Happy Birthday Doug!

This kid is awesome.  He's kind, he's smart, he's intellectually curious, he's funny, he's a wonderful big brother and he's a really good baseball player.  Our oldest son turns 15 today, and it's still somewhat incredible to acknowledge we now have a kid in high school.  Doug played A LOT of baseball in 2021, after spending the first half of 2020 stuck inside with his parents and his younger brother Ben.  He began the year with the Dodgers, playing for his local Little League and then spent the summer months with All-Star Baseball, traveling to several different tournaments.  Finally, and after lengthy negotiations with his agents, he signed up to play for the South Jersey Rams, which was much closer to us and provided him an opportunity to play with a great group of teammates and coaches on a regular basis.  He'll go into 2022 looking forward to starting his high school baseball career with college (gulp!) baseball on the horizon.

Like I said, this kid is awesome.

Memory Lane
2006 to 2008 - Pre-The Phillies Room years
2009 - Doug turns 3
2010 - Took the year off . . . bad father!
2011 - A Shane Victorino card for Doug
2012 - Doug with the Phanatic, turns 6
2013 - Doug on the Braves, turns 7
2014 - Doug on the Marlins, turns 8
2015 - Doug on the Diamondbacks, turns 9
2016 - Doug and Pete Mackanin
2017 - Warming up with the Braves
2018 - On the mound for the Phillies

2019 - With All-Star Baseball and White Sox

2020 - Pandemic era baseball action

2021 - So much baseball . . . Dodgers, All-Star, Rams

Philly Baseball Card Show Report - Massive Crowd, Thome, 1965 Topps Haul

For the first time since February 2020, we returned to King of Prussia and attended the Philadelphia Sports Collectors Show, known to its friends as the Philly Show.  Doug and I have attended a few mall shows over the past year, but this was our first venture back to the Valley Forge Casino Resort since the Before Times, back when Doug's hair was cut into a neat trim.  We specifically went Saturday so that Doug could get Jim Thome to sign his Wall of Fame print, which in turn was part of Doug's Christmas present from Santa.

The convention room floor was jam packed and we realized immediately there were also way more tables and dealers than usual.  In the past, the show had been somewhat neatly organized into rows and clusters of tables but this show seemed to have a more haphazard feel to it and the walking lanes between dealers were noticeably slimmer.  Doug was there to do some freestyle picking as he's termed it, specifically looking for newer Phillies cards to add to his collection.  The highlight of his day was adding a Zack Wheeler certified autograph card from last year's Topps Heritage set to his collection.  Doug also was lucky enough to win a door prize, which was an Eagles display from their Super Bowl LII victory.

We braved the crowds for Doug's Thome autograph, and the Hall of Famer was very pleasant to us.  I then settled into a chair at Uncle Dick's Cards, which I had often seen but never really appreciated.  All told, I added 94 cards from Uncle Dick's to our 1965 Topps set, which I'll slowly chronicle over at my 1965 Topps blog.  I added three other star cards to the set, including my big purchase for the day, a Catfish Hunter rookie card.  A few 1959 Topps and 1969 Topps cards were added for good measure, as I've already determined I'll be chasing those sets after the 1965 Topps set is polished off.  It was a wonderful day, despite the crowds, and we're already looking forward to the next big show in March.

2021 Chachi Friendly Encounters #5

Memory Lane

Valley Forge 1 - September 2010 - Thinking of my Dad
Valley Forge 2 - October 2012 - Doug's first baseball card show
Valley Forge 3 - September 2014 - Meeting Darren Daulton
Oaks 1 - October 2015 - Meeting Pete Rose and Steve Carlton
Valley Forge 4 - September 2016 - Phillies acquisitions and 4 Phillies Legends
Valley Forge 5 - December 2016 - Meeting Don Money
Valley Forge 6 - September 2017 - Doug's big day
Valley Forge 7 - December 2017 - Ben's first baseball card show with Mike Schmidt and Rhys Hoskins!
Oaks 2 - December 2018 - Meeting Matt Stairs and Cole Hamels
Valley Forge 8 - March 2019 - 5 Phillies Autographs and Vintage Phillies Additions
Valley Forge 9 - September 2019 - Closing in on 1971 Topps set and Andrew McCutchen
Valley Forge 10 - December 2019 - Finishing 1971 Topps set, Starting 1965 Topps set, adding key autographs from Ryan Howard and Brad Lidge
Valley Forge 11 - February 2020 - More 1965 Topps cards, Jimmy Rollins, Mike Lieberthal and Jim Kaat

Valley Forge 12 - December 2021 - Huge haul of 1965 Topps, Jim Thome

A Look Back at the Phillies Transactions - 2020 to 2021

2021 Topps Heritage #337

2021 Topps Heritage #442

2021 Chachi Departures #2

2021 Topps Heritage #69

2021 Topps Heritage #421

I put together this listing each year for the sake of completeness, and similar to recent years I feel the need to hit Publish and quickly move on for the good of my own mental health.

Departures - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Deolis Guerra - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the Oakland Athletics (2/2/21).
• Trevor Kelley - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the Chicago Cubs (12/14/20).
• Jose Alvarez - lhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the San Francisco Giants (3/6/21).
• Jake Arrieta - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the Chicago Cubs (2/17/21).
• Jay Bruce - of (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the New York Yankees (2/12/21).
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the New York Mets (2/14/21).
• Brandon Workman - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the Chicago Cubs (2/18/21).
• Phil Gosselin - inf (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed with the Los Angeles Angels (2/11/21).
• Heath Hembree - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, singed with the Cleveland Indians (2/5/21).
• Adam Morgan - lhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed with the Chicago Cubs (2/12/21).
• Blake Parker - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed with the Cleveland Indians (2/16/21).
• David Phelps - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays (2/11/21).
• David Robertson - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency, signed with the Tampa Bay Rays (8/16/21).
• Reggie McClain - rhp (12/10/20) - Selected by the Yankees in the minor league portion of the annual rule 5 draft.
• Garrett Cleavinger - lhp (12/29/20) - Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with the Phillies receiving Jose Alvarado in exchange from the Tampa Bay Rays.
• Kyle Garlick - of (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Victor Arano - rhp (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Cole Irvin - lhp (1/30/21) - Traded to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.

Coming Back - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Ronald Torreyes - inf (10/15/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (1/4/21).
• J.T. Realmuto - c (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (1/29/21).
• Didi Gregorius - ss (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (2/10/21).

2021 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs Update #26

2021 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #11

2021 Choice Reading Fightin Phils #3

2021 Topps Allen & Ginter #29

2021 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #7

New Additions - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Jose Alvarado - lhp (12/29/20) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays with the Dodgers receiving Garrett Cleavinger in exchange.
• Neftail Feliz - rhp (1/4/21) - Signed as a free agent.
• Sam Coonrod - rhp (1/9/21) - Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carson Ragsdale.
• Archie Bradley - rhp (1/18/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.
• David Paulino - rhp (1/18/21) - Signed as a free agent.
• Matt Moore -lhp (2/3/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.
• Chase Anderson - rhp (2/8/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Matt Joyce - of (2/10/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Miami Marlins.
• Brandon Kintzler - rhp (2/10/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Miami Marlins.
• Travis Jankowski - of (2/12/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.
• Brad Miller - inf (2/17/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Arrived During the 2021 Season

• Jorge Bonifacio - of (5/25/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Detroit Tigers.
• Cam Bedrosian - rhp (7/7/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Oakland Athletics.
• Hans Crouse - rhp, Kyle Gibson - rhp and Ian Kennedy - rhp (7/30/21) - Acquired from the Texas Rangers with cash for Josh Gessner, Kevin Gowdy and Spencer Howard.
• Freddy Galvis - inf (7/30/21) - Acquired from the Baltimore Orioles for Tyler Burch.

Departed During the 2021 Season

• David Hale - rhp (6/27/21) - Granted free agency.
• Neftali Feliz - rhp (7/3/21) - Granted free agency, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers (7/5/21).
• Spencer Howard - rhp (7/30/21) - Traded to the Texas Rangers with Josh Gessner and Kevin Gowdy for Hans Crouse, Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy and cash.
• Brandon Kintzler - rhp (8/2/21) - Released.
• Chase Anderson - rhp (8/27/21) - Released, signed with the Texas Rangers (8/31/21).
• Vince Velasquez - rhp (9/12/21) - Released, signed with the San Diego Padres (9/15/21).
• Enyel De Los Santos - rhp (9/13/21) - Selected off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Matt Joyce - of (9/26/21) - Released.

Series Preview - Phillies at Marlins: October 1st to October 3rd

1986 Topps #420

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #15

Friday 7:10, Saturday 6:10, Sunday 3:10
loanDepot park - Miami, FL

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday, there's postgame fireworks and on Sunday all fans will receive a 2022 Marlins schedule magnet, while the first 5,000 kids will receive a bat and ball set.  On Monday, the long offseason begins.

Phillies 81-78
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (7-5, 1.45)
TBD
Zack Wheeler (14-10, 2.78)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .305
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 99
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 34
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 82
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto - 13

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 14
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.78
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 247
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Marlins 65-94
Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 21 1/2 games behind the Braves

Marlins Probables
Sandy Alcantara (9-14, 3.09)
Jesus Luzardo (3-5, 6.92)
Trevor Rogers (7-8, 2.64)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Miguel Rojas - .263
Runs:  Jazz Chisolm - 69
Home Runs:  Jesus Aguilar and Adam Duvall - 22
RBIs:  Jesus Aguilar - 93
Stolen Bases:  Jazz Chisolm - 23

Wins:  Sandy Alcantara - 9
ERA:  Sandy Alcantara - 3.09
Strikeouts:  Sandy Alcantara - 195
Saves:  Yimi Garcia - 15

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 156 - Fan Appreciation Day Doesn't Deliver Much Appreciation

Pirates 6, Phillies 0
Game 156 - Sunday Afternoon, September 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 81-75, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies went down quietly in their final regular season home game of the 2021 season.

What It Means:  It all comes down to the final six games.  The Phillies and Brave face off in Atlanta for three games beginning on Tuesday night with the Braves holding a 2 1/2 game lead in the division.  The Phillies then head to Miami for a final series while the Braves will take on the Mets at home.

What Happened:  Hans Crouse got the call as the team's surprise starter and he made his big league debut.  On the first pitch he threw, Pirates second baseman Cole Tucker drilled a home run that banged off the right field foul ball.  Crouse, who settled down after that, combined with Cristopher Sanchez and Cam Bedrosian to keep the Padres from scoring again through six innings.  Unfortunately, the Phillies couldn't get anything together either.  In the seventh, Jose Alvarado endured a nightmare inning with the following sequence:  walk, balk, ground out, intentional walk, wild pitch, double, intentional walk, fly out.  The Pirates would tack on three more runs after that.  The Phillies offense had six hits and left nine runners on base.

Featured Card/Field Report:  All four of us enjoyed (?) this game from the Diamond Club with the pregame meals of choice being Bull's BBQ (one more time) for Doug and me and Pass and Stowe for Jenna and Ben.  As he did in 2019, Bryce Harper came out onto the field before the first pitch and addressed the fans, thanking us for our dedication.  Once in our seats, Doug added the third foul ball of the season to his collection!  He alertly picked up a foul ball thrown by Crouse and launched behind us off the bat of Bryan Reynolds after it had caromed down from the section above us.

Doug and I briefly met up with our friend and fellow collector Steve, Ben got to say hello to the Phillie Phanatic for the first time in two years and at least the weather was perfect.  We lingered after the final pitch and Doug noticed the newest Phillies pitcher Crouse by the dugout meeting with his family.  Crouse signed Doug's foul ball and the day was deemed a success, despite the product on the field.  I have to imagine that's the first autograph Crouse signed as a big league ballplayer.  Best case scenario, we return to the ballpark the second week of October for the divisional series against the Brewers.  Worst case scenario, we're back on April 8th when the Phillies open the 2022 season against the Athletics.

Transaction:  Crouse (rhp) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley and Matt Joyce (of) was designated for assignment.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Phillies at Mets: September 17th to September 19th

2021 Chachi 1986 Topps Missing Links #12

1986 Topps #649

Friday 7:10, Saturday 7:15, Sunday 7:08
Citi Field - Flushing, NY

At the Ballpark:  On Friday, the first 20,000 fans will receive a Pete Alonso black Mets t-shirt.  There's postgame fireworks on Saturday and on Sunday all fans will receive a Mets tote bag and 2022 magnetic schedule.

Phillies 74-72
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (13-9, 2.86)
Aaron Nola (7-8, 4.58)
Kyle Gibson (4-4, 4.85)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .314
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 92
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 33
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 77
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 13

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 13
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.86
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 225
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Mets 72-75
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

Mets Probables
Taijuan Walker (7-9, 4.29)
Carlos Carrasco (1-2, 5.59)
Rich Hill (0-3, 3.88)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Pete Alonso - .259
Runs:  Pete Alonso - 74
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 33
RBIs:  Pete Alonso - 87
Stolen Bases:  Jonathan Villar - 13

Wins:  Jeurys Familia and Marcus Stroman - 9
ERA:  Marcus Stroman - 2.88

Strikeouts:  Marcus Stroman - 151
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 29

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Cubs at Phillies: September 14th to September 16th

1986 Topps #188

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #2

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

At the Ballpark:  On Wednesday night, the Phillies will celebrate the annual Roberto Clemente Day.

Cubs 65-79
4th Place in the N.L. Central, 24 games behind the Brewers

Cubs Probables
Adrian Sampson (0-2, 2.20)
Alec Mills (6-6, 4.35)
Kyle Hendricks (14-6, 4.54)

Cubs Leaders
Average:  Ian Happ - .223
Runs:  Kris Bryant - 58
Home Runs:  Patrick Wisdom - 25
RBIs:  Javier Baez - 65
Stolen Bases:  Javier Baez - 13

Wins:  Kyle Hendricks - 14
ERA:  Kyle Hendricks - 4.54
Strikeouts:  Kyle Hendricks - 122
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 23

Phillies 72-71
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Kyle Gibson (4-3, 4.60)
Ranger Suarez (6-4, 1.38)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .307
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 87
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 32
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 72
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 13
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.86
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 225
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 143 - We'd Trade Our Picnic Blanket for a Win

Rockies 5, Phillies 4
Game 143 - Sunday Afternoon, September 12th in Philadelphia
Record - 72-71, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola was brilliant in this game until he wasn't, and Hector Neris allowed a two-run seventh inning home run to Garrett Hampson to give the Rockies the lead and the eventual win.

What It Means:  The Phillies fell to 4 1/2 games behind the Braves in the division with the Mets only a half game behind them.  They're somehow only 2 1/2 games out of the race for the second Wild Card behind the Cardinals and Reds.  As Todd Zolecki Tweeted, the Phillies lost three out of four games to a Rookies team that was 18-50 on the road coming into the series.

What Happened:  Nola struck out 10, but he faltered in the fifth inning, giving up a three-run home to Hampson - his first of the game.  Both of Hampson's home runs, off Nola and Neris, came on 0-2 mistake pitches.  J.T. Realmuto went 3 for 4 with an RBI double and Bryce Harper hit his 32nd home run of the season in the eighth.

Featured Card/Field Report:  And we were there for this mostly enjoyable game, sitting in the Diamond Club after picking up our Phillies picnic table clothes - the game's rather unusual giveaway item.  Doug and I had our usual Bull's pregame meal.  For the record, Doug's menu item of choice is the pulled pork platter, cole slaw on top of the sandwich, with sides of baked beans and corn bread.  I prefer the roasted turkey sandwich myself.

In the bottom of the sixth, right after Realmuto had scored on an Ashton Goudeau wild pitch, pinch-hitter Matt Joyce fouled a ball up and over the home plate netting onto the walk-way behind the Diamond Club seats.  Doug was quick on his feet and snagged the ball as it rolled between two Phillies ushers.  After years of never coming close to foul balls, we've now added two in the past month.  The first one went to our youngest son Ben back on August 28th off the bat of Jean Segura.

Transactions:  Vince Velasquez (rhp), designated for assignment on Saturday, was released.  At some point after the season ends, I'll compose a post-mortem post, looking at those Phillies who departed during the season, including Velasquez.  Andrew Knapp (c) was activated from the Covid injured list and Rafael Marchan (c) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.  Enyel De Los Santos (rhp) was designated for assignment to make room for Knapp on the 40-man roster.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Rockies at Phillies: September 9th to September 12th

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #3

2021 Chachi 1986 Topps Missing Links #3

Thursday and Friday 7:05, Saturday 6:05, Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  It's Bark at the Park night tonight with guests permitted to bring their dogs to the game with a special theme ticket.  On Sunday, all fans 15 and over will received a Phillies picnic blanket.

Rockies 63-77
4th Place in the N.L. West, 27 games behind the Giants

Rockies Probables
Antonio Senzatela (4-9, 4.16)
German Marquez (11-10, 4.08)
Kyle Freeland (5-7, 4.69)
Chi Chi Gonzalez (3-7, 6.50)

Rockies Leaders
Average:  Raimel Tapia - .277
Runs:  Trevor Story - 73
Home Runs:  C.J. Cron - 26
RBIs:  C.J. Cron - 80
Stolen Bases:  Raimel Tapia - 20

Wins:  German Marquez - 11
ERA:  German Marquez - 4.08

Strikeouts:  German Marquez - 161
Saves:  Daniel Bard - 20

Phillies 71-68
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (6-4, 1.38)
TBD
Zack Wheeler (12-9, 2.91)
Aaron Nola (7-8, 4.57)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .303
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 83
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 29
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 12
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.91
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 217
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Phillies at Marlins: September 3rd to September 5th

1986 Topps #392

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #13

Friday 7:10, Saturday 6:10 and Sunday 1:10
loanDepot park - Miami, FL

At the Ballpark:  On Sunday, the first 5,000 kids will receive a Marlins 2021-2022 Player Calendar for Kids.

Phillies 69-64
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Kyle Gibson (4-2, 3.16)
Ranger Suarez (6-4, 1.48)
Zack Wheeler (11-9, 3.01)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .305
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 80
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 27
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.01
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 208
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Marlins 55-79
5th Place in the N.L. East, 16 1/2 games behind the Braves

Marlins Probables
Jesus Luzardo (3-3, 7.62)
Trevor Rogers (7-6, 2.45)
Elieser Hernandez (1-1, 3.62)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Miguel Rojas - .269
Runs:  Miguel Rojas - 59
Home Runs:  Jesus Aguilar and Adam Duvall - 22
RBIs:  Jesus Aguilar - 93
Stolen Bases:  Starling Marte - 22

Wins:  Sandy Alcantara - 8
ERA:  Sandy Alcantara - 3.36
Strikeouts:  Sandy Alcantara - 164
Saves:  Yimi Garcia - 15

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Phillies at Nationals: August 30th to September 1st

1986 Topps #466

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #12

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:05
Nationals Park - Washington, DC

At the Ballpark:  On Tuesday night, the Nationals are hosting a Pups in the Park event.

Phillies 66-64
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (10-9, 2.90)
Matt Moore (2-4, 6.12)
Aaron Nola (7-7, 4.30)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .301
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 76
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 27
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 10
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.90
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 204
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Nationals 55-74
4th Place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Braves

Nationals Probables
Josiah Gray (0-1, 2.89)
Patrick Corbin (7-13, 6.09)
Paolo Espino (4-4, 4.13)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .322
Runs:  Juan Soto - 86
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 25
RBIs:  Josh Bell - 73
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 21

Wins:  Max Scherzer - 8
ERA:  Patrick Corbin - 6.09

Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 147
Saves:  Brad Hand - 21

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 130 - 2021 Chachi Photo Cards #8 Freddy Galvis

Phillies 7, Diamondbacks 4
Game 130 - Sunday Afternoon, August 29th in Philadelphia
Record - 66-64, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The bullpen made this a closer game than it needed to be, but the Phillies hung on to defeat the Diamondbacks, 7-4.

What It Means:  The Phillies will open a three-game series in Washington on Monday night.  The first place Braves will play three in Los Angeles.  The Phillies have 32 games remaining while the Braves have 33.  IF the Braves go 17-16 the rest of the way, the Phillies will need to go 22-10 to finish with one more win than them.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez turned in another solid performance, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing a run on five hits.  Connor Brogdon and Archie Bradley struggled, allowing the Diamondbacks to pull to within a 5-4 score after eight innings.  But the Phillies received back-to-back triples in the bottom of the eighth from Rafael Marchan and Travis Jankowski to add a few much needed insurance runs.

Jean Segura, Bryce Harper and Marchan all enjoyed multi-hit days.  Freddy Galvis hit a sacrifice fly in the first and added a two-run single in the fifth to give the Phillies a seemingly comfortable 5-1 lead at the time.

Featured Card:  Barring an unexpected development, for the second year in a row, there will be no team-issued Phillies photo card sets.  This is very disappointing to other Phillies collectors and me, as these photo card sets have been produced every season going back to the mid-1950s.  The Phillies began making complete sets available either via stadium giveaway or for purchase at The Vet in the mid-1980s, and prior to that most players received photo cards to use for autograph requests or for the team to simply hand out to fans.  I've spent quite a bit of time cataloguing all these sets, with an index to be found here.

The absence of the set last year made complete sense.  With no fans in the stands, there was really no need to produce extra merchandise.  I was hoping the photo card sets would return this year, especially when the ballpark returned to full capacity, but I imagine certain cost-cutting measures are still in place and the Phillies deemed the time and cost of producing a set to be greater than the benefit.  This is a shame.  But in an effort to fill the gaping holes in my annual Phillies baseball card binder, I took it upon myself to create a set of photo cards in 2020 and I just started work on this year's self-created set as well.  I'm happy with my finished product, but I'll be even happier if the Phillies start producing these sets again in 2022.

Transaction:  Didi Gregorius (ss) was placed on the paternity list and Nick Maton (inf) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 129 - At Last - An Enjoyable Phillies Game!

Phillies 7, Diamondbacks 0
Game 129 - Saturday Night, August 28th in Philadelphia
Record - 65-64, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  At long last, the Phillies won easily agains the Diamondbacks as Kyle Gibson threw six shutout innings.

What It Means:  An enjoyable Phillies game?  I had forgotten what that was like!

What Happened:  Gibson, Jose Alvarado, Hector Neris and Sam Coonrod combined for the shutout with Gibson leading the way by allowing only three hits.  The Phillies offense showed some life with back-to-back home runs from Odubel Herrera and Jean Segura in the third.  Segura had three hits on the night.  Didi Gregorius had a big night at the plate with three doubles.

Featured Card:  While we wait for a Gibson Phillies card, I'll indulge myself with a custom card featuring the foul ball given to our youngest son Ben at this game.  In the bottom of the first inning, with Herrera on second following a lead-off double, Segura was facing Diamondbacks' starting pitcher Humberto Mejia and bunted a ball foul up and over the net behind home plate and into Section C of the Diamond Club, row 16.  We happened to be sitting in row 17 for this game, and the kind fan who picked up the ball immediately handed it to Ben who was admittedly shaken by the near beaning.  For the record, Ben graciously later handed the ball over to his older brother Doug for safe-keeping and Doug now aims to get Segura to eventually sign the ball.

Field Report:  The foul ball was the highlight, but Doug added one pre-game autograph to his collection from catcher Rafael Marchan.

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Series Preview - Diamondbacks at Phillies: August 26th to August 29th

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Thursday and Friday 7:05, Saturday 6:05 and Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday, all kids 14 and under will receive a pair of Richman's Ice Cream Phillies sunglasses.  And on Sunday, all kids will receive a back-to-school Phillies gym bag presented by Fante's Plumbing, Heating & Air.

Diamondbacks 43-85
5th Place in the N.L. West, 40 games behind the Giants

Diamondbacks Probables
Zac Gallen (1-7, 4.59)
Taylor Widener (2-1, 4.34)
Humberto Mejia (0-0, 3.60)
Madison Bumgarner (7-8, 4.17)

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Josh Rojas - .279
Runs:  Pavin Smith - 57
Home Runs:  Eduardo Escobar - 22
RBIs:  Eduardo Escobar - 65
Stolen Bases:  Nick Ahmed and Josh Rojas - 7

Wins:  Madison Bumgarner and Merrill Kelly - 7
ERA:  Merrill Kelly - 4.30

Strikeouts:  Merrill Kelly - 118
Saves:  Joakim Soria - 6

Phillies 63-63
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zach Eflin (4-7, 4.17)
Aaron Nola (7-7, 4.33)
Kyle Gibson (3-2, 3.77)
Ranger Suarez (5-4, 1.46)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .293
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 72
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 27
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 10
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.90
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 204
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

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Game 125 - First Family Trip to the Ballpark Since May

Rays 3, Phillies 1
Game 125 - Tuesday Night, August 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 63-62, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  More lack of clutch hitting against a tough Rays' pitching staff and a rough inning from Archie Bradley led to this 3-1 loss.

What It Means:  The Braves also lost, so the Phillies stay put in the standings.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez pitched a gem, going 6 2/3 innings (his longest outing of the year) and allowing a run on six hits.  Bradley came on in the eighth with the score tied, 1-1, and allowed a lead-off single to Brett Phillips before hitting Randy Arozarena.  Nelson Cruz then doubled home both Phillips and Arozarena, although Odubel Herrera didn't help matters when he whiffed on the ball and it rolled to the warning track.  The Phillies only run came in the fourth when Brad Miller doubled home Didi Gregorius.  Gregorius had two of the team's six hits, with the offense going 0 for 5 overall with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card/Field Report:  And we were there!  After enjoying dinner in the Boardwalk area of the ballpark, near Bull's BBQ, and getting the requisite photo and autograph from the Bull himself, Greg Luzinski, we settled into our seats in the Diamond Club.  Doug received his first in person autograph in two years when Miller graciously signed his scorecard prior to the game.  It was muggy and the game honestly flew by, especially as it was our first game as a family since late May.  Unfortunately, the Phillies couldn't pull out the win and as Bryce Harper would say on Wednesday, the team is basically just "wasting time" at this point.

Transactions:  Freddy Galvis (inf) and Sam Conrad (rhp) were both activated from the injured list.  Jorge Bonifacio (of) was designated for assignment and Enyel De Los Santos (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Series Preview - Rays at Phillies: August 24th to August 25th

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1986 Topps #453

Tuesday and Wednesday 7:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  It's Scooby Doo Night tonight at the ballpark, and if you purchased a special theme night ticket, you'll receive a Phillies Scooby Doo bobblehead.  Wednesday is a rare August Dollar Dog Night.

Rays 77-48
1st Place in the A.L. East, 4 games ahead of the Yankees

Rays Probables
Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 3.30)
TBD

Rays Leaders
Average:  Randy Arozarena - .274
Runs:  Brandon Lowe - 76
Home Runs:  Brandon Lowe - 29
RBIs:  Austin Meadows - 88
Stolen Bases:  Brett Phillips - 12

Wins:  Josh Fleming - 10
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Tyler Glasnow - 123
Saves:  Diego Castillo - 14

Phillies 63-61
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (5-4, 1.47)
Zack Wheeler (10-8, 2.77)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Jean Segura - .295
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 71
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 26
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 70
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 10
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.77
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 194
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

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Series Preview - Phillies at Padres: August 20th to August 22nd

2021 Chachi 1986 Topps Missing Links #7

1986 Topps #67

Friday 10:10, Saturday 8:40, Sunday 3:40
Petco Park - San Diego, CA

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday, all fans receive a nice-looking Padres backpack and on Sunday all kids receive their own Padres kids backpack.

Phillies 61-60
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Matt Moore (2-3, 6.07)
Aaron Nola (7-7, 4.48)
Kyle Gibson (2-2, 4.70)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Jean Segura - .299
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 69
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 24
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 68
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 10
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.77
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 194
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Padres 67-56
3rd Place in the N.L. West, 12 games behind the Dodgers

Padres Probables
Blake Snell (6-4, 4.80)
Joe Musgrove (8-8, 3.11)
TBD

Padres Leaders
Average:  Jake Cronenworth - .280
Runs:  Fernando Tatis - 83
Home Runs:  Fernando Tatis - 34
RBIs:  Manny Machado - 80
Stolen Bases:  Fernando Tatis - 23

Wins:  Joe Musgrove - 8
ERA:  Joe Musgrove - 3.11

Strikeouts:  Yu Darvish - 158
Saves:  Mark Melancon - 34

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Series Preview - Phillies at Diamondbacks: August 17th to August 19th

2021 Chachi 1986 Topps Missing Links #16

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Tuesday and Wednesday 9:40, Thursday 3:40
Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ

At the Ballpark:  There doesn't appear to be any promotions or giveaways for this series.  In a parallel universe, we're at this series and then traveling to San Diego for the Phillies-Padres series as well.  Our vacation schedules were changed numerous times because of the pandemic and this Phoenix to San Diego trip unfortunately won't be happening this year.

Phillies 61-57
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Kyle Gibson
Ranger Suarez
Zack Wheeler

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Jean Segura - .305
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 68
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 24
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 68
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 10
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.56
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 187
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Diamondbacks 38-81
5th Place in the N.L. West, 39 games behind the Giants

Diamondbacks Probables
TBD
TBD
Madison Bumgarner

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Josh Rojas - .281
Runs:  Josh Rojas - 54
Home Runs:  Eduardo Escobar - 22
RBIs:  Eduardo Escobar - 65
Stolen Bases:  Nick Ahmed and Josh Rojas - 7

Wins:  Merrill Kelly - 7
ERA:  Merrill Kelly - 4.30

Strikeouts:  Merrill Kelly - 118
Saves:  Joakim Soria - 6

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist