Thursday, August 15, 2019

Game 120 - 2017 Topps National Baseball Card Day Phillies SGA #17 Charlie Manuel

Phillies 11Cubs 1
Game 120 - Wednesday Night, August 14th in Philadelphia
Record - 62-58, 3rd place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Charlie Manuel and Cole Hamels returned to the dugouts of Citizens Bank Park, with Hamels getting hammered and Manuel getting credit for the 11-1 blow-out Phillies win.

What It Means:  Of course Manuel didn't completely turn around a lethargic offense overnight, but it was fun to see the bats come alive with him sitting in the dugout.

What Happened:  Hamels was greeted warmly by the home crowd, and not so warmly by the Phillies offense.  He lasted into the third inning, allowing eight runs on nine hits.  Bryce Harper enjoyed another multi-home run game and J.T. Realmuto hit his second grand slam of the season.  Aaron Nola cruised through seven innings, allowing a run on three hits while striking out seven.

In what's now an annual gimmick, the TV broadcasters called the game from seats right behind the dugout and were visited at one point by former broadcaster Chris Wheeler sporting a fresh new (bald) look.  Wheels looked good!

Featured Card:  New hitting coach Manuel was in the dugout and the crowd broke into chants of "Charlie! Charlie!" following the 10-run offensive outburst in the early innings.

Transactions:  It was a busy day for the Phillies.  As expected, Jake Arrieta landed on the injured list, no longer able to pitch through the bone spur in his right elbow.  Logan Morrison was selected from the IronPigs, where he had hit .289 with three home runs over 18 games.  To make room for Morrison on the 40-man roster, Jerad Eickhoff was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

When he pinch-hit in this game in the seventh inning for Nola, Morrison became the 52nd player used by the Phillies so far this season, just two short of the franchise record 56 used in 1996.

2017 Topps Heritage #15
Arrived During the 2019 Season
  • Jay Bruce - of (6/2/19) - Acquired from the Seattle Mariners with cash considerations for Jake Scheiner.
  • Brad Miller - inf (6/13/19) - Purchased from the New York Yankees.
  • Fernando Salas - rhp (6/13/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.
  • Logan Morrison - 1b (7/15/19) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the New York Yankees organization.
  • Mike Morin - rhp (7/20/19) - Acquired from the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations.
  • Drew Smyly - lhp (7/21/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
  • Jason Vargas - lhp (7/29/19) - Acquired with cash from the New York Mets for Austin Bossart.
  • Blake Parker - rhp (7/30/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Minnesota Twins.
  • Corey Dickerson - of (7/31/19) - Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later and international bonus money.
Departed During the 2019 Season
  • Aaron Altherr - of (5/12/19) - Selected off waivers by the San Francisco Giants.
  • Dylan Cozens - of (8/1/19) - Released and signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays, 8/9/19.
  • Yacksel Rios - rhp (8/3/19) - Selected off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

2019 Chachi #61 Charlie Manuel CO

#41
Charles Fuqua Manuel
Hitting Coach

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  195
Opening Day Age:  75
Born:  January 4, 1944, Northfork, WV
Signed:  Signed by the Minnesota Twins as an amateur free agent before 1963 season
Teams - As Player:  Minnesota Twins 1969-1972; Los Angeles Dodgers 1974-1975
Teams - As Coach:  Cleveland Indians 1988-1989, 1994-1999; Phillies 2019
Teams - As Manager:  Cleveland Indians 2000-2002; Phillies 2005-2013

1970 Topps #194
2005 Chachi #36
2005 Topps Update #UH87
2006 Chachi #27
2007 Chachi #27
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  1970 Topps #194
First Phillies Card:  2005 Phillies Team Issue #41*
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2005 Phillies Team Issue #41
First Topps Phillies Flagship Base Card:  2005 Topps Update #UH87
Newest Card Added:  2019 Phillies 2009 10th Anniversary Postcards (with David Montgomery and Ruben Amaro, Jr.)

*Manuel also has a card issued in the style of the 2004 Phillies Team Issue, made available during that offseason's winter caravan.

36 - Manuel baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/13/19.

2005 Phillies Team Issue #41
Complete Chachi Checklist
2005 Chachi #35 - Team Card
2005 Chachi #36 - with Gary Varsho, Milt Thompson and Rich Dubee
2006 Chachi #26 - Team Card
2006 Chachi #27
2007 Chachi #26 - Team Card
2007 Chachi #27 - with Jimy Williams, Milt Thompson and Rich Dubee
2008 Chachi #26 - Team Card
2008 Chachi #27 - with Jimy Williams, Milt Thompson and Rich Dubee
2008 Chachi #74 HL - Clinch NLCS, with Ryan Howard and Greg Dobbs
2008 Chachi #82 HL - World Series Champs
2008 Chachi #84 HL - World Series Parade
2009 Chachi #26 - Team Card
2009 Chachi #44 AS
2009 Chachi #77 HL - National League Champs, with Brad Lidge, Pedro Martinez and Chan Ho Park
2009 Chachi #84 - World Series Game 6, with Pedro Martinez and Chase Utley
2010 Chachi #27 - with Pete Mackanin, Rich Dubee, Mick Billmeyer and Sam Perlozzo
2010 Chachi #43 AS - with Chase Utley
2011 Chachi #26
2011 Chachi #56 RB - Become all-time winningest Phillies manager
2012 Chachi #26
2013 Chachi #26 - with Mick Billmeyer, Steve Henderson, Rod Nichols and Juan Samuel
2013 Chachi #58 HL - 1,000th Win
2016 Chachi Special Edition #13
2019 Chachi #61

2019 Chachi Set Checklist
Virtual Phillies Wall - Featuring Current Active Roster

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Game 119 - 2019 Stadium Club #166 J.T. Realmuto

Phillies 4Cubs 2
Game 119 - Tuesday Night, August 13th in Philadelphia
Record - 61-58, Tied for 3rd place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  J.T. Realmuto provided a tie-breaking home run in the fifth and a tie-breaking RBI double in the seventh, sending the Phillies to a 4-2 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies are two games behind the Cardinals for the second wild card spot.

What Happened:  Roman Quinn also had two hits, including an RBI triple in the eighth.  Jason Vargas held the Cubs to two runs over six innings and then three relievers - Blake Parker, Mike Morin and Hector Neris - shut down the Cubs over the final three frames.  Neris recorded his 21st save.

Featured Card:  This is Realmuto's card from the Stadium Club set, released in late June.

Field Report:  We returned from San Francisco on Monday night after watching three of the four Phillies games against the Giants.  So on Tuesday, starved for baseball, we headed back to the ballpark.  Truth be told, we had tickets for Tuesday night's game since March, and given the weather forecast I would have preferred to have stayed home and rested.

Nevertheless, we persisted through the steady rain and enjoyed the Phillies play like a team with a new hitting coach.  Doug added pre-game autographs from both bullpen catchers, Bob Stumpo and Craig Driver, coaches Rob Thomson and Paco Figueroa and manager Gabe Kapler.  Brad Miller was the only player who signed for him.

Transactions:  In an unexpected but not that surprising move, the Phillies fired hitting coach John Mallee on Tuesday afternoon.  In a much more surprising move, Charlie Manuel (!), the franchise's all-time most winningest manager, was hired to replace him.  Manuel will be part of Gabe Kapler's coaching staff for the remainder of the 2019 season.

Mallee Complete Chachi Checklist
2018 Chachi #27 (with Rob Thomson, Rick Kranitz and Jose David Flores)
2019 Chachi #27 (with Rob Thomson and Steve Young)
2019 Chachi Phillies Phestival #7
2019 Chachi Fan Favorites #10

Game 118 - Leaving San Francisco with a Loss


Giants 9Phillies 6
Game 118 - Sunday Night, August 11th in San Francisco
Record - 60-58, 4th place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jake Arrieta was roughed up and Nick Pivetta couldn't keep the Giants off the scoreboard as the Phillies lost late, 9-6.

What It Means:  The offense actually battled, but the bullpen couldn't do its job in the late innings.  After a Monday off day, the Phillies open a three-game series with the Cubs with new hitting coach (!) Charlie Manuel.

What Happened:  Arrieta departed after three innings, having allowed five runs on seven hits.  The Phillies had battled back to tie the game at 6-6, but Pivetta was hit hard in the eighth inning, allowing three runs to score on three hits.  Bryce Harper had two more RBIs and Cesar Hernandez collected three hits.

Featured Card/Field Report:  Our last full day in San Francisco, we spent the morning in Muir Woods, one of the most beautiful and serene places I've ever visited.  After hamburgers in Sausalito, we walked to Oracle Park one last time hoping the Phillies could split the series.  They couldn't.

We were in Section 102 for this game, again behind the Phillies bullpen, so we got to see quite a few Phillies relievers warming up.  Despite the losing series, we had a great time in San Francisco and with the release of the 2020 Phillies schedule we've turned our attention towards figuring out where we should head next.

Here's an updated list of my ballpark visit list, and I now have 12 to go for the stadiums still active:

Team - Ballpark (First Game Visited) 
1.  Baltimore Orioles - Oriole Park at Camden Yards (5/23/1992)
2.  Colorado Rockies - Coors Field (5/29/2000)
3.  Pittsburgh Pirates - PNC Park (7/2001)
4.  Cleveland Indians - Progressive Field (8/2001)
5.  Chicago White Sox - Guaranteed Rate Field (9/17/2002)
6.  Kansas City Royals - Kauffman Stadium (9/26/2002)
7.  Chicago Cubs - Wrigley Field (9/28/2002)
8.  Detroit Tigers - Comerica Park (8/9/2003)
9.  Cincinnati Reds - Great American Ballpark (8/12/2003)
10.  Philadelphia Phillies - Citizens Bank Park (4/12/2004)
11.  Tampa Bay Rays - Tropicana Field (4/16/2006)
12.  Los Angeles Dodgers - Dodger Stadium (4/20/2011)
13.  Boston Red Sox - Fenway Park (8/16/2014)
14.  Washington Nationals - Nationals Park (8/24/2016)
15.  Atlanta Braves - SunTrust Park (5/17/2018)*
16.  San Diego Padres - Petco Park (6/30/2018)
17.  Arizona Diamondbacks - Chase Field (7/2/2018)
18.  San Francisco Giants - Oracle Park (8/8/2019)

Crossed off the list, now inactive:

1.  Philadelphia Phillies - Veterans Stadium (7/15/1979)
2.  Atlanta Braves - Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (8/1/1995)
3.  St. Louis Cardinals - Busch Stadium I (9/27/2002)
4.  Montreal Expos - Olympic Stadium (9/25/2004)
5.  New York Yankees - Yankee Stadium I (8/14/2005)
6.  Washington Nationals - RFK Stadium (10/2/2005)

*Game rained out, but I’m counting it since a hot dog and beer were purchased and I waited through the 2 1/2 hour rain delay.

Game 117 - Escape from Alcatraz

Giants 3Phillies 1
Game 117 - Saturday Afternoon, August 10th in San Francisco
Record - 60-57, 4th place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jeff Samardzija was the latest beneficiary of a quiet Phillies offense as the Giants won, 3-1.

What It Means:  The loss dropped the Phillies into fourth place for the first time this season, behind the surging Mets.

What Happened:  Samardzija allowed two hits over eight innings, with Corey Dickerson hitting a solo home run (7) in the first.  Phillies starter Vince Velasquez lasted five innings, giving up three runs on home runs to Evan Longoria and Kevin Pillar.

Featured Card:  We skipped this game, opting for a Phillies-free day in San Francisco.  After another trip to visit the sea lions at Pier 39, we took the ferry boat over to Alcatraz Island for that very impressive tour.  After a brief stop at Madame Tussauds, and a visit with Babe Ruth, we enjoyed the night tour back on the Big Bus over to Treasure Island via the Bay Bridge.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Series Preview - Cubs at Phillies: August 13th to August 15th

1971 Topps #280
1971 Topps #297
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Cubs 64-54, 1st place in the N.L. Central, 2 games ahead of the Cardinals
Phillies 60-58, 4th place in the N.L. East, 9 games behind the Braves

Cubs Probables:  Jose Quintana (10-7, 4.23), Cole Hamels (6-3, 3.09), Yu Darvish (4-6, 4.43)
Phillies Probables:  Jason Vargas (0-1, 4.76), Aaron Nola (10-3, 3.67), Drew Smyly (1-1, 3.80)

At the Ballpark:  On Thursday, all kids will receive a J.T. Realmuto retro Phillies t-shirt.

Cubs Leaders
Average:  Kris Bryant - .292
Runs:  Kris Bryant - 86
Home Runs:  Javier Baez - 28
RBIs:  Javier Baez - 80
Stolen Bases:  Javier Baez - 9

Wins:  Jose Quintana - 10
ERA:  Kyle Hendricks - 3.48
Strikeouts:  Yu Darvish - 158
Saves:  Pedro Strop - 10

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .283
Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 70
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 24
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 80
Stolen Bases:  Scott Kingery - 10

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 10
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 3.67
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 166
Saves:  Hector Neris - 20

Game 116 - Harper Silences Oracle Park with 2 Homers


Phillies 9Giants 6
Game 116 - Late Friday Night, August 9th in San Francisco
Record - 60-56, Tied for 3rd place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bryce Harper hit a pair of home runs in this 9-6 win, silencing the Giants and their fans at Oracle Park.

What It Means:  Of the three games we saw in San Francisco, this was the only Phillies win.

What Happened:  Harper's first home run gave the Phillies a 5-3 lead and his second home run, which landed in McCovey Cove, gave them an 8-6 lead.  Harper silenced the crowd as he crossed home plate following his second blast.  Corey Dickerson had three hits, including a bases clearing triple in the third.

Starter Drew Smyly pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing six runs (four earned) before handing the game over to the bullpen.  Hector Neris pitched a scoreless ninth for his 20th save.

Featured Card/Field Report:  We took the Oracle Park ballpark tour on Friday morning, enjoying our views from the Phillies dugout and briefly meeting with former Giants Mike Felder and Bill Laskey.  After the tour, we walked around Fisherman's Wharf for a while, stopping by Pier 39 to meet the sea lions.  We then took the Big Bus tour around the city, with the highlight being our trip over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Doug stationed himself by the Phillies bullpen (which is in foul territory in right field) before each of our three games, but he didn't get any autographs.  We enjoyed this game, more garlic fries and Harper's performance, from Section 101.


Transactions:  Jay Bruce re-injured himself (left flexor strain) in Thursday night's game, and fortunately Adam Haseley stuck around San Francisco.  Bruce landed back on the injured list and Haseley was recalled.

Game 115 - First Trip to San Francisco; Bumgarner Dominates


Giants 5Phillies 0
Game 115 - Late Thursday Night, August 8th in San Francisco
Record - 59-56, Tied for 3rd place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Madison Bumgarner and two Giants relievers shut down the Phillies offense in this 5-0 loss.

What It Means:  Bumgarner dominated a flailing Phillies offense, allowing only one hit (to pinch-hitter Cesar Hernandez) in his seven innings of work.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola was cruising until the third when he allowed four straight hits, including a single to Bumgarner, giving the Giants a 3-0 lead.  Nick Pivetta allowed two more runs, including a home run to Mike Yastrzemski, in his three innings of work.

Featured Card/Field Report:  We made the trip to San Francisco for this series, and despite the outcome on the field we had a blast in our first visit to the city.  Arriving late Thursday morning, we rested in our hotel room and then were ready when the Willie Mays gate opened two hours before gametime.  As expected, we loved the ballpark, the beyond friendly staff and the garlic fries.  We had a wonderful view of Bumgarner's performance sitting behind the Phillies dugout in Section 106.

Transactions:  In a questionable (and short-term) move, Adam Haseley was optioned to Lehigh Valley when Jay Bruce was activated from the injured list.

Monday, August 12, 2019

Game 114 - 2019 Phillies Team Issue #53 Yacksel Rios

Diamondbacks 6Phillies 1
Game 114 - Late Thursday Night, August 7th in Phoenix
Record - 59-55, 3rd place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Five Diamondbacks pitchers I've never heard of before held the Phillies to five hits in this latest lifeless loss.

What It Means:  We didn't even stay up to watch the beginning of this game.

What Happened:  Starting pitcher Zac Gallen, making his Diamondbacks debut, held the Phillies to one hit over his five innings of work.  Phillies starter Jason Vargas didn't fare as well, allowing four runs on four hits over his five innings.  Bryce Harper hit a meaningless solo home run (20) in the ninth.

Featured Card:  I got nothing for this game, and since I never provided Yacksel Rios with the usual Phillies Room send-off after he was claimed off waivers by the Pirates on August 3rd - here he is.  Fare thee well Yacksel, and thanks for throwing your hat to my son on the final day of the 2018 season.  His final Phillies cards can be found in the first edition of the team-issued photo card set and in the 2019 Lehigh Valley IronPigs team set.


Rios Complete Chachi Checklist
2017 Chachi #55
2018 Chachi #29
2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #13 (with Odubel Herrera)
2019 Chachi #44

Arrived During the 2019 Season
  • Jay Bruce - of (6/2/19) - Acquired from the Seattle Mariners with cash considerations for Jake Scheiner.
  • Brad Miller - inf (6/13/19) - Purchased from the New York Yankees.
  • Fernando Salas - rhp (6/13/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.
  • Mike Morin - rhp (7/20/19) - Acquired from the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations.
  • Drew Smyly - lhp (7/21/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
  • Jason Vargas - lhp (7/29/19) - Acquired with cash from the New York Mets for Austin Bossart.
  • Blake Parker - rhp (7/30/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Minnesota Twins.
  • Corey Dickerson - of (7/31/19) - Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later and international bonus money.
Departed During the 2019 Season
  • Aaron Altherr - of (5/12/19) - Selected off waivers by the San Francisco Giants.
  • Dylan Cozens - of (8/1/19) - Released and signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays, 8/9/19.
  • Yacksel Rios - rhp (8/3/19) - Selected off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Friday, August 9, 2019

After 79 Years, Larry File Gets a Phillies Baseball Card


Fellow collector Alan was kind enough to e-mail me a few weeks ago to let me know he had 1970 Grant Jackson Phillies Photocard I needed from my want list.  He graciously told me he'd send me the Jackson card along with a "small care package," including a couple of odds and ends.

In the package along with the Jackson photo card were signed photo cards of Jerry Martin, Larry Christenson and Juan Samuel and a signed Manny Trillo card from the 1981 Topps 5 x 7 set.  There were five other non-Phillies photo card autographs, shown here, of former Phillies pitchers Curt Simmons, Jack Sanford and Ron Reed.  The Reed photo is interesting to me as it appears to be the same photo used for his 1982 Topps card.  These are all welcome additions to my Phillies collection.


The final autographed photo really caught my attention, as I had never heard of Larry File and the inscription under his autograph said, "Phillie 1940."  I came up empty when Googling Larry File, but thanks to Baseball Reference and a quick review of the 1940 Phillies roster, I found a Sam File.  Sam File's full name is Samuel Lawrence File, so I had my match.

Unfortunately, I didn't learn much more about File than what's on his Baseball Reference page.  At 18 years old, he was the youngest player in the National League in 1940, making his debut on September 6th.  He appeared in seven games for the Phillies, collecting a hit in 13 at-bats (.077).  He split his 33 innings in the field between shortstop (28 innings) and third base (5 innings) committing three errors in 20 total chances.  He remained in the Phillies minor league system in 1941 (77 games), 1942 (113 games) and then again in 1946 (20 games), playing his final year of professional baseball that season at the age of 24.  His three season interruption was due to his military service with the Coast Guard during World War II.

Born in Chester, PA in 1922, File passed away in 2008 at the age of 86.

2019 Chachi Phillies Missing Links of the 1940s #1
Not surprisingly, File never appeared on any baseball cards, making him a member of a club near and dear to me - the Phillies Missing Links.  I thought I'd remedy this with the first card from the Phillies Missing Links from the 1940s insert set, something I may continue at a (much) later date.  Since he signed his name "Larry" and the Phillies Media Guide lists him as "File, Larry (Sam)," I went with Larry instead of Sam for his card.

Thanks again Alan for the great package!

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Series Preview - Phillies at Giants: August 8th to August 11th

1971 Topps #554
1971 Topps #412
Thursday 9:45, Friday 10:15, Saturday 4:05 and Sunday 7:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Phillies Probables:  Aaron Nola (10-2, 3.60), Drew Smyly (1-1, 3.00), Vince Velasquez (4-6, 4.23), Jake Arrieta (8-8, 4.41)
Giants Probables:  Madison Bumgarner (6-7, 3.92), Tyler Beede (3-6, 5.38), Jeff Samardzija (8-9, 3.70), TBA

At the Ballpark:  The Giants are holding their second Marvel Night on Thursday and they'll celebrate National Baseball Card day on Friday with a pack of cards going to all fans.  On Saturday, the first 20,000 fans will receive a Giants Fog Globe, and I'll admit I'm not really sure what that is.  On Sunday, the 30th anniversary of the 1989 Giants team will be celebrated with a pre-game ceremony and the first 20,000 fans will receive a Battle of the Bay pin.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Game 113 - 1999 Multi-Ad Reading Phillies #19 Jimmy Rollins

Diamondbacks 8Phillies 4
Game 113 - Late Tuesday Night, August 6th in Phoenix
Record - 59-54, 3rd place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bullpen failure, missing clutch hits lead to Phillies latest loss, 8-4 to to the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  And somehow the Phillies still have a hold on the second N.L. Wild Card spot.

What Happened:  Jake Arrieta allowed two runs in his five innings of work before giving way to the bullpen.  Ranger Suarez entered in the sixth and quickly gave up the 3-2 Phillies lead on a pair of walks and a pair of singles.  Blake Parker didn't fare any better in the seventh, giving up three more runs.  The offense went a horrendous 2 for 17 with runners in scoring position.  Rhys Hoskins and Bryce Harper both struck out with the bases loaded in the sixth, stranding all three runners.

Featured Card:  Meanwhile in Reading, Jimmy Rollins was on hand to be inducted into the Baseballtown Hall of Fame.  I have five baseball cards in my collection featuring Rollins on the Double-A Reading Phillies, including two issued after he had long left the minors.

2019 Chachi #59 Corey Dickerson

#31
McKenzie Corey Dickerson
Outfield

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  210
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  May 22, 1989, McComb, MS
Drafted:  Colorado Rockies 2013-2015; Tampa Bay Rays 2016-2017; Pittsburgh Pirates 2018-2019; Phillies 2019
Acquired:  Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later and international bonus money
Contract Status:  Signed through 2019, free agency eligible in 2020

2014 Topps Update #US314
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2014 Topps Update #US314
First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A
First Topps Phillies Flagship Base Card:  N/A
Newest Card Added:  2019 Topps Pirates #PI-3

3 - Dickerson baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/3/19.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2019 Chachi #59

2019 Chachi Set Checklist
Virtual Phillies Wall - Featuring Current Active Roster

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Game 112 - 2019 Phillies Team Issue 2 #21 Vince Velasquez

Phillies 7Diamondbacks 3
Game 112 - Late Monday Night, August 5th in Phoenix
Record - 59-53, Tied for 2nd place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Vince Velasquez pitched seven strong innings and the Phillies offense banged out 13 hits in this 7-3 win in Phoenix.

What It Means:  The Phillies and Nationals currently occupy the two Wild Card spots in the National League.  The surging Mets, 9-1 in their last 10 games, are only 2 1/2 games back of both teams.

What Happened:  Velasquez has a 2.04 ERA over his past three starts, and he allowed two runs on six hits in this game.  Scott Kingery started the scoring for the Phillies in the second with a solo home run (14).  J.T. Realmuto later added an RBI double and Jean Segura had two RBI singles.

Featured Card:  I have five baseball cards for Velasquez this year, including this photo card signed at the annual ALS Phestival.  I've now featured three of those five cards, and if Velasquez keeps pitching this way I'll hopefully post the last two in future game summary posts.

Game 111 - Alumni Weekend Continues


White Sox 10Phillies 5
Game 111 - Sunday Afternoon, August 4th in Philadelphia
Record - 58-53, 3rd place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  In a game celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the 2009 N.L. Champions, the current version of the Phillies lost to the White Sox, 10-5.

What It Means:  The Phillies lost two out of three to the White Sox, who are not a very good team.  They'll head to the west coast next, opening a three-game series in Phoenix against the Diamondbacks on Monday night.

Alumni and the 2009 Phillies
Pedro Martinez throws to Jayson Werth
What Happened:  One bad inning ruined Drew Smyly's successful start to his Phillies career, as he allowed five runs - including a Leury Garcia grand slam - in the second.  Mike Morin also fared poorly, giving up four more runs in his two innings of work.  Corey Dickerson received his first start, going 2 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs.

Featured Cards/Field Report:  We got to the ballpark early as the Phillies had announced there would be autograph opportunities with alumni before the game.  They didn't announce who or where the autograph tables would be, but we did know there would be a table in the Hall of Fame Club.

Once inside, the four of us divided and conquered with Jenna and Ben waiting in line for Joe Blanton and Brett Myers while Doug and I hustled to the Hall of Fame Club.  (Side story . . . We rode up in the elevator with someone I could have sworn was a former player.  Turns out it was former Phillie Keith Hughes and we blew an opportunity to get his autograph.)  Somehow Doug and I managed to be the first in line for Kyle Kendrick and Jamie Moyer in the Hall of Fame Club, while Jenna and Ben made their way to Bull's BBQ to get in line for Dale Murphy.

Autographs from Blanton, Myers, Kendrick, Moyer and Murphy secured, Doug and I waited in the long line for Mike Lieberthal and Randy Wolf, while Jenna and Ben headed back up to the Hall of Fame Club to try to get Kendrick and Moyer again.  We managed to get Lieberthal and Wolf right before the line cut off while Jenna and Ben were among the last to get Moyer (Kendrick had already departed).

After catching our breath, we enjoyed the fantastic pre-game ceremony honoring alumni and the 2009 team.  It was especially cool to watch Pedro Martinez throw out the first pitch to Jayson Werth.

Transactions:  In a somewhat surprising move, Maikel Franco was optioned to the IronPigs and Brad Miller was activated from the injured list.  Franco has all but lost the starting third baseman's job and the move allows the Phillies to see more of Scott Kingery in the position while also giving more playing time in the outfield to Roman Quinn, Adam Haseley and Corey Dickerson.

Monday, August 5, 2019

Series Preview - Phillies at Diamondbacks: August 5th to August 7th

2019 Chachi Fan Favorites #14
2019 Chachi Fan Favorites #15
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9:40
Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ

Phillies 58-53, Tied for 2nd place in the N.L. East, 7 games behind the Braves
Diamondbacks 56-56, Tied for 2nd place in the N.L. West, 17 games behind the Dodgers

Phillies Probables:  Vince Velasquez (3-6, 4.40), Jake Arrieta (8-8, 4.44), Jason Vargas (0-0, 2.84)
Diamondbacks Probables:  Merrill Kelly (7-11, 4.52), Mike Leake (0-0, 0.00), Zac Gallen (0-0, 0.00)

2018 Chachi Ballpark Visits #8
At the Ballpark:  There are no giveaways planned, but if you bump into Randy Johnson at Chase Field, please tell him that we say hello.  He seems even taller in person.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .284
Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 66
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 24
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 73
Stolen Bases:  Scott Kingery - 9

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 10
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 3.60
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 163
Saves:  Hector Neris - 19

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Ketel Marte - .319
Runs:  Ketel Marte - 75
Home Runs:  Eduardo Escobar and Ketel Marte - 24
RBIs:  Eduardo Escobar - 88
Stolen Bases:  Jarrod Dyson - 24

Wins:  Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray - 10
ERA:  Zack Greinke - 2.90
Strikeouts:  Robbie Ray - 178
Saves:  Greg Holland - 17

3rd Annual Doug's Big Night of Autographs (Part 2)

Here are the rest of the cards I created featuring Phillies alumni signing for Doug during Saturday night's Wall of Fame celebration.


Memory Lane - Past Induction Ceremonies/Alumni Weekends
2009 - Harry Kalas
2010 - Darren Daulton
2011 - John Kruk
2012 - Mike Lieberthal
2013 - Curt Schilling
2014 - Charlie Manuel
2015 - Pat Burrell
2016 - Jim Thome
2017 - Tribute to Jim Bunning, Dallas Green and Darren Daulton
2018 - Roy Halladay and Pat Gillick
2019 - Bobby Abreu (Part One and Two)