Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #22 Domingo Cedeno

#19
Domingo Antonio (Donastorg) Cedeno
Shortstop

In the middle of the 1999 season, with regular shortstop Desi Relaford lost for a few months due to a right wrist injury, the Phillies needed someone to occasionally spell the new starting shortstop, veteran Alex Arias.  Domingo Cedeno was acquired from the Mariners on July 7th to fill that role, and he stuck around until Relaford came off the disabled list on September 13th.

In his 32 games with the Phillies, the last games of his seven year big league career, Cedeno hit a woeful .152 (10 for 66), but made just one error in 55 chances at short.

The bulk of Cedeno's career was spent with the Blue Jays, where he appeared in 190 games between 1993 and 1996.

Bats:  Both  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  170
Born:  November 4, 1968, La Romana, Dominican Republic
Signed:  Signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as an amateur free agent, August 4, 1987.
Major League Teams:  Toronto Blue Jays 1993-1996; Chicago White Sox 1996; Texas Rangers 1997-1998; Seattle Mariners 1999; Phillies 1999
Professional Affiliations:  Toronto Blue Jays 1989-1996; Chicago White Sox 1996; Texas Rangers 1997-1998; Seattle Mariners 1999; Phillies 1999; New York Mets 2000; Cordoba Cafeteros (Mexico) 2000-2001

Phillies Career
32 games, .152 (10 for 66), 1 home run, 5 RBIs
Acquired:  Acquired from the Seattle Mariners for Jose Flores, July 7, 1999.
Debut:  July 10, 1999 - Pinch-hit for Paul Byrd in the fifth inning on an eventual 8-4 loss to the Orioles, singling off Mike Mussina and scoring Marlon Anderson.  Cedeno would ultimately score on a Rob Ducey three-run home run.
Final Game:  September 10, 1999 - In Phoenix, struck out swinging against Randy Johnson while pinch-hitting for Scott Aldred.
Departed:  Released, September 13, 1999, and signed as a free agent with the New York Mets, January 5, 2000.

1993 Leaf #486

1994 Topps #776

1995 Topps #89

1998 Pacific Red Threat #199

1 Cedeno Baseball Card in My Collection
1998 Pacific Red Threat #199

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1993 Leaf #486
First Topps Base Card:  1994 Topps #776
Last Mainstream Card:  1998 Upper Deck #522
Other Notable Cards:  1993 Fleer Final Edition #F-289, 1995 Topps #89, 1996 Donruss #134, 1997 Pacific Prisms Gems of the Diamond #GD-30

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

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

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

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

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

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #21 Joe Grahe

#50
Joseph Milton Grahe
Pitcher

A workhorse reliever for the Angels in the early 1990s, Joe Grahe pitched 17 games for the Rockies in 1995 and then would spend the next three seasons trying to get back to the majors.  Between 1992 and 1994, Grahe appeared in at least 40 games with the Angels, notching a career high 21 saves in 1992.

Signed by the Phillies in February 1999, Grahe began the season with Double-A Reading before his 0.90 ERA in his first seven games earned him a promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  He pitched well for the Red Barons and when the Phillies shook up their bullpen in early July, Grahe got the call along with Steve Schrenk.  (Mike Grace was sent down and Yorkis Perez landed on the disabled list.)  Grahe appeared in five games in his first stint with the Phils, not allowing a run in four innings pitched.  After a brief demotion, Grahe was again recalled in late August, sticking around through the end of the season and used sparingly as a fifth starter and occasional reliever.

Grahe became a free agent following the 1999 season, but he'd resign with the Phillies.  He'd appear in just six minor league games in 2000 before his playing career came to an end.

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  196
Born:  August 14, 1967, West Palm Beach, FL
Drafted:  Drafted by the California Angels in the 2nd round of the 1989 amateur player draft.
Major League Teams:  California Angels 1990-1994; Colorado Rockies 1995; Phillies 1999
Professional Affiliations:  California Angels 1990-1994; Colorado Rockies 1995; Bangor Blue Ox (independent) 1997; Nashua Pride (independent) 1998; New York Yankees 1998; Phillies 1999-2000

Phillies Career
13 games, 5 starts, 1-4, 3.86 ERA, 32 2/3 innings, 16 strikeouts, 17 walks
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Yankees organization, February 2, 1999.
Debut:  July 3, 1999 - Pitched 2 shutout innings in a 21-8 blowout win against the Cubs, relieving Paul Byrd.  Struck out three and walked three.
Final Game:  October 1, 1999 - Started against the Expos and was chased after 1/3 inning having allowed five runs on six hits and a walk.
Departed:  Departed the Phillies organization at some point during or after the 2000 season.

1991 Donruss #737

1995 Topps #278

1999 Multi-Ad Reading Phillies #6

2000 Q Cards Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #10

2 Grahe Baseball Cards in My Collection
1999 Multi-Ad Reading Phillies #6
2000 Q Cards Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #10

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1991 Donruss #737
First Topps Base Card:  1991 Topps #426
Last Mainstream Card:  1995 Topps #278
Other Notable Cards:  1991 Score #367, 1992 Topps #496, 1993 Topps #129, 1993 Upper Deck #290, 1994 Topps #691

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

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

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

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

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

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #20 Joel Bennett

#37
Joel Todd Bennett
Starting Pitcher

Released by the Orioles on July 27, 1998, Joel Bennett signed a minor league deal with the Phillies a few days later and spent the remainder of the season with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. Bennett had started the 1998 season going 10-0 for the Rochester Red Wings, and he was named the starting pitcher for the International League in the Triple-A All-Star Game.  The Orioles soon called him up, but he would opt for free agency a week later when the Orioles tried to send him back down to Rochester.

The Phillies invited him to spring training in 1999 as a non-roster invitee and he got the call to the majors on May 7th when Paul Spoljaric was traded to the Blue Jays.  He'd start three games for the Phillies, struggling in each appearance before moving to the bullpen for a pair of games.  His roster spot was needed when the Phillies claimed Amaury Telemaco off waivers from the Diamondbacks, and Bennett was sent back to the minors on June 9th.  His big league career with the Phillies lasted a few days more than a month.

Bennett pitched in the Red Sox system in 2000 before latching on with the independent New Jersey Jackals.  He'd pitch in parts of seven seasons with the Jackals between 2001 and 2007, compiling a record of 59-19 in 104 games.

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  160
Born:  January 31, 1970, Binghampton, NY
Drafted:  Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 21st round of the 1991 amateur player draft.
Major League Teams:  Baltimore Orioles 1998; Phillies 1999
Professional Affiliations:  Boston Red Sox 1991-1996; Baltimore Orioles 1996-1998; Phillies 1998-1999; Boston Red Sox 2000; New Jersey Jackals (independent) 2001-2007

Phillies Career
5 games, 2-1, 9.00 ERA (17 earned runs in 17 innings pitched), 13 strikeouts
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the Baltimore Orioles, July 30, 1998.
Debut:  May 8, 1999 - Started and earned the win against the Rockies in Denver, allowing two solo home runs to Dante Bichette and Todd Helton over five innings of work.
Final Game:  June 6, 1999 - Relieved Robert Person in the sixth inning, allowing two runs on five hits over 1 2/3 innings and ultimately earning the win when the Phillies came from behind to win.
Departed:  Granted free agency, October 6, 1999, and signed with the Boston Red Sox organization that offseason.

1994 Bowman #287

1999 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Team Issue #6

1 Bennett Baseball Card in My Collection
1999 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons Team Issue #6

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1994 Bowman #287
First Topps Base Card:  N/A
Last Mainstream Card:  1994 Bowman #287
Other Notable Cards:  1992 Fleer/ProCards #1767, 1997 Best Bowie Baysox #7, 1998 Q Cards Rochester Red Wings #6

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

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

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

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

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

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #17 Mike Robertson

#34
Michael Francis Robertson
Outfield-First Base

In an under-the-radar offseason trade, the Phillies sent the homegrown Gene Schall to the White Sox for Mike Robertson on January 31, 1997.  Schall was a year older than Robertson and the recent acquisition of Rico Brogna from the Mets meant that he'd be without a position with the big club in 1997.  Robertson was also primarily a first baseman, but he had seen some time in the outfield while moving up through the White Sox system.  In 1996, he attained career highs in home runs (21) and RBIs (74) while hitting .258 for the Nashville Sounds.

Robertson started the 1997 season with the Triple-A Red Barons, appearing in 121 games and tallying impressive numbers - .298, 12 home runs, 72 RBIs.  Terry Francona's team was mired in last place when Gregg Jefferies injured his hamstring in mid-August and Robertson got the call on August 24th.  He'd appear in 22 games through the end of the season, hitting .211 (8 for 38) with two doubles and four RBIs.  Following the season, despite his decent numbers in the minors, Robertson was let go and he'd eventually sign with the Diamondbacks.

In 1998, he appeared in 11 games with the Diamondbacks and then bounced from the Pirates to the Astros to the Braves organizations between 1999 and 2001 before retiring.

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  180
Born:  October 9, 1970, Norwich, CT
Drafted:  Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 3rd round of the 1991 amateur player draft.
Major League Teams:  Chicago White Sox 1996; Phillies 1997; Arizona Diamondbacks 1998
Professional Affiliations:  Chicago White Sox 1991-1996; Phillies 1997; Arizona Diamondbacks 1998; Pittsburgh Pirates 1999; Houston Astros 2000; Atlanta Braves 2001

Phillies Career
22 games, .211 (8 for 38), 2 doubles, 4 RBIs
Acquired:  Acquired from the Chicago White Sox for Gene Schall, January 31, 1997.
Debut:  August 24, 1997 - Pinch-hit for Mark Parent in the eighth inning against the Dodgers, popping out to second.
Final Game:  September 28, 1997 - In the final game of the season, entered the game in the fourth inning playing first base, and went 0 for 2 with a strikeout.
Departed:  Granted free agency on October 10, 1997, and signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, January 12, 1998.

1992 Bowman #687

1993 Upper Deck #448

1994 Bowman #43

1997 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #18

1 Robertson Baseball Card in My Collection
1997 Best Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #18

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1992 Bowman #687
First Topps Base Card:  N/A
Last Mainstream Card:  1994 Bowman #43
Other Notable Cards:  1993 Bowman #315, 1993 Upper Deck #448, 1994 Fleer/ProCards #634

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

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

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

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

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

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #15 Glenn Dishman

#34
Glenelg Edward Dishman
Relief/Starting Pitcher

On September 12, 1996, with 15 games remaining in the season and the Phillies 28 games behind the Braves, the last place club selected pitcher Glenn Dishman off waivers from the Padres.  I knew very little about Dishman, but I assumed at the time the Phillies had future plans for the 25-year-old lefty. Why else would they add him to the organization with the team going nowhere and so close to the end of the season?  This reasoning probably explains why I added eight 1996 baseball cards of Dishman's to my Phillies collection following the season, having completely missed the news that he had already been claimed off waivers by the Tigers that October 3rd.

Dishman's Phillies career consisted of four games - one start and three relief appearances.  His lone start came in the final game of the 1996 season and he lasted four innings in a game the Phillies would come from behind to win against the Mets.  Dishman appeared in seven games for the 1997 Tigers and spent the next five years pitching in the Brewers' organization, for the independent Sonoma County Crushers, and in the Mexican League before retiring following the 2002 season.

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  195
Born:  November 5, 1970, Baltimore, MD
Signed:  Signed by the San Diego Padres as an amateur free agent, May 23, 1993.
Major League Teams:  San Diego Padres 1995-1996; Phillies 1996; Detroit Tigers 1997
Professional Affiliations:  San Diego Padres 1993-1996; Phillies 1996; Detroit Tigers 1997; Sonoma County Crushers (independent) 1999; Milwaukee Brewers 2000; Reynosa Broncos (Mexican League) 2001; Sonoma County Crushers (independent) 2002

Phillies Career
4 games, 0-0, 7.71 ERA, 7 innnings, 3 strikeouts
Acquired:  Selected off waivers from the San Diego Padres, September 12, 1996.
Debut:  September 17, 1996 - Pitched the ninth inning of an 11-5 loss to the Marlins, allowing a two-run home run to Edgar Renteria.
Final Game:  September 29, 1996 - Started last game of the season against the Mets, allowing four runs on seven hits over four innings.
Departed:  Selected off waivers by the Detroit Tigers, October 3, 1996.

1995 Topps Traded #107T

1996 Fleer Tiffany #564

1996 Topps #410

1998 Pacific Invincible Gems of the Diamond #46

9 Dishman Baseball Cards in My Collection
1995 Topps Traded #107T (with Rob Grable)
1996 Donruss #263
1996 Fleer #564
1996 Fleer Tiffany #564
1996 Fleer Ultra #283
1996 Stadium Club #401
1996 Topps #410
1996 Upper Deck #186
1996 Upper Deck Collector's Choice #27

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1995 Upper Deck #473
First Topps Base Card:  1995 Topps Traded #107T (with Rob Grable)
Last Mainstream Card:  1998 Pacific Invincible Gems of the Diamond #46
Other Notable Cards:  1993 Classic Best Spokane Indians #1, 1995 Bowman #214

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

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

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

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

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

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #14 Bronson Heflin

#43
Bronson Wayne Heflin
Relief Pitcher

On August 1, 1996, the Phillies purchased the contracts of two players from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, adding them to the 40-man roster.  In need of a pitcher and a position player, the players purchased were prospects Scott Rolen and Bronson Heflin.  Rolen would win the Rookie of the Year Award in 1997 and go on to be a seven-time All-Star and an eight-time Gold Glove winner.  Heflin would appear in three games in relief for the Phillies, only to be optioned back to Scranton when the Phillies needed a starting pitcher and Matt Beech was recalled.  Those three games were to be the only three big league games of Heflin's professional career.

Heflin pitched in 1997 and part of 1998 in Scranton before moving on to the Cardinals and Pirates organizations along with a stint in independent ball between 1998 and 2000.  It's strange the Phillies didn't bring back Heflin for a return trip to the majors in 1997 when he appeared in 35 games for the Red Barons with an impressive 2.28 ERA.

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  195
Born:  August 29, 1971, Clarksville, TN
Drafted:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 37th round of the 1994 amateur player draft.
Major League Teams:  Phillies 1996
Professional Affiliations:  Phillies 1994-1998; St. Louis Cardinals 1998; Madison Black Wolf (independent) 1999-2000; Pittsburgh Pirates 2000

Phillies Career
3 games, 0-0, 6.75 ERA, 6 2/3 innings pitched, 4 strikeouts
Acquired:  Via draft
Debut:  August 1, 1996 (Game 2) - Pitched the eighth and ninth innings in a 7-1 loss to the Cardinals, surrendering a solo home run to Ron Gant.
Final Game:  August 7, 1996
Departed:  Left the Phillies organization at some point during the 1998 season and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization.

1994 Classic Batavia Clippers #6

1996 Best Reading Phillies #6

1997 Best Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #10

1998 Q Cards Scranton/Wilkes- Barre Red Barons #15

5 Heflin Baseball Cards in My Collection
1994 Classic Batavia Clippers #6
1996 Best Reading Phillies #6
1996 Fleer Excel #203
1997 Best Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #10
1998 Q Cards Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #15

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  N/A
First Topps Base Card:  N/A
Last Mainstream Card:  N/A
Other Notable Cards:  1995 Fleer/ProCards #212

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

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

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

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

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

Phillies Missing Links of the 1990s - #13 Rafael Quirico

#43
Rafael Octavio (Dottin) Quirico
Starting Pitcher

When starting pitcher Sid Fernandez was placed on the disabled list on June 24, 1996 with a left elbow injury and with a double header scheduled the following day, manager Jim Fregosi needed an emergency starting pitcher.  Rafael Quirico got the nod to start game one in Cincinnati, and it did not go well.  In the first inning, Quirico allowed four runs on three hits and a pair of walks.  He allowed three more runs in the second on a hit and three more walks before mercifully being pulled.  It was to be his first and last appearance in the majors.

Quirico spent nine seasons in the minors with the Yankees, Phillies and Angels organizations.

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  170
Born:  September 7, 1969, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Signed:  Signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent, May 15, 1987
Major League Teams:  Phillies 1996
Professional Affiliations:  New York Yankees 1987-1995; Phillies 1996; New York Yankees 1996; Anaheim Angels 1997

Phillies Career
1 game, 0-1, 37.80 ERA, 1 2/3 innings, 4 hits, 7 runs, 5 walks, 1 strikeout
Acquired:  Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the New York Yankees, April 16, 1996
Debut:  June 25, 1996 - Started against the Reds, allowing a two-run home run to Bret Boone and a bases-clearing double to Eric Davis.
Final Game:  June 25, 1996
Departed:  Released, August 12, 1996 and signed back with the Yankees, August 15, 1996.

1991 ProCards #3057

1992 Upper Deck Minors #229

1994 Fleer/ProCards #2953

1996 Best Reading Phillies #11

1 Quirico Baseball Card in My Collection
First Card:  1996 Best Reading Phillies #11
Last Card:  1996 Best Reading Phillies #11

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  N/A
First Topps Base Card:  N/A
Last Mainstream Card:  N/A
Other Notable Cards:  1990 ProCards #3371, 1991 ProCards #3057, 1992 Upper Deck Minors #229, 1994 Fleer/ProCards #2953, 1997 Best Midland Angels #22

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

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

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

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

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

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

#37
Charles Mark Ricci
Relief Pitcher

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

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

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

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

1994 Fleer ProCards #2061

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

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

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

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

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

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

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

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

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

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

#37
Matthew Christopher Whiteside
Relief Pitcher

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

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

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

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

1993 Topps #468

1994 Donruss #606

1995 Topps #254

1996 Fleer #266

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

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

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

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

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

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

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

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

#5
Robert Frank John Butler
Outfield

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

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

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

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

1992 Bowman #603

1993 Topps Traded #15T

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

1997 Best Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #9

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

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

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

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

8 Kevin Elster

9 Jim Deshaies

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

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