Game 53 - Phils Fall Flat Against Guardians

Cleveland Guardians	3
Philadelphia Phillies	1

2026 Topps Heritage #331

Sunday Afternoon, May 24th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
26-27, 3rd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies dropped the series finale against the Guardians, scoring just five runs all weekend against the strong Cleveland pitching staff.

What It Means:  To be fair, the Guardians scored only four runs against the Phillies' pitching staff, but they won two out of the three games.  The team flew to San Diego following the game, where they opened a three-game series on Memorial Day.

What Happened:  Andrew Painter had perhaps his strongest start to date in the majors.  He fell to 1-5, but he allowed just two runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings pitched.  Painter departed with his team trailing 2-0, and they'd get to within a run when Brandon Marsh tripled to lead off the seventh and came home on a Bryce Harper sacrifice fly.  But reliever Jonathan Bowlan gave that run right back in the eighth when Travis Bazzana hit a solo home run.

Featured Card:  Rhys Hoskins is batting just .188 for the season, but he had a big hit in this game, doubling to left in the sixth to score the Guardians' second run of the game.  Hoskins hasn't appeared on any Guardians cards yet, and I recently pulled this card from a pack of Topps Heritage.

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Game 58 - Luzardo Shelled, Hoskins Homers Twice in Rout

Milwaukee Brewers	17
Philadelphia Phillies	7

2023 Topps Archives
1954 Topps Tarzan 3D #TZ3D-6

Saturday Afternoon, May 31st

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
36-22, Tied for 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo suffered through the worst start of his career and Rhys Hoskins hit a pair of three-run home runs in this lopsided 17-7 defeat to the Brewers.

What It Means:  The Phillies will look to avoid a home sweep this afternoon, and their fourth loss in a row, with Ranger Suarez on the mound.

What Happened:  Luzardo lasted 3 1/3 innings and was charged with 12 runs on 12 hits, including home runs to Hoskins in the first and fourth innings.  His ERA went from 2.15 to 3.58 in a little over an hour.  Reliever Jose Ruiz gave up five more runs in the fifth, and utility player Weston Wilson stopped the bleeding with two shutout innings to close out the game.  The Phillies scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth, making the score slightly more respectable.  Johan Rojas had a two-run triple and Brandon Marsh hit a two-run home run before the game mercifully ended.

Featured Card:  In a sign of ultimate respect, cheers for Hoskins turned to boos following his home runs.  I wasn't aware this card existed until I was filling my cart during a recent COMC order, and as the name of the card suggests, it borrows the design from the 1954 Topps Tarzan set.

Field Report:  Jenna and I were enjoying the great spring weather at the ballpark until the Brewers started to quickly barrel up Luzardo.  Our enjoyment pivoted to working on an escape plan when the rains arrived in the fourth inning.  Our traditional pre-game meal was once again at Pass and Stow's.

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Game 152 - Hoskins' Homer Off Nola Sinks Phils

2024 Topps #357

Brewers 2, Phillies 1
Game 152 - Wednesday Night, September 18th in Philadelphia
Record - 91-61, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Rhys Hoskins homered off Aaron Nola in the fifth inning, giving the Brewers the slight edge needed to pull off a victory.

What It Means:  The Brewers had clinched the Central division pennant prior to the start of the game when the Cubs lost.  The Phillies will head to New York next for a crucial four-game series with the Mets.  Their Magic Number to clinch a playoff spot is one and the number to win the division is five.

What Happened:  Nola bounced back from a few recent rough starts, throwing seven innings and allowing three hits while striking out nine.  Unfortunately, one of those hits was a home run by Hoskins, which gave the Brewers a 2-1 lead.  Alec Bohm hit a solo home run in the second inning for the Phillies' only run of the game.

Featured Card:  There's a chance the Phillies and Brewers could match up again in the postseason, and the person I fear who would do the most damage against the Phillies is Hoskins.  This is a photoshopped Topps card, with Hoskins originally wearing a Phillies uniform and the #17 he wore while in Philadelphia.  Hoskins wears #12 with the Brewers.

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Game 150 - Suarez, Offense Fall to Brew Crew

2024 Topps Now #257

Brewers 6, Phillies 2
Game 150 - Monday Night, September 16th in Milwaukee
Record - 90-60, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez's first half form continued to elude him, as the Brewers defeated the Phillies, 6-2 in the series opener.

What It Means:  The Phillies had plenty of hits, but very few clutch hits.  The offense collected 11 hits overall, but was 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position, while grounding into two double plays.

What Happened:  Suarez dropped to 12-7.  He pitched five innings, allowing three runs on four hits.  Jose Alvarado and Tanner Banks couldn't keep the Brewers off the board, allowing three more runs over their combined two innings of work.  Brandon Marsh hit a solo home run in the fifth, and Kyle Schwarber had an RBI-single in the seventh.

Featured Card:  Rhys Hoskins was 1 for 3 in this game to raise his season average to .208.  I'll never pass up an opportunity to feature another Hoskins card.  Here's his Topps Now card from early June when he made his return to Philly.

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Game 62 - Strong Defense, Strong Pitching, Casty Double Lead to Win

2024 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club

Phillies 2, Brewers 1 (10 Innings)
Game 62 - Tuesday Night, June 4th in Philadelphia
Record - 43-19, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez continued his solid season and Nick Castellanos drove in the winning run in the 10th inning, as the Phillies downed the Brewers, 2-1.

What It Means:  They'll go for a series sweep this afternoon before boarding planes bound for London.

What Happened:  Sanchez allowed a run on four hits over six innings of work.  The bullpen quartet of Jose Ruiz, Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm and Seranthony Dominguez successfully navigated the Brewers line-up, shutting them down over the final four innings.

Alec Bohm made a fantastic play at third base (or two) in what seemed to be every inning of this game.  J.T. Realmuto was also impressive behind the plate, making several game-saving plays.  With Elvis Peguero on the mound for the Brewers, Bohm tied it up in the eighth with a solo home run to center.  In the bottom of the 10th, with ghost/pinch-runner Whit Merrifield on second base, Nick Castellanos lined the first pitch he saw to right field for a game-winning double.

Featured Card:  Strahm walked a tightrope in the ninth inning, allowing two singles to start the frame but then retiring three in a row to keep the game tied.  I don't have many excuses to feature cards of the relievers, so I'll give Strahm the card here.  This is his card from the ballpark-exclusive Kids Club set.

Field Report:  The four of us attended this game, primarily so that we could join the assembled crowd in welcoming back Rhys Hoskins.  It's very strange seeing him in a blue uniform, wearing #12.

Transaction:  Jose Rodriguez (inf), who had been on the 40-man roster, was suspended for a year for activities related to betting on baseball.  He's now on the Restricted List and the Phillies have an open spot on the 40-man roster.

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Game 61 - Phils Win on the Night Hoskins Returns

2024 Topps Heritage #163

Phillies 3, Brewers 1
Game 61 - Monday Night, June 3rd in Philadelphia
Record - 42-19, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  It was an emotional night at the ballpark as fan favorite Rhys Hoskins, now with the Brewers, made his return to Citizens Bank Park.

What It Means:  Hoskins was recently activated from the Injured List by the first place Brewers.  For the season, and following this game, he's hitting .243 with 10 home runs and 28 RBIs.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler stayed hot with seven strong innings, allowing a run on five hits while striking out six.  Jose Alvarado pitched a perfect ninth to record his 10th save.

The Phillies scored first in the second inning when Edmundo Sosa singled home Nick Castellanos.  Johan Rojas then singled home David Dahl to make it 2-0, Phillies.  Dahl, called up earlier in the day, added a solo home run in the fourth inning.

Featured Card:  The Phillies played a highlight video montage between the first and second innings prior to his Hoskins' at-bat.  He was given a warm and lengthy standing ovation by the crowd and the Phillies are the absolute best at honoring their former players.  The game couldn't have been scripted any better, as the Phillies won, but Hoskins accounted for the only Brewers run with a solo home run in the seventh.  Any other game and Dahl would have gotten the featured card, but this night belonged to Hoskins.

Transactions:  In a flurry of moves, Kody Clemens (back) and Brandon Marsh (right hamstring) were both placed on the Injured List, with Weston Wilson (inf) recalled and Dahl (of) having his contract purchased to take their places.  Michael Rucker (rhp) was moved to the 60-day Injured List to make room on the 40-man roster for Dahl.

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Brewers at Phillies - June 3rd to June 5th

1984 Topps #374

2019 Topps 1984 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary #T84-4

Monday and Tuesday 6:40, Wednesday 4:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  On Wednesday, all fans in attendance will receive a pair of London 2024 Phillies sunglasses.

Milwaukee Brewers 36-23
1st Place in the N.L. Central, 7 games ahead of the Cardinals

Brewers Probables
Bryse Wilson (3-1, 3.19)
Colin Rea (4-2, 3.77)
Joe Ross (2-4, 4.50)

Brewers Leaders
Average:  William Contreras - .316
Runs:  William Contreras - 48
Home Runs:  Willy Adames and Rhys Hoskins - 9
RBIs:  William Contreras - 44
Stolen Bases:  Brice Turang - 20

Wins:  Jared Koenig - 5
ERA:  Freddy Peralta - 3.74
Strikeouts:  Freddy Peralta - 89
Saves:  Trevor Megill - 8

Philadelphia Phillies 41-19
1st Place in the N.L. East, 6 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (6-3, 2.32)
Cristopher Sanchez (3-3, 2.83)
Aaron Nola (7-2, 3.03)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .304
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 44
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 14
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 49
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 16

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 9
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.70
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 85
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 9

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Hoskins Joins Brewers; Phils Sign Lefty Allard

2023 Topps Heritage
Now & Then #NT-6

On Friday, the Rhys Hoskins era in Philadelphia (at least the first one) officially ended when the popular first baseman signed a two-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.  I've been hoping since the end of the season the Phillies would find some way to bring Hoskins back into the fold, but with Bryce Harper now the team's everyday first baseman heading into the 2024 season, Hoskins return became even more unlikely.  The Brewers visit Citizens Bank Park June 3rd, 4th and 5th this season, and we'll likely be attendance for at least one of those games, as Hoskins is sure to get a warm reception.

Hoskins' baseball cards first entered my collection in 2014, and he was all over the 2018 baseball card releases following his thrilling debut in 2017.  He might find his way into a few 2024 baseball card sets as a member of the Phillies, but for now, my Hoskins collection stands at 259 different cards.  This is one of the newest cards of his I've added, from the 2023 Topps Heritage High Numbers release, featuring Hoskins mid-slam following his three-run home run against the Braves in Game 3 of the 2022 NLDS.

I'm hoping Hoskins comes back to the Phillies at some point, in any capacity.  He's been a fixture of the team for the past six years and was one of the first pieces in place that resulted in the Phillies returning to the World Series in 2022.  Coincidentally, Milwaukee is home to one of the 11 major league ballparks I have yet to visit, and perhaps we'll need to schedule a trip either this year or next.

Thanks for everything, Rhys, and The Phillies Room will be rooting for you!

* * *

2023 Topps Update #US209

This is been the quietest offseason I can remember in my 40+ years of being a Phillies fan.  Manager Rob Thomson was extended through the 2025 season, free agent Aaron Nola was brought back on a seven-year deal . . . and that was kind of it.  Last Tuesday, January 23rd, the Phillies signed free agent Kolby Allard (lhp) and now Allard and Michael Mercado (rhp) are the only two new additions to the Phillies 40-man roster so far this off-season.  

Allard has pitched in parts of six big league seasons with the Braves and Rangers, appearing in four games last year with the Braves in late June and early July.  He's 9-24 lifetime with a 6.10 ERA in 69 games pitched, included 38 starts.  Allard's newest mainstream baseball card can be found in the 2023 Topps Update set.

The Offseason Begins - Early November Notes

2023 Topps Now #962

2023 Topps Allen & Ginter #263

2023 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #37

2023 Chachi #74

Free Agents:  Drew Ellis (inf) became the first official ex-Phillie of the 2023-24 offseason when he became a minor league free agent on October 13th.  Ellis appeared in 12 games for the Phillies, including the game on June 4th when he hit a pair of home runs.

The bigger free agents departed the Phillies upon the conclusion of the World Series.  Aaron Nola (rhp) and Rhys Hoskins (1b) headline this list, and I'd love to see both of these long-time Phillies back in 2024.  I'll have much more to say about each if they end up signing elsewhere.  Craig Kimbrel (rhp) and Michael Lorenzen (rhp) will likely not return.  Kimbrel saved 23 games and was an All-Star, but I'll remember him most for the two NLCS losses in Phoenix.  Lorenzen threw a no-hitter on August 9th in his Phillies home debut, and then completely fell apart for the rest of the season.

Coaching Changes:  The Phillies parted ways with two coaches following the end of the NLCS.  Bullpen coach Dave Lundquist and assistant hitting coach Jason Camilli will not return for the 2024 season.  They had been with the club since 2019 and 2022, respectively.  Cesar Ramos was named the team's new bullpen coach.  Ramos was a Phillies non-roster inivitee to spring training in 2017, and he appeared in 40 games that season for the IronPigs.  He had been the pitching coach for the IronPigs since 2022.  The club is still searching for an assistant hitting coach.

Gold Glove:  Zack Wheeler won his first Gold Glove award on Sunday night, becoming the first Phillies pitcher to win the award since Steve Carlton in 1981.  Taijuan Walker was also a finalist for the pitcher's award.  J.T. Realmuto at catcher and Bryson Stott at second base were finalists as well but both came up short.

2021 Topps #526

2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP16

2023 Choice Reading Fightin Phils #8

First Transactions:  On Monday afternoon, the Phillies claimed Josh Fleming (lhp) off waivers from the the Tampa Bay Rays.  Michael Plassmeyer (lhp) and Erich Uelmen (rhp) were outrighted to Lehigh Valley.  In parts of four seasons with the Rays, Fleming has appeared in 55 games, making 22 starts.  He's 19-13 lifetime with a 4.88 ERA.  In 12 games in 2023, including three starts, he was 2-0 with a 4.70 ERA in 51 2/3 innings pitched.  He's got a bunch of baseball cards in various Panini sets and his last mainstream baseball card appearance came in the 2021 Topps set.

First Trade:  Also on Monday afternoon, the Phillies acquired Michael Mercado (rhp) from the Tampa Bay Rays for Adam Leverett (rhp) and cash.  The Phillies 40-man roster is now at 38 players.  Mercado has yet to pitch in the majors, and was 4-3 in 52 games last season with a 4.79 ERA at two minor league levels.  He showed up in Bowman sets in 2018 and 2020.  Leverett has been in the Phillies system since 2019 and he was 0-6 with a 3.94 ERA in 35 games last season for the Double-A Fightin Phils.

2023 Chachi #73 NLCS Game 7 / 2024 Chachi #1 Kyle Schwarber

2023 Chachi Almost #2 Rhys Hoskins

#17

Rhys Dean Hoskins
First Base

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  245
Opening Day Age:  30

Born:  March 17, 1993, Sacramento, CA
Acquired:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 5th round of the 2014 amateur draft, June 6, 2014

Contract Status:  Signed through 2023
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2017-2022

World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

The heart and soul of the franchise during the past six seasons, Rhys Hoskins was one of the few reasons to visit the ballpark in the late 2010s before the arrival of Bryce Harper and the recent turnaround by the Phillies.  As a rookie in 2017, he blasted home runs at a record-setting pace and was the one player you could count on to smile and sign autographs whenever asked.  He averaged 36 home runs and 98 RBIs over a 162-game period between 2017 and 2022, and he launched an iconic home run against the Braves in 2022 NLDS Game 3, reversing the Phillies' postseason fortunes and ultimately sending them to the World Series.

Out all season with a gruesome knee injury suffered during spring training, I was hoping we'd see Hoskins added to the Phillies' World Series roster.  But with the Phillies collapsing and failing to reach the Fall Classic, we may have seen the last of Hoskins in red pinstripes.  I hope I'm wrong, and I hope he's back in 2024.

2017 Chachi Christmas #1

2018 Chachi Friendly Encounters #6

2019 Chachi Phillies Phestival #19

2022 Chachi #73

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2014 Bowman Draft #DP122
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (6):  2018-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps Allen & Ginter #148
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  256 as of 10/16/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2017 Chachi #53
2017 Chachi In Action #7
2017 Chachi #56 - 9 HRs in 16 Games HL
2017 Chachi #57 - Rookie HR Record HL
2017 Chachi Valley Forge #3
2017 Chachi Christmas #1
2018 Chachi #4
2018 Chachi #44 - Home Run Derby HL
2018 Chachi Friendly Encounters #6
2019 Chachi Preview #1
2019 Chachi #4
2019 Chachi Phillies Festival #19
2020 Chachi #2
2021 Chachi Preview #1
2021 Chachi #2 
2021 Chachi #46 - 100th Home Run HL 
2022 Chachi #5

2022 Chachi #73 - NLDS Game 3

2022 Chachi #79 - NLCS Game 4

2022 Chachi #88 - World Series Game 6

2023 Chachi #34 - Raising 2022 Flag HL

2023 Chachi #35 - Ring Ceremony HL

2023 Chachi Almost #2

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Game 9 - Phils Get Rings; Blow Game Late

Reds 6, Phillies 4
Game 9 - Sunday Afternoon, April 9th in Philadelphia
Record - 3-6, 4th Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Baserunning blunders and a poor outing from Seranthony Dominguez led to this stunning 6-4 defeat by the Reds.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the series, but should have had the sweep.  The Marlins with Jean Segura come to town next for a three-game series beginning Monday night.

What Happened:  Baserunning blunders in the first, fourth and eighth innings by Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh and Kyle Schwarber, respectively took away runs or potential runs and eventually cost the Phillies the ballgame.  The pitching staff also gave up nine walks, led by five from starter Taijuan Walker and a costly pair from Dominguez that would prove to be the winning runs for the Reds.  Dominguez entered in the ninth trying to secure a save with the Phillies up 4-2.  He walked two batters, TJ Friedl reached on an infield single and then Jake Fraley hit a bases-clearing double to give the Reds the lead.

Alec Bohm broke a 2-2 tie in the fourth with a two-run home runs to left, scoring Bryson Stott.

Featured Cards/Field Report:  We watched the game from our seats in the Diamond Club, which I was told today has been rebranded the CP Rankin Club.  CP Rankin spent a ton of money I'm sure for the branding rights, all for me to continue to call it the Diamond Club.  In any event, the pregame ring ceremony was spectacular.  Every member of the current Phillies club was on hand to receive their rings, with the loudest ovations saved for the last two players out of the dugout - Rhys Hoskins and Bryce Harper.  There were also a number of players who appeared with the Phillies in 2022 who are still in the system receiving rings, including Simon Muzziotti, Damon Jones, Francisco Morales, Scott Kingery, Rafael Marchan, Will Toffey and Michael Plassmeyer.  The game itself was enjoyable . . . until the ninth inning.  And we even got a quick visit with the Phanatic, resulting in a very limited edition Chachi Special Edition insert card.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

#34 Raising the 2022 Flag HL

Game 7 - Phils Raise the '22 Flag, Win '23 Home Opener

Phillies 5, Reds 2
Game 7 - Friday Afternoon, April 7th in Philadelphia
Record - 2-5, 4th Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  J.T. Realmuto broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run seventh inning home run, and the Phillies went on to win their 2023 home opener, 5-2.

What It Means:  Nothing but good vibes.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler had a decent outing, going 5 1/3 innings and allowing a pair of runs on five hits.  The bullpen shut down the Reds the rest of the way behind Andrew Bellatti, Gregory Soto, Jose Alvarado and Craig Kimbrel, who earned his first save with the Phillies.

The Phillies scored first when Brandon Marsh drew a bases loaded walk in the second to score Nick Castellanos.  Kyle Schwarber doubled home Trea Turner in the fifth, scoring Turner from first base.  With the score tied up in the seventh, Realmuto connected for his first home run of the season.  Pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa added an insurance run when he homered in the eighth.

Field Report/Featured Card:  We were happy to attend the home opener and our first Phillies game as a foursome since World Series Game 4, which was terrible.  We were cold, but the pregame ceremonies once again did not disappoint with the team making their way to the field via the outfield bleachers, Kane Kalas doing a phenomenal job with the National Anthem and a huge American flag once again being unfurled to cover the entire outfield.  

Following the introductions of both teams, with members of the 2022 Phillies team getting the loudest ovations, the Phillies gave us the coolest moment of the day.  Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins, both injured, were ready in Ashburn Alley to raise the team's blue 2022 pennant.  We realized it could possibly be one of the last times we see Hoskins in a Phillies uniform, as he'll miss the entire season following his knee surgery.

Transaction:  Before the game, Darick Hall (1b-dh) was placed on the injured list with a right thumb sprain and Kody Clemens (inf) was recalled from the IronPigs.

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#33 Kody Clemens / #35 Ring Ceremony HL

Spring Training Game 28 - Phils Fall on Friday Night to Jays

2022 Stadium Club #101

Blue Jays 6, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 28 - Friday Night, March 24th in Dunedin
Record - 13-14-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies went with another bullpen game, falling to the Blue Jays in Dunedin, 6-3.

What It Means:  If it seems as if the Phillies have played more than the usual amount of spring training games this year, it's because they have.  There were 20 total spring training games in 2022 due to the shortened exhibition season caused by the owner's lockout.  In 2021 there were 28 total games, with no fans in attendance, and in 2020 the Phillies played 20 games before the world went sideways.  Barring any rainouts, the Phillies will play 32 spring games this year.

What Happened:  The Blue Jays went up 6-0 after six innings, scoring off relievers Gregory Soto, Yunior Marte and Ethan Lindow.  Scott Kingery and Jake Cave knocked in Phillies runs, and Kody Clemens came home on an error after stealing third base in the ninth inning.  Cave suddenly becomes a big part of the Phillies line-up with Rhys Hoskins out for the season.

Featured Card:  I'm still feeling queasy about the Hoskins situation and I hope we've not seen his last game in a Phillies uniform.

Camp Head Count:  46

Spring Training Game 27 - Hoskins Leaves with Knee Injury

2022 Topps Allen & Ginter #65

Phillies 4, Tigers 1
Spring Training Game 27 - Thursday Afternoon, March 23rd in Clearwater
Record - 13-13-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies won the game, but that was overshadowed by the sight of Rhys Hoskins needing to be carted from the field after appearing to suffer a bad left knee injury.

What It Means:  Not great.  Hoskins is the soul of the team, and was poised for a big year due to his looming free agency.  Thoughts immediately turned to who could start the season as the team's first baseman if Hoskins needs to miss significant time.  Darick Hall seems likely, and I wonder if Edmundo Sosa can play some first base?  Or Alec Bohm could see some time at first, with Sosa starting at third?  Or maybe it's not that bad of an injury, and Hoskins misses limited time.

What Happened:  Trea Turner picked up where he left off in the World Baseball Classic, hitting a two-run home run in the fifth.  Hoskins had singled home the first run in the first inning and Weston Wilson added a run in the seventh with an RBI double.  Bailey Falter pitched his best game of the spring, throwing five shutout innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five.

Featured Card:  I'm hoping for the best for Hoskins and his knee.

Update - The Phillies announced on Thursday night Hoskins had torn his left ACL and surgery is recommended.  This is upsetting news.

Camp Head Count:  50 - 4 = 46

Before the game, the Phillies reassigned Vito Friscia (c), Cody Roberts (c), Vimael Machin (inf) and Jake Jewell (rhp) to minor league camp.  The roster moves are coming a little more frequently now.

World Series Game 6 - Phils' Bats Go Quiet as Astros Win World Series

Astros 4, Phillies 1
World Series Game 6 - Saturday Night, November 5th in Houston
Astros win series, 4-2

One Sentence Summary:  For the third consecutive game, the Phillies offense was almost completely quiet and a three-run home run off the bat of Yordan Alvarez in the sixth proved to be the back-breaker in this 4-1 loss to the Astros.

What It Means:  It's Saturday night for a few more minutes and I'm going to power through this game summary post.  I'm sure in time I'll appreciate the October/early November run the 2022 Phillies just gave us way more than I do right now, but I'm still reeling from the little mistakes and missed opportunities that ultimately sunk the team after they held what appeared to be a commanding 2-1 advantage in the World Series.  There were too many strikeouts, too many runners left on base, too many defensive miscues and one huge questionable decision by manager Rob Thomson to bring in Jose Alvarado in this game with Zack Wheeler seemingly cruising.

Still, there's no way I ever imagined I'd be typing up a World Series Game 6 summary back in late May when the team was 22-29, costing Joe Girardi his job.  There's no way I could have predicted back in late June after the Phils lost Bryce Harper with a broken hand that I'd take my family to an NLDS game and watch Rhys Hoskins spike his bat following a dramatic home run.  And I certainly didn't foresee Harper going nuclear in the NLCS and delivering a World Series berth following a game-winning home run against the Padres.

I described losses back in September with words and phrases such as "'Pen implodes," "Phils fall again," "Phils still flat," and "Collapse seems imminent."  And then a little over a month later, I got to take my family to World Series games, temporarily losing my hearing following a Game 3 home run barrage.  I will remember some of these moments forever - the ninth inning comeback in the Wild Card series against the Cardinals, the clinching game of the NLDS against the Braves, buying postseason merchandise for every series, Doug devouring his standard Bull's BBQ order every night we went, Ben proudly waving his red rally towel, my whole family together, cheering the Phillies, and the five home runs on Tuesday night.  I wanted two more wins, and I wanted a few more memories, but the wins we did get and the memories I made will have to be enough for now.

What Happened / Featured Card:  Wheeler and Astros' starting pitcher Framber Valdez were locked in a pitcher's duel through the first five frames, putting zeroes on the board each half-inning.  In the top of the sixth, Kyle Schwarber drilled a lead-off, line drive home run to right field to give the Phillies a slim 1-0 lead.  In the bottom of the sixth, needing just 12 more outs to send the series to a Game 7, Wheeler hit Martin Maldonado with a pitch, with Maldonado clearly leaning over the plate.  Jose Altuve grounded into a fielder's choice, and Jeremy Pena followed with a single to put runners on the corners with one out.

With just 70 pitches thrown and seemingly in a groove, Wheeler was removed by manager Thomson in favor of Alvarado.  The decision immediately backfired when Alvarez hit his three-run home run, an absolute bomb over the center field batter's eye, to give the Astros a 3-1 lead.  Another Astros run would score, but honestly it didn't really matter.  Save a ninth inning single from J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies went down quietly over the final three innings, with Nick Castellanos popping out in foul territory to right fielder Kyle Tucker to end the game, and the Phillies' season.

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2022 Chachi #87 World Series Game 5 / 2022 Chachi #89 J.T. Realmuto HL - Gold Glove

NLCS Game 4 - Hoskins Leads Fightin' Phils to Comeback Win

Phillies 10, Padres 6
NLCS Game 4 - Saturday Night, October 22nd in Philadelphia
Phillies lead series, 3-1

One Sentence Summary:  Down in the game by four runs before they batted, the Phillies earned their Fightin' nickname, with Rhys Hoskins blasting two crucial home runs in this 10-6 win.

What It Means:  Spending the day in Rehobeth Beach, Delaware at Doug's travel baseball tournament, we watched Doug's team play to a tie and win a game before watching most of this game with Doug's teammates and their parents at Lefty's Alley & Eats.  It was a wonderful and memorable day, with the Phillies now within a win of returning to the World Series.

What Happened / Featured Card:  Phillies' starting pitcher Bailey Falter only recorded two outs, but actually fared slightly better than Padres' starting pitcher Mike Clevinger who didn't retire a batter.  Falter was in trouble from the outset, allowing four runs overall, including a solo home run to Manny Machado and a two-run double to Brandon Drury.  Connor Brogdon restored some order, allowing an inherited run to score but then following up with two scoreless innings.  Brad Hand ironically got the win, even though he was the only Phillies reliever to give up any runs.  Andrew Bellatti, Noah Syndergaard, David Robertson and Zach Eflin combined for five scoreless innings of relief.

The Phillies offense never let up.  Hoskins hit his first home run in the first, following a Kyle Schwarber lead-off single, cutting the deficit to 4-2.  J.T. Realmuto walked and Bryce Harper doubled him home, quickly turning the momentum of the game.  Bryson Stott tied the game in the fourth with a single to left, scoring Nick Castellanos.  Juan Soto hit a two-run home run off Hand in the fifth, giving the Padres a temporary 6-4 lead.

In the team's four-run fifth, Hoskins hit his second two-run home run, tying the score and resulting in a memorable bat toss towards the dugout.  Harper doubled home Realmuto who had walked, and Castellanos singled home Harper giving the Phillies an 8-6 lead.  Solo home runs from Schwarber in the sixth and Realmuto in the seventh proved to be unnecessary but still fun to watch.

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2022 Chachi #78 NLCS Game 3 / 2022 Chachi #80 NLCS Game 5

NLDS Game 3 - PHILS WIN, Ballpark Nearly Explodes

Phillies 9, Braves 1
NLDS Game 3 - Friday Afternoon, October 14th in Philadelphia
Phillies lead series, 2-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies, elevated by an absolutely electric crowd at Citizens Bank Park, decisively beat the Braves behind the pitching of Aaron Nola and home runs from Rhys Hoskins and Bryce Harper.

What It Means:  A win on Saturday afternoon sends the Phillies to the NLCS to face either the Dodgers or the Padres, who are currently up 2-1 in that NLDS series.

What Happened / Featured Card:  Nola was brilliant again, allowing just an unearned run in six strong innings and striking out six.  Jose Alvarado, Brad Hand and Connor Brogdon shut the Braves down over the final three innings.

The tide turned in the bottom of the third inning.  Brandon Marsh drew a lead-off walk and went to third base on an errant pick-off throw from Braves starter Spencer Strider.  Bryson Stott doubled to right to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead.  After Kyle Schwarber was intentionally walked, Hoskins launched his three-run home run, spiking his bat afterwards and forming a Phillies memory and iconic moment that won't soon be forgotten.  J.T. Realmuto quickly followed with a single and then Harper homered to center on the first pitch he saw to give the Phillies a 6-0 lead.

Three more runs were added in the seventh behind Harper's RBI double and Nick Castellanos' two-run single to right.  It was glorious.  Unless there's a more exciting and dramatic game yet to come in this postseason, and I hope there will be, this will be the game we're seeing years to come replayed during the winter months and Phillies rain delays.

Field Report:  And we were there!  Before returning to our section of many, many years, Section 315, we took part in the pregame block party, bought some postseason merchandise and enjoyed some heavy snacks at Pass and Stow's.  From the pregame ceremony featuring team introductions and a Shane Victorio ceremonial first pitch, to the final out, the atmosphere was electric and I can confirm I don't think I've ever heard the ballpark that loud before.  We waved our red rally towels, appeared on Phanavision and lost our voices.  It took nearly an hour to escape the parking lot postgame, but it was worth every minute of it.  I'm grateful our boys were able to witness Phillies postseason baseball and experience what being a part of a truly wonderful fanbase feels like.  And I was thinking of my Dad, who passed away 11 years ago on this day.  He would have loved the outcome, but would have been fine skipping the crowds and the traffic.  Go Phils!

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2022 Chachi #72 NLDS Game 2 / 2022 Chachi #74 NLDS Game 4

Game 156 - Phillies Scratch Out Win Before the Rain

2022 Topps Now #668

Phillies 5, Nationals 1
Game 156 - Friday Afternoon, September 30th in Washington
Record - 84-72, 3rd Place, 13 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies snapped their ill-timed five-game losing streak with a few manufactured runs, clutch hitting from Rhys Hoskins and a gutsy pitching performance from Bailey Falter.

What It Means:  With the remnants of Hurricane Ian making its way up the coast, the Phillies and Nationals planned to play a double header on Friday.  Only one game was played before rain forced the postponement of the second game.

What Happened:  Falter pitched six shutout innings, allowing three hits and walking two while striking out six.  He delivered a huge start and turned the game over to Zach Eflin, Jose Alvarado and Seranthony Dominguez to secure the win.  Dominguez loaded in the bases in the ninth before thankfully inducing a game-ending ground out from pinch-hitter Cesar Hernandez.

Hoskins set the tone with a solo home run in the first, his 30th of the year.  Jean Segura and Hoskins would later add RBI singles.  J.T. Realmuto had a pair of hits and stole his 20th base of the season, joining Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez as the only catchers in MLB history with a 20 home run/20 stolen base season.  Realmuto also threw out a pair of Nationals baserunners attempting steals.

Featured Card:  As impressive as Realmuto's day was, the Hoskins home run let everyone take a deep breath and enjoy a lead in a game for the first time in a long time.

Transaction:  Darick Hall (1b) was recalled (finally) from Lehigh Valley and Yairo Munoz (inf) was optioned.  Cristopher Sanchez (lhp) was added as the 29th man for the double header.

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Game 150 - Nola, Hoskins Lead the Way to Easy Win

2022 Topps
1987 Topps Baseball #87TB-24

Phillies 9, Braves 1
Game 150 - Friday Night, September 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 83-67, 3rd Place, 12 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The two longest tenured Phillies, Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins, led the Phillies over the Braves in this 9-1 victory.

What It Means:  The magic number to clinch a Wild Card spot is down to 9.  With the Phillies now a half game up over the Padres, they'd head to St. Louis for a three game series if the season were to end today.

What Happened:  Nola threw six shutout innings, striking out eight and allowing only four hits.  The offense provided him plenty of cushion, scoring four runs in the second and another four runs in the fourth.  Hoskins was in the middle of both big innings, hitting a two-run double in the second to make it 4-0, and then clubbing a two-run home run in the fourth to make it 6-0.

Featured Card:  Having made his debut with the Phillies in August 2017, and endured a few really lean years with the club, I'm going to be thrilled for Hoskins when the postseason draught ends.  This is his 1987 Topps inspired insert card from Series Two of the Topps flagship release.

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