Sunday, February 2, 2025

2024 Chachi #59 Max Lazar


#60 / Max Lazar / Relief Pitcher
Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  200
Opening Day Age:  24
Born:  June 3, 1999, Coral Springs, FL
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, December 8, 2023
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2028
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2024

2024 Choice Reading
Fightin Phils (1st Edition) #22
Max Lazar had his contract purchased from Lehigh Valley in early August, taking Kolby Allard's roster spot.  Lazar would make his big league debut the following night, retiring all four Diamondbacks' batters he faced on August 10th.  He'd pitch well throughout most of August, not allowing a run over his first seven appearances before giving up runs in his final four appearances of the season.  In those 11 games in August and September, Lazar had no record with a 4.61 ERA in 13 2/3 innings pitched.  He struck out nine and allowed a pair of walks.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2020 Topps Heritage Minor League #52
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Favorite/Only 2024 Card:  2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (1st Edition) #22
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  1 as of 12/24/24, 1 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #59

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Saturday, February 1, 2025

2024 Chachi #58 Cal Stevenson


#47 / Cal Stevenson / Outfield
Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  5'9"  Weight:  175
Opening Day Age:  27
Born:  September 12, 1996, Fremont, CA
Acquired:  Selected off waivers by the Phillies from the San Francisco Giants, May 26, 2023
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2028
Major League Teams:  Oakland Athletics 2022; San Francisco Giants 2023; Philadelphia Phillies 2024

2024 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #13
Cal Stevenson had two different stints with the Phillies in 2024, one in August and a second in September, both times replacing an injured Austin Hays.  His biggest game of the season came on September 14th against the Mets, when Stevenson drove in a pair of runs and made a leaping catch in the outfield, stealing a home run from J.D. Martinez.  In 18 games with the Phillies, he batted .250 with three doubles and six RBIs.  The Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization were reportedly interested in signing Stevenson for 2025, but the Phillies nixed those talks and the outfielder will be in the mix for a bench spot this upcoming season.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2019 Topps Heritage Minor League #191
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Favorite/Only 2024 Card:  2024 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #13
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  3 as of 12/23/24, 1 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #58

2024 Chachi #57 Tanner Banks / 2024 Chachi #59 Max Lazar
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Friday, January 31, 2025

2024 Chachi #57 Tanner Banks


#58 / Tanner Pierce Banks / Relief Pitcher
Bats:  Right  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  205
Opening Day Age:  32
Born:  October 24, 1991, Riverton, UT
Acquired:  Traded by the Chicago White Sox to the Phillies for William Bergolla, July 30, 2024
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2026
Major League Teams:  Chicago White Sox 2022-24; Philadelphia Phillies 2024
Postseason Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2024

2024 Topps Update #US129
Tanner Banks was the other bullpen piece added at the trade deadline, along with Carlos Estevez.  I admittedly forgot sometimes he was on the team, as I don't remember him pitching in many high leverage situations.  But he did appear in 22 games overall, including as an opener for two innings against the Cubs on September 24th.  Banks was 0-1 with a 3.70 ERA in 24 1/3 innings pitched, and he'll likely be a member of the Phillies bullpen again in 2025.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2022 Topps Update #US146
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2022, 2024
Favorite/Only 2024 Card:  2024 Topps Update #US129
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  None as of 12/23/24, none added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #57

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Thursday, January 30, 2025

2024 Chachi #56 Carlos Estevez


#53 / Carlos Samuel Estevez / Relief Pitcher
Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'6"  Weight:  277
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  December 28, 1992, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Acquired:  Traded by the Los Angeles Angels to the Phillies for George Klassen and Sam Aldegheri, July 27, 2024
Major League Teams:  Colorado Rockies 2016-17, 2019-22; Los Angeles Angels 2023-24; Philadelphia Phillies 2024
Postseason Appearances:  Colorado Rockies 2017; Philadelphia Phillies 2024

2024 Topps Heritage #498
Former All-Star Carlos Estevez was acquired by the Phillies at the trade deadline and immediately given the club's closer role.  Manager Rob Thomson had been using a closer by committee approach throughout the season, with Jose Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm all getting save chances.  Estevez provided some stability in the bullpen in his short tenure with the Phillies, recording six saves in eight opportunities.  He was 3-2 with a 2.57 ERA in 20 appearances, striking out 18 and walking seven in 21 innings pitched.  His enduring legacy however will be the grand slam he surrendered to Francisco Lindor in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Mets, effectively ending the Phillies season in heartbreaking fashion.  The Mets would go on to win that game, 4-1, and advance to the NLCS.  Estevez is a free agent as of this writing in late December. 

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2016 Topps Heritage #647
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2023-24
Favorite 2024 Card:  2024 Topps Heritage #498
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  2 as of 12/23/24, 2 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #56
2024 Chachi #70 - NLDS Game 4

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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

2024 Chachi #55 Kolby Allard


#49 / Kolby Kenneth Allard / Starting Pitcher
Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  195
Opening Day Age:  26
Born:  August 13, 1997, Anaheim, CA
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, January 23, 2024
Major League Teams:  Atlanta Braves 2018; Texas Rangers 2019-22; Atlanta Braves 2023; Philadelphia Phillies 2024

2024 Topps Atlanta Braves #ATL-16
Late in the season, Kolby Allard helped to somewhat solidify the fifth starter's role, which had been a rotating door since Taijuan Walker's June exit.  Allard's four starts with the Phillies went four, five, five and three innings, respectively, faring slightly better than his predecessors in the role, Michael Mercado and Tyler Phillips.  Overall, Allard was 2-0 with a 5.00 ERA in seven games and 27 innings pitched.  Manager Rob Thomson thought enough of Allard's arsenal that he was added to the NLDS roster, but did not end up appearing in the four-game series.  Allard became a minor league free agent following the season.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2015 Bowman Draft #10
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (5):  2019-23
Favorite 2024 Card:  2024 Topps Atlanta Braves #ATL-17
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  1 as of 12/23/24, 1 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #55

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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

2024 Chachi #54 Michael Rucker


#39 / Michael Patrick Rucker / Relief Pitcher
Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  195
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  April 27, 1994, Columbus, MS
Acquired:  Purchased by the Phillies from the Chicago Cubs, February 6, 2024
Major League Teams:  Chicago Cubs 2021-23

2024 Topps Update #US140
A spring training non-roster invitee, Michael Rucker began the season on the injured list for the Phillies.  He'd move to the 60-day injured list for a time and was activated on July 26th, taking the roster and bullpen spot vacated by Seranthony Dominguez, who had been dealt to the Orioles.  Rucker was on the Phillies active roster for three games, and while he may have warmed up in the bullpen, he never threw a pitch in any of those games.  He was sent back down to Lehigh Valley on July 29th following the acquisition of Carlos Estevez.  Rucker was designated for assignment on September 4th and claimed off waivers by the Nationals two days later.  Strangely enough, Topps decided to include a Photoshopped Rucker in its Update set, despite the pitcher never officially entering a game for the Phillies.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2023 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary #107
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2024
Favorite 2024 Card:  2024 Topps Update #US140
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  1 as of 12/23/24, 1 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #54

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Monday, January 27, 2025

2024 Chachi #53 Austin Hays


#9 / Austin Charles Bryan Hays / Left Field
Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'11"  Weight:  200
Opening Day Age:  28
Born:  July 5, 1995, Daytona Beach, FL
Acquired:  Traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Phillies for Seranthony Dominguez and Cristian Pache, July 26, 2024
Major League Teams:  Baltimore Orioles 2017, 2019-24; Philadelphia Phillies 2024
Postseason Appearances:  Baltimore Orioles 2023; Philadelphia Phillies 2024

2024 Topps Chrome
Update #USC32
Injuries and illness took a toll on Austin Hays following his acquisition from the Orioles in late July, and the left fielder ended up being a non-factor for the Phillies over the final months of the season and in the NLDS.  He went on the injured list for the first time on August 9th with a left hamstring strain.  Hays returned on August 27th, but went back on the injured list on September 7th, this time with a serious kidney infection.  Hays played in 22 games for the Phillies, batting .256 with a pair of home runs and six RBIs.  In the NLDS, Hays was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts against the Mets.  He was non-tendered by the Phillies on November 22nd, making him a free agent.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP224
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (6):  2018, 2020-24
Favorite 2024 Card:  2024 Topps Chrome Update #USC32
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  3 as of 12/23/24, 3 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #53

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Sunday, January 26, 2025

2024 Chachi #42 Tyler Phillips


#48 / Tyler Nicholas Phillips / Starting Pitcher
Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'5"  Weight:  225
Opening Day Age:  26
Born:  October 27, 1997, Lumberton, NJ
Acquired:  Selected off waivers by the Phillies from the Texas Rangers, July 24, 2021
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2028
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2024

2024 Topps Now #479
Local product Tyler Phillips was recalled from Lehigh Valley on July 5th, and made his major league debut on July 7th, pitching four solid innings of relief against the Braves after Michael Mercado's early exit.  Phillips won his first start on July 13th and his second start on July 21st, throwing six shutout innings against the Pirates.  His next start, perhaps his career day, resulted in a shutout against the Guardians on July 27th in front of an appreciative and ecstatic Citizens Bank Park crowd.  Phillips became the first Phillies rookie to throw a shutout since Zach Eflin did it in 2016.  

Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there.  In his next four starts, Phillips allowed a combined 23 earned runs in 11 2/3 innings pitched for an unsightly 17.74 ERA.  Overall for his first year of action in the majors, he was 4-1 with a 6.87 ERA and one memorable shutout.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects Autographs #CPA-TP
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Favorite 2024 Card:  2024 Topps Now #479
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  6 as of 12/23/24, 5 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #42

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Saturday, January 25, 2025

2024 Chachi #41 Michael Mercado


#63 / David Michael Mercado / Starting Pitcher
Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  205
Opening Day Age:  24
Born:  April 15, 1999, Greenville, SC
Acquired:  Traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the Phillies for Adam Leverett and cash, November 6, 2023
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2028
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2024

2024 Topps Now #369
Michael Mercado was one of many pitchers slotted into the fifth starter's role following Taijuan Walker's departure from the rotation in June.  Recalled on June 23rd, Mercado made his big league debut in relief on June 24th, pitching a scoreless inning against the Tigers.  He'd win his first start on July 2nd, allowing a run on a pair of hits in five innings of work against the Cubs.  It was all downhill from there for Mercado, as he allowed a combined 15 runs, and nine home runs, in his next three appearances.  He was 1-2 in five games for the Phillies with a 11.08 ERA in 13 innings pitched.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP16
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Favorite/Only 2024 Card:  2024 Topps Now #369
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  1 as of 12/23/24, 1 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #41

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Friday, January 24, 2025

Game 64 - Phils, Harper Take London (Remastered)

Consider this the remastered version of the original June 8th game summary post, as I went back after the fact and decided Harper's British home run deserved its own highlight card in my 2024 Chachi set.

2024 Chachi #40

Phillies 7, Mets 2
Game 64 - Saturday Afternoon, June 8th in London
Record - 45-19, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies and Bryce Harper took London by storm, with The Showman living up to his name with a big day at the plate.

What It Means:  This was fun to watch, although we quickly switched over to the Phillies radio broadcast to avoid the Fox announcers.  The Phillies had a contingent of former players on hand, and I spent Saturday morning following along with the events in London on social media.  This two-game series has the feel of an All-Star Weekend, except with the Phillies as the main characters and the Mets in town since the Phillies needed an opponent.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez gave up a first inning run, but then settled down to pitch 5 2/3 innings while striking out six.  The win improved his record to 10-1.  The Phillies' offense seemed to struggle at first given the early evening sun glare, but once that went away, they jumped on Mets' starter Sean Manaea for six runs in the fourth inning.

Bryce Harper hit a solo home run to right to tie the game at 1-1, sliding into a football/soccer goal celebration as he returned to the Phillies dugout.  An RBI single followed from Edmundo Sosa to score Alec Bohm, and then Whit Merrifield hit a three-run home run to give the Phillies a 5-1 lead.  Cristian Pache doubled and Kyle Schwarber singled him home, chasing Manaea from the game.  Nick Castellanos capped the Phillies scoring with a solo home run to left in the eighth inning.

Featured Card:  Harper doubled in the first, becoming the first Phillies player with a hit in Europe.  His thrilling home run in the fourth will be replayed for years, and I'm waiting for the e-mail from Topps with the celebration image on an inevitable Topps Now card.  Here's a card with several symbols from the first time Philadelphia and England mixed things up.

Transaction:  The Phillies and Mets were both given an extra roster spot for this series, with the Phillies recalling Rafael Marchan (c).  Nick Nelson (rhp) and Darick Hall (1b) are also in London as a two-player taxi squad, just in case they're needed.
L to R: Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins,
Chase Utley and Cole Hamels

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2024 Chachi #39 Rafael Marchan


#13 / Rafael Alejandro Marchan / Catcher
Bats:  Both  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'9"  Weight:  170
Opening Day Age:  25
Born:  February 25, 1999, San Cristobal, Venezuela
How Obtained:  Signed by the Phillies as an amateur free agent, July 2, 2015
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2026
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2020-21, 2024

2024 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Injuries have hampered the one-time catching prospect's time in the majors, as has the reality the Phillies currently have one of the best catchers in baseball in J.T. Realmuto.  Rafael Marchan was recalled from Lehigh Valley on June 11th when Realmuto was placed on the injured list in need of right knee surgery.  Marchan and Garrett Stubbs bore the catching duties while the All-Star catcher was out, with Marchan getting 14 starts behind the plate.  His first action in the majors since 2021 came on June 12th.  Overall, Marchan batted .294 with three home runs and six RBIs in 17 games for the Phillies in 2024.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2021 Toppy Gypsy Queen #144
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2021
Favorite/Only 2024 Card:  2024 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  12 as of 12/23/24, 1 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #39

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Thursday, January 23, 2025

2024 Topps #38 Weston Wilson


#28 / Weston Graham Wilson / Outfield
Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  215
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  September 11, 1994, High Point, NC
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, January 11, 2023
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2023-24
Postseason Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2024

2024 Topps Now #557
Weston Wilson played in 40 games for the Phillies in 2024, appearing at every position except catcher and shortstop.  He batted .284 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in his limited playing time as a super utility option.  One of those three home runs came on August 15th, when Wilson collected the 10th cycle in Phillies' history and became the first Phillies rookie to accomplish the feat.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2023 Topps Now #686
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2024
Favorite 2024 Card:  2024 Topps Now #557
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  9 as of 12/23/24, 6 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #38
2024 Chachi #60 - Cycle HL

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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

2024 Chachi #37 David Dahl


#31 / David Martin Dahl / Outfield
Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  197
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  April 1, 1994, Birmingham, AL
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, February 19, 2024
Major League Teams:  Colorado Rockies 2016, 2018-20; Texas Rangers 2021; San Diego Padres 2023; Philadelphia Phillies 2024
Postseason Appearances:  Colorado Rockies 2018

2024 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #10
An All-Star with the Rockies in 2019, David Dahl came to spring training as a non-roster invitee and began the season with the Triple-A IronPigs.  He had his contract purchased on June 3rd when Brandon Marsh landed on the injured list with a hamstring injury.  Dahl's first game was probably also his best, as he was 2 for 3 with a solo home run that June 3rd, which also happened to be the night Rhys Hoskins returned to Philadelphia as a member of the Brewers.  Dahl made 16 starts for the Phillies in June (12 in left field, three at DH and one in right field) before being designated for assignment on July 9th.  He was briefly a free agent before re-signing and finishing the season with the IronPigs.  Dahl batted .207 with three home runs and eight RBIs in his 19 games with the Phillies.

Cool trivia:  Dahl wore #35 in spring training and for the first two weeks he was with the Phillies in early June.  Prior to Cole Hamels night on June 21st, even though the Phillies were not planning to retire Hamels' #35, Dahl respectfully switched his uniform number to #31.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2012 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Draft Picks #BDP-P104
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (5):  2017-21
Favorite/Only 2024 Card:  2024 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #10
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  1 as of 12/22/24, 1 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #37

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

2024 Chachi #36 Jose Ruiz


#66 / Jose Rafael Ruiz / Relief Pitcher
Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  245
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  October 21, 1994, Guacara, Venezuela
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, November 28, 2023
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible, 2026
Major League Teams:  San Diego Padres 2017; Chicago White Sox 2018-23; Arizona Diamondbacks 2023; Philadelphia Phillies 2024
Postseason Appearances:  Chicago White Sox 2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2024

2024 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #26
A long-time former reliever for the White Sox, Jose Ruiz helped solidify the Phillies bullpen in 2024.  He took the place of an injured Yunior Marte on May 3rd, and never returned to Lehigh Valley.  Ruiz relieved in 52 games, putting him fifth on the list of most frequently used relievers by Rob Thomson, behind Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, Jose Alvarado and Orion Kerkering.  Ruiz was 5-1 with a 3.71 ERA over 51 innings pitched and had a save.  He'll be back in the bullpen mix for 2025.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2019 Topps Total #436
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Favorite/Only 2024 Card:  2024 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #26
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  1 as of 12/22/24, 1 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #36

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Monday, January 20, 2025

2024 Chachi #35 Taijuan Walker


#99 / Taijuan Emmanuel Walker / Starting Pitcher
Bats:  Both  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  235
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  August 13, 1992, Shreveport, LA
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, December 16, 2022
Contract Status:  Signed through 2026
Major League Teams:  Seattle Mariners 2013-16; Arizona Diamondbacks 2017-19; Seattle Mariners 2020; Toronto Blue Jays 2020; New York Mets 2021-22; Philadelphia Phillies 2023-24
Postseason Appearances:  Arizona Diamondbacks 2017

2024 Topps #643
Taijuan Walker had an absolutely nightmarish season, pitching to a 3-7 record and a 7.10 ERA in 19 appearances, including 15 starts.  In 83 2/3 innings, Walker struck out 58, walked 37 and allowed 24 home runs.  It was an historically bad season, and I'm honestly not sure where or how he factors into the team's 2025 (or 2026!) plans.  He's the fourth player to wear #99 for the team, joining Mitch Williams (1993), Turk Wendell (2001) and So Taguchi (2008).

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2010 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects #BDPP39
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (11):  2014-24
Favorite 2024 Card:  2024 Topps #643
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  13 as of 12/22/24, 6 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #35

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Sunday, January 19, 2025

2024 Chachi #34 Kody Clemens


#2 / Kody Alec Clemens / Infield
Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  200
Opening Day Age:  27
Born:  May 15, 1996, Hornell, TX
Acquired:  Traded by the Detroit Tigers with Gregory Soto to the Phillies for Nick Maton, Donny Sands and Matt Vierling, January 7, 2023
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2027
Major League Teams:  Detroit Tigers 2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2023-24
Postseason Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2024

Rob Thomson is a huge fan of Kody Clemens, but the manager has admitted there just wasn't room for him on the roster at times in 2024.  Clemens filled in nicely at first base when Bryce Harper missed time in  June due to injury.  Throughout the season, he made 10 starts each at first base and third base, three starts at second base and had a start in left field.  Clemens seemed to come up with clutch hits often throughout the season.  Two of biggest hits were a game-tying home run against the Nationals on May 18th, and a walk-off single against the Rays on September 9th.  He was one of the few players to find success at the plate against the Mets in the NLDS, batting .400 (2 for 5) and making a pinch-hit appearance in each of the four games.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2018 Bowman Draft #BD-121
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2023
Favorite 2024 Card:  2024 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  7 as of 12/22/24, 3 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #34

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Saturday, January 18, 2025

2024 Chachi #33 Orion Kerkering


#50 / Richard Orion Kerkering / Relief Pitcher
Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  204
Opening Day Age:  22
Born:  April 4, 2001, Huntington Beach, CA
Acquired:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 5th round of the 2022 amateur draft, July 18, 2022
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2023-24
Postseason Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2023-24

2024 Topps #520
Orion Kerkering shot up through the Phillies minor league system in 2023, starting the season at Low-A Clearwater and ending the season in the NLCS.  He began the 2024 season on the injured list, but was activated in mid-April, taking his spot at the back-end of the Phillies' bullpen.  Reliable throughout the regular season, Kerkering was 5-3 with a 2.29 ERA in 64 appearances and 63 innings pitched.  He pitched in all four games of the NLDS against the Mets, and while his ERA was a respectable 2.45 in the series, Kerkering painfully allowed four of five inherited runners to score.  He'll be back in the revamped bullpen in 2025.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2023 Topps Now #915
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2024
Favorite 2024 Card:  2024 Topps #520
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  7 as of 12/22/24, 4 added in 2024

Complete Chachi Checklist
2024 Chachi #33

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