a Phillies win once the game was over.

What Happened:  Bryson Stott homered in the first to the tie the game at 1-1, after Phillies' starter Taijuan Walker allowed a first inning run to the Nationals.  Walker went two innings, allowing a run on three hits.  In the big third inning, Dante Nori doubled and Kehden Hettiger hit a two-run home run.  With one out, Stott walked and scored on a Bryce Harper RBI-double.  Garrett Stubbs would later single Harper home.  Jose Alvarado picked up the win, throwing a scoreless third inning and striking out a pair.

Featured Card:  I added surprisingly few Stott cards to my collection in 2025, and this was one of them.  I was a few years late picking up his 2023 Topps Archives card, with a weirdly cropped photo but a faithful representation of the 1965 Topps set.

Camp Head Count:  69

Spring Training Game 5 - Phils Notch First Win of Spring

Detroit Tigers	3
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2026 Topps #21

Spring Training Game 5

Wednesday Afternoon, February 25th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 1-3-1

One Sentence Summary:  Otto Kemp homered and Alec Bohm had a pair of RBI singles in this 5-3 win over the Tigers, the Phillies' first win of the spring.

What It Means:  I know we're only a week in with spring training games, but I'm kind of ready for the season to start?  Maybe it's the fact we've had snow on the ground for over a month.

What Happened:  Brad Keller, Zach Pop and Kyle Backhus gave the Phillies three scoreless innings to start the game, allowing just a pair of hits.  Backhus was the recipient of the win.  Pedro Leon and Bohm got the scoring started with RBI singles in the third, and Kemp hit a solo home run in the fourth.  Two more runs scored in the fifth when Bryce Harper doubled home J.T. Realmuto and Bohm's second RBI single of the day scored Harper.

Featured Card:  I need to compose my "First Phillie from the 2026 Topps Set" post, as my wife delivered a blaster box of Series One to me last week from one of her Target runs.  This Backhus card was in the blaster, along with the First Phillie, and it's Backhus' first mainstream baseball card appearance.

Camp Head Count:  69

Spring Training Game 4 - Phils Remain Winless

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Miami Marlins	6

2025 Choice Reading
Fightin Phils #30

Spring Training Game 4

Tuesday Afternoon, February 24th

Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium - Jupiter, FL

Record - 0-3-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense remained dormant in this 6-1 loss to the Marlins in Jupiter.

What It Means:  Absolutely nothing, to be honest.

What Happened:  Seth Johnson started and pitched a scoreless inning in this latest bullpen game.  Nolan Hoffman, Alex McFarlane and Andrew Walling each struck out a pair in their innings, but Walling was tagged with a fifth inning grand slam from Joe Mack, which was all the run support the Marlins' pitchers would need.  Walling had allowed a double and hit two batters to load the bases.  

The Phillies offense pushed across a first inning run when Trea Turner was hit by a pitch to start the game, went to second on a Bryson Stott single, tagged up and went to third on a Bryan De La Cruz fly-out and scored on an errant pick-off throw from Marlins' catcher Mack.  The Phillies would add only three more singles the rest of the game.

Featured Card:  Walling was signed by the Phillies as a non-drafted free agent back in 2022.  He appeared in all three (!) of the Reading Fightin Phils team sets last season.

Camp Head Count:  69