Showing posts with label 1976. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1976. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

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
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Monday, January 12, 2026

2025 Chachi #12 Kody Clemens


Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  190
Opening Day 2025 Age:  28
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
Departed:  Purchased by the Minnesota Twins, April 26, 2025
Major League Teams:  Detroit Tigers 2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2023-25; Minnesota Twins 2025
Postseason Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2024

2025 Topps Heritage #67
Kody Clemens beat out Buddy Kennedy for the final opening day roster spot with the Phillies, given that Weston Wilson began the season on the injured list.  Clemens appeared in seven games with the Phillies, going 0 for 6, while used exclusively as a pinch-hitter, pinch-runner or defensive replacement at second base and left field.  When Wilson was activated on April 23rd, Clemens was designated for assignment, and dealt to the Twins for cash considerations three days later.  In 97 games with the Phillies over parts of three seasons, Clemens batted .220 with nine home runs and 31 RBIs.  With the Twins, Clemens settled into a super utility role, playing in 112 games and getting regular starts at first base, second base, left field or right field.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2018 Bowman Draft #BD-121
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2023, 2025
Favorite 2025 Card:  2025 Topps Heritage #67
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  10 as of 12/28/25, 2 added in 2025
TCDB Stats: 568 total as of 12/28/25, my 10 cards overall are ranked 14th, 1st is Ymmat with 37

Complete Chachi Checklist

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Wednesday, January 7, 2026

2025 Chachi #7 Nick Castellanos


Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  203
Opening Day 2025 Age:  33
Born:  March 4, 1992, Hialeah, FL
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, March 22, 2022
Contract Status:  Signed through 2026
Major League Teams:  Detroit Tigers 2013-19; Chicago Cubs 2019; Cincinnati Reds 2020-21; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-25
Postseason Appearances:  Detroit Tigers 2014; Cincinnati Reds 2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-25

2025 Topps #315
Nick Castellanos is under contract for the 2026 season, but I'd be shocked if he heads to Clearwater with the club in February.  The streaky right fielder seems to have worn out his welcome with the Phillies, especially after a benching in mid-June following inappropriate comments directed towards manager Rob Thomson after Castellanos was removed late in a game for a defensive replacement.  In 147 games, Castellanos batted .250 with 27 doubles, 17 home runs and 72 RBIs.  If this truly is the end of the road for him in red pinstripes, we'll have some exciting postseason highlights to remember him by, as well as his solid first half of the the 2023 season, leading to an All-Star Game appearance.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2011 Topps Pro Debut #110
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (11):  2014-25
Favorite 2025 Card:  2025 Topps Heritage #315
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  76 as of 12/27/25, 13 added in 2025
TCDB Stats: 4,868 total as of 12/27/25, my 98 cards overall are ranked 29th, 1st is TigerPride with 1,072

Complete Chachi Checklist

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Friday, January 2, 2026

2025 Chachi #2 Bryce Harper


Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  210
Opening Day 2025 Age:  32
Born:  October 16, 1992, Las Vegas, NV
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, March 2, 2019
Contract Status:  Signed through 2031
Major League Teams:  Washington Nationals 2012-2018; Philadelphia Phillies 2019-2025
Postseason Appearances:  Washington Nationals 2012, 2014, 2016-17; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-25

By all accounts, Bryce Harper did not enjoy an elite season in the seventh year of his 13-year contract.  In 132 games, Harper batted .261 with 27 home runs, 75 RBIs, and a team-leading 32 doubles.  Still the face of the franchise, and one of the most exciting players in baseball, Harper will look to regain his superstar status in 2026.  In only his second season as the club's everyday first baseman, Harper's fielding percentage of .998 was second among all National Leaguers at the position.

2025 Topps Heritage #150
Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP1
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (14):  2012-2024
Favorite 2025 Card:  2025 Topps Heritage #150
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  480 as of 12/27/25, 58 added in 2025
TCDB Stats:  21,593 total as of 12/27/25, my 531 cards overall are ranked 18th, 1st is JustAnotherCollector with 4,291

Complete Chachi Checklist
2023 Chachi #55 - 300th Home Run HL
2023 Chachi #62 - NLDS Game 1
2023 Chachi #63 - NLDS Game 2
2023 Chachi #64 - NLDS Game 3
2023 Chachi #71 - NLCS Game 5
2024 Chachi #40 - London HL
2024 Chachi #43 - Eight All-Stars HL
2024 Chachi #45 - All-Star
2024 Chachi #67 - NLDS Game 1
2025 Chachi #2

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Monday, September 1, 2025

Game 137 - Offense Sputters, Pen Can't Hold Off Braves

Atlanta Braves  3 
Philadelphia Phillies  1 

2025 Topps Heritage #416
Sunday Night, August 31st
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
79-58, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A solid performance from Jesus Luzardo was wasted and the Braves capitalized on a few shaky bullpen performances in this 3-1 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies took three out of four from the Braves.  They'll start September with a huge series against the Brewers beginning Labor Day afternoon.

What Happened:  Luzardo pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing a pair of hits while striking out seven.  Orion Kerkering allowed the Braves to tie the game when he couldn't retire a batter in the eighth.  Jose Alvarado surrendered a two-run home run to Drake Baldwin in the top of the ninth.  The only offense mustered by the Phillies was a solo home run from Brandon Marsh in the fourth.  Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm were a combined 0 for 10.

Featured Card / Transaction:  A day before the deadline for postseason eligibility, the Phillies added two pitchers who could play key roles in September/October.  Tim Mayza (lhp) was claimed off waivers from the Pirates, and he could replace Alvarado on the roster in October given Alvarado is ineligible for the postseason.  Walker Buehler (rhp) was signed as a minor-league free agent.  Buehler, a two-time All-Star with the Dodgers, was released by the Red Sox on August 29th.  In 23 games with the Red Sox, Buehler was 7-7 with a 5.45 ERA in 112 1/3 innings pitched.  After a start this coming weekend with the IronPigs, he'll join a six-man rotation as the Phillies continue to contend with Zack Wheeler's absence.
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Saturday, August 16, 2025

Game 119 - Suarez Struggles, Phils Can't Solve Singer in Loss

Philadelphia Phillies  1 
Cincinnati Reds  6 

1976 SSPC #43
Tuesday Night, August 12th
Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
69-50, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez continued his struggles and the Phillies offense was punchless in this 6-1 loss to the Reds.

What It Means:  Spoiler alert - an even worse loss was coming up the following day.

What Happened:  Suarez dropped to 8-6.  He allowed six runs on 10 hits and two walks in 5 1/3 innings.  In seven starts since the beginning of July, Suarez is 1-4 with a 5.58 ERA in 40 1/3 innings pitched.  Reds' starting pitcher Brady Singer went six innings, allowing three hits while striking out six.  The lone Phillies run came on a solo home run from Bryce Harper in the top of the ninth.

Featured Card:  With absolutely no current Phillie player deserving a card for this game, here's one of my favorite Reds cards in my Phillies Collection.  This is former Phillies player and long-time coach John Vukovich, who played in 31 games for the Reds in 1975.
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Saturday, August 9, 2025

Game 115 - Long Balls, Sanchez Handle Texas in Win

Philadelphia Phillies  9 
Texas Rangers  1 

2025 Topps Heritage #248
Friday Night, August 8th
Globe Life Field - Arlington, TX
66-49, 1st Place, 3 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Three home runs and another solid pitching outing from Cristopher Sanchez gave the Phillies a 9-1 win over the Rangers.

What It Means:  This win marks the Phillies' first win in Arlington since opening day 2014, when Jimmy Rollins hit a second inning grand slam, and the Phillies would go on to beat the Rangers, 14-10.  Since that win, they had been 0-10 at the Rangers' home ballpark.  The only other win in Arlington before last night and opening day 2014 came on June 28, 2008, in a game won by Cole Hamels and saved by Brad Lidge.  Vicente Padilla was the losing pitcher in that 2008 game for the Rangers.

What Happened:  Kyle Schwarber hit a laser off the right field foul pole in the first inning for his 41st home run of the season.  The Rangers tied the score in the bottom of the first, and they wouldn't score again in the game.  Brandon Marsh's solo home run to lead off the fourth gave the Phillies the lead for good.  Trea Turner would double home two more runs later in the inning.  They'd pile on five more runs in the ninth, on a two-run double from Bryson Stott and a three-run home run from Turner.

Cristopher Sanchez won his 11th game, allowing the run on six hits and striking out six over six innings of work.

Featured Card:  Turner was 2 for 4 with five RBIs, but I'll give the card to Marsh here as he was 4 for 5 with a home run and two doubles.  In 28 games since July 1st, Marsh is batting .318 with six doubles, five home runs and nine RBIs.
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Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Game 89 - Sosa, Bohm Homer in Win Over Reds

Cincinnati Reds  1 
Philadelphia Phillies  5 

2025 Topps Heritage #240
Saturday Afternoon, July 5th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
52-37, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth, as the Phillies would hold off the Reds in this 5-1 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for the series win on Sunday behind Zack Wheeler.  (I like their chances here.)

What Happened:  Edmundo Sosa tied the score at 1-1 with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth, and Bohm gave the Phillies the lead for good with his shot in the sixth.  Kyle Schwarber would give the Phillies a 5-1 lead in the eighth with a two-run home run of his own, his 27th of the year.  Ranger Suarez battled through five innings, allowing a run on five hits while striking out six.  Jordan Romano, who got the win, Tanner Banks, Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm held the Reds scoreless over the final four innings.

Featured Card:  Bohm has steadily increased his production since the start of the season, and he's now batting .283 with eight home runs and 41 RBIs.  His RBI tally is third on the team behind Schwarber and Nick Castellanos.  Also, he's a screenshot from my phone as we spent this day in a very, very hot Florence, Italy.  With a 10:05 start time, I had no shot of listening to any of this game.

Transaction:  Buddy Kennedy (inf), designated for assignment when Bryce Harper was activated, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Lehigh Valley.  Rather than accept the assignment, Kennedy elected free agency, ending his time with the Phillies.  In 12 games over the past two seasons, he batted .111 (2 for 18) with a double and two RBIs.

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Monday, June 23, 2025

Game 78 - Luzardo's Arm, Sosa's Bat Lead Phils Back to First

New York Mets  1 
Philadelphia Phillies  7 

2025 Topps Heritage #250
Sunday Night, June 22nd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
47-31, Tied for 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo pitched a gem and Edmundo Sosa fell a triple short of the cycle in this 7-1 drubbing of the Mets.

What It Means:  What a wonderful game!  The Phillies re-took first place, and following a day off on Monday they'll open a three-game series in Houston.

What Happened:  Luzardo improved to 7-3, pitching 6 2/3 fantastic innings, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out seven.  The highlight of the night for him was striking out Juan Soto to end the sixth inning on a nearly 98mph fastball.  Max Lazar gave up a solo home run to Francisco Lindor, the Mets' only run.

The Phillies scored five times in the fourth inning.  Kyle Schwarber led off the inning with a solo home run, his 24th of the season.  Nick  Castellanos doubled and Otto Kemp singled him home.  With J.T. Realmuto and Kemp on board, Edmundo Sosa hit a three-run home run to right center field, giving the Phillies a 5-0 lead.  In the seventh, Alec Bohm drove home a run with a sacrifice fly and Castellanos capped the scoring with an RBI-double.  Sosa, needing a triple for the cycle, struck out looking in the eighth.

Featured Card:  I'll give the nod to the offensive star of the game, Sosa.

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

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Friday, June 20, 2025

Game 75 - Sanchez Baffles Fish in Victory

Philadelphia Phillies  2 
Miami Marlins  1 

2025 Topps Heritage #407
Thursday Night, June 19th
loanDepot park - Miami, FL
45-30, Tied for 1st Place, 10 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez made his case to be a repeat All-Star and Kyle Schwarber hit a tie-breaking, eighth inning home run in this 2-1 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies took three out of four from the Marlins, and now return home for an important weekend series with the Mets.  Both teams have identical records, and the Mets have lost six in a  row.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez picked up his sixth win, and probably could have gone for the complete game.  He allowed a run on five hits while striking out four and yielded to Orion Kerkering after having thrown 91 pitches.  Kerkering allowed a base runner in the ninth, but retired the side to earn his second save.  The Phillies had trouble getting going against Marlins' starter Edward Cabrera.  Cabrera was lifted with one out in the seventh and the Marlins holding a slim 1-0 lead.  With Alec Bohm on first, reliever Cade Gibson gave up a Max Kepler single, threw a wild pitch and hit Otto Kemp to load the bases.  Bryson Stott grounded out to score Bohm and tie the score.

Schwarber's 23rd home run of the year came at the perfect time, giving the Phillies a 2-1 lead in the eighth.

Featured Card:  I flipped a coin and went with Sanchez over Schwarber, as the lanky lefty kept the Marlins' offense off-balance all game.  This is his short-printed card from the Topps Heritage set.

Transaction:  The Phillies selected the contract of Buddy Kennedy (inf) from Lehigh Valley and optioned Weston Wilson (of) down in a swap of bench players.  To make room for Kennedy on the 40-man roster, Aaron Nola (rhp) was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

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Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Game 72 - Turner Stays Hot, Abel Stays Consistent in Phillies Win

Philadelphia Phillies  5 
Miami Marlins  2 

2025 Topps Heritage #48
Monday Night, June 16th
loanDepot park - Miami, FL
43-29, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner hit a lead-off home run and Mick Abel pitched five solid innings in this 5-2 series opening win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  With the Mets inactive, the Phillies pulled to within two games of first place in the East.

What Happened:  Turner homered to center on the second pitch of the game.  Max Kepler gave the Phillies a 2-1 lead with his solo home run in the fourth.  In the seventh, Brandon Marsh tripled and came home on Turner's single, his third hit of the game.  Alec Bohm, the team's hottest hitter, added a pair of insurance runs with a two-run single in the top of the ninth.

Abel improved to 2-0, and dropped his ERA to 2.21.  He allowed a run on three hits, while striking out three.  Orion Kerkering pitched a clean ninth and earned his first career save.  Of note for Tuesday's game, Nick Castellanos was lifted in the eighth inning and replaced by Johan Rojas for a defensive upgrade.

Featured Card:  With his average up to .308 through Tuesday, to go along with his nine home runs, 34 RBIs and 19 stolen bases, Turner is making a case for himself to be present in Atlanta for the All-Star Game.

Transaction:  Carlos Hernandez (rhp), designated for assignment by the Phillies last week, was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers.

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Monday, June 16, 2025

Game 71 - Kemp, Casty Have Big Days at the Plate, Phils Sweep Jays

Toronto Blue Jays  4 
Philadelphia Phillies  11 

2025 Topps Heritage #315
Sunday Afternoon, June 15th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
42-29, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler handled the Blue Jays' line-up, Nick Castellanos hit a grand slam and Otto Kemp enjoyed a four-hit day in this 11-4 win, completing the series sweep.

What It Means:  With the Phillies seemingly back on track after winning five out of six on this homestead against the Cubs and Blu Jays, they'll head to Miami for a four-game set against the last place Marlins.

What Happened:  Wheeler improved to 7-2 and likely left the game only due to the length of the bottom of the sixth inning, during which the Phillies nearly batted around and Castellanos hit his slam.  Wheeler allowed four hits while striking out nine.  Kemp went 4 for 5 with three runs scored and a  pair of RBIs, raising his big league average to .345.  Five other Phillies had multi-hit games - Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, Max Kepler and J.T. Realmuto.  Bohm hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning.

Featured Card:  Castellanos hit his grand slam, his second of the year, in the sixth, just clearing the left center field wall and giving the Phillies a 10-2 lead.  Here's his 1976 Topps-inspired card from the Topps Heritage set.
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Thursday, May 29, 2025

Game 54 - Suarez, 3 Relievers Combine for Shutout; Harper Beaned

Atlanta Braves  0 
Philadelphia Phillies  2 

2025 Topps Heritage #150
Tuesday Night, May 27th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
35-19, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez pitched six shutout innings and the Phillies offense managed a pair of runs to win the series opener against the Braves, 2-0.

What It Means:  The win was great, but there was a scary moment in the bottom of the first when Spencer Strider nailed Bryce Harper on the elbow with a 95mph fastball.  Harper was clearly in pain and left the game, with Edmundo Sosa taking over as a pinch-runner.  X-rays following the game were negative and for now, Harper is day-to-day with a bruised elbow.

What Happened:  Max Kepler doubled home Alec Bohm in the second for the game's first (and winning) run.  J.T. Realmuto walked with the bases loaded in the eighth for an insurance run.  Suarez improved to 4-0, allowing four hits in his outing and striking out eight.  Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm and Jordan Romano combined to complete the shutout.

Featured Card:  Get well soon, Bryce!
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Friday, May 23, 2025

Game 49 - Phils Continue to Rock Rockies

Philadelphia Phillies  9 
Colorado Rockies  5 

2025 Topps Heritage #143
Wednesday Night, May 21st
Coors Field - Denver, CO
31-18, 1st Place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  J.T. Realmuto took his turn beating up Rockies' pitching and Taijuan Walker had another solid effort in this 9-5 win.

What It Means:  A win on Thursday afternoon would give the Phillies a four-game sweep of the Rockies, still searching for their ninth win of the season.

What Happened:  Once again the Phillies jumped on the scoreboard early, with Trea Turner opening the game with a single, moving to second when Bryce Harper singled, stealing third base and scoring on a throwing error by catcher Hunter Goodman.  Harper would score next on a Nick Castellanos sacrifice fly, making it 2-0, Phillies.  Turner and Harper connected for back-to-back home runs to lead off the third, and Realmuto's two-run double later in the inning gave the Phillies a 6-2 lead.  Realmuto added to the barrage with a two-run home run in the sixth.

Featured Card:  Here's Realmuto's card from the 1976-inspired and recently released Topps Heritage set.
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Friday, May 16, 2025

Game 42 - Luzardo, 'Pen Handle Cards in Game One

St. Louis Cardinals  1 
Philadelphia Phillies  2 
Game 1

2025 Topps Heritage #478
Wednesday Afternoon, May 14th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
25-17

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo improved to 4-0 and the Phillies plated a pair of runs in the seventh inning to take the matinee end of a double header against the Cardinals.

What It Means:  Tuesday's rain-out necessitated the doubling up on Wednesday with Luzardo opting to start the earlier game.

What Happened:  Luzardo allowed a run on five hits while striking out six in his latest win.  Jose Alvarado, Orion Kerkering and Jordan Romano held the Cardinals scoreless over the final three innings.  Kerkering worked out of one-out, runners at second and third situation in the eighth, inherited from Jose Alvarado.  Romano struck out the side in the ninth for his fourth save.

In the bottom of the seventh, three straight singles from Weston Wilson, Rafael Marchan and Bryson Stott tied the score at 1-1.  Bryce Harper singled home Marchan with the eventual winning run.

Featured Card:  Here's Luzardo's first Phillies card, from the recently released Topps Heritage set.  Luzardo is wearing a Marlins uniform here, but Topps photoshopped him into a road Phillies jersey and hat.

Transaction:  Daniel Robert (rhp) was added to the roster as the club's 27th man for the double header.  He was optioned back to Lehigh Valley following the nightcap.

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Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Game 41 - Phils Can't Overcome Cards

St. Louis Cardinals  3 
Philadelphia Phillies  2 

2025 Topps Heritage Chrome
Light Blue Sparkle Refractor #7
Monday Night, May 12th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
24-17, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Matt Strahm surrendered his first home run of the season to Masyn Winn in the seventh inning, leading to this 3-2 loss to the Cardinals.

What It Means:  The Phillies need to win the next two against the Cardinals to improve their series win streak to six.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez pitched well, giving up single runs in the fourth and sixth innings, and striking out eight.  The Phillies would tie the game, twice, in the bottom of both those innings.  In the fourth, Edmundo Sosa singled home J.T. Realmuto, and in the sixth, Kyle Schwarber scored when Realmuto grounded into a fielder's choice.  Schwarber's streak for reaching base safely reached 47 games.  The offense went 1 for 7 overall with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Statistically, Strahm continues to be one of the Phillies' best relievers, but I can't help but get nervous every time he takes the mound.  This is a shiny card of his, with a really long name, recently added to my collection from the new Topps Heritage set.
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Friday, May 9, 2025

Game 37 - Impressive Comeback Completes Sweep of Rays

Philadelphia Phillies  7 
Tampa Bay Rays  6 
10 Innings

2025 Topps Heritage #135
Thursday Night, May 8th
George M. Steinbrenner Field - Tampa, FL
22-15, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Trailing 5-1 heading into the eighth inning, Bryson Stott's three-run home run started an impressive scoring run leading to this 7-6 Phillies comeback win in 10 innings.

What It Means:  The Phillies completed their first road sweep of the season, and their first overall sweep since handling the Rockies in early April.  Three games against the surging Guardians await them next.

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo didn't have his best stuff, battling through 5 1/3 innings and allowing a pair of runs.  The to-date reliable reliever Tanner Banks allowed a three-run home run in the seventh to Yandy Diaz, seemingly ending the Phillies' sweep chances.  In the top of the eighth, J.T. Realmuto and Brandon Marsh reached on singles before Stott blasted his home run to right field, getting the game to within a run at 5-4.  They'd tie the game in the ninth when pinch-runner Johan Rojas scampered all the way to third on an errant pickoff throw from Pete Fairbanks.  Rojas would cross the plate on a Max Kepler groundout to tie the score.

In the 10th, Marsh promptly doubled home ghost runner Edmundo Sosa and Trea Turner added an insurance run, scoring Marsh.  Matt Strahm made it interesting in the bottom of the 10th before striking out Jose Caballero to lock down the win and his second save of the season.

Featured Card:  Marsh had a few big hits, but Stott's three-run home run breathed life into what looked to be a slumbering offense.  Here's his 1976 Topps-inspired, recently released Topps Heritage card.
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Saturday, May 3, 2025

Game 31 - Phils Can't Complete Sweep Due to Costly Error

1980-87 SSPC HOF #33
 
1976 Shakey's Pizza
Hall of Fame #86
2012 Panini Cooperstown #129
 

Washington Nationals  4 
Philadelphia Phillies  2 

Thursday Night, May 1st
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
17-14, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A costly sixth inning error from Bryce Harper led to three unearned runs and an eventual 4-2 win by the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Diamondbacks come to town next for a weekend series.  Entering the series, both Phillies and Diamondbacks have an identical 17-14 record.

What Happened:  Taijuan Walker battled through 5 2/3 innings, making a few nice defensive plays, before the wheels came off in the sixth.  CJ Abrams doubled to start the inning, and James Wood lined a ball off Walker's leg with Walker recovering and throwing out Abrams at first.  Nathaniel Lowe singled to tie the game and Keibert Ruiz reached on an error by Bryce Harper, making it all the way to third and giving the Nationals a 2-1 lead.  Two more unearned runs would score in the inning.

The Phillies got RBI singles from Alec Bohm in the fifth and from Nick Castellanos in the sixth.

Featured Card:  The Phillies as a franchise played their first game on May 1, 1883, and the team made the interesting decision to "retire" three more player logos to be displayed among other retired numbers and insignias behind Ashburn Alley.  Uniform numbers weren't a thing until later in the franchise's history.  I've posted the link to the modest press release from the Phillies below, and the three Hall of Fame outfielders get the shared honor here of featured cards.

I have a few cards of each in my Phillies Collection, none of which are from their actual playing days.

On the 142nd anniversary of our very first game, we are proud to bestow our club's highest honor upon Ed Delahanty, Billy Hamilton, and Sam Thompson as we retire their uniform insignias. The only outfield in major league history where every player hit .400 (1894) – will take their rightful [1/2]

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— Philadelphia Phillies (Bot) (@notphillies.bsky.social) May 1, 2025 at 7:24 PM

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Monday, April 28, 2025

Game 28 - Nola Returns to Form Against Cubs

Philadelphia Phillies  3 
Chicago Cubs  1 
10 Innings

2025 Topps Heritage #186
Sunday Night, April 27th
Wrigley Field - Chicago, IL
15-13, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola was finally Nola-esque and the Phillies prevailed in 10 innings to take the three-game series with the Cubs.

What It Means:  Following an off-day on Monday, the Phillies return home for six games against the Nationals and Diamondbacks.

What Happened:  He didn't get the win, but Nola provided a lot of relief to Phillies fans on Sunday night, allowing a run on three hits and a walk while striking out six over seven solid innings.  Nola didn't give up any home runs.  The bullpen trio of Orion Kerkering, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Romano (!) was able to keep the Cubs from scoring in the final three innings of the game.

In the third, the Phillies tied the game at 1-1 when Bryson Stott tripled and scored on Trea Turner's RBI-single to left.  The game remained knotted until the 10th inning.  With Nick Castellanos starting the inning at second base, J.T. Realmuto and Max Kepler both walked to load the bases.  Alec Bohm then hit a sacrifice fly to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead.  Later in the inning, Turner provided an insurance run with an RBI-single to score Kepler.  Romano needed 13 pitches, 10 of which were strikes, to retire the Cubs in the bottom of the 10th.

Featured Card:  Nola's 2024 Topps Heritage card was recently released in the High Numbers series, and a few weeks later we already have his 2025 Topps Heritage card.  This year's Heritage set pays tribute to the 1976 Topps set, and I couldn't resist opening a hobby box recently with my oldest son, Doug.  This fairly unflattering Nola card was one of several Phillies in the box.
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Sunday, December 8, 2024

Congrats to Dick Allen - Hall of Famer!

On Sunday night, the 16-member Classic Baseball Era Committee finally inducted Dick Allen into the Hall of Fame.  Allen will posthumously be inducted this summer as part of the Class of 2025.  The Phillies Room is thrilled for Allen's family, the Phillies organization, and those who have continuously lobbied to have Allen immortalized in the Hall.  Finally!

1964 Topps #243
1965 Topps #460
1966 Topps #80
1967 Topps #450
1967 Topps #309
1968 Topps #225
1969 Topps #350
1970 Topps #40
1971 Topps #650
1972 Topps #240
1973 Topps #310
1974 Topps #70
1975 Topps #400
1976 Topps #455
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