Phillies at Athletics: June 16th to June 18th

1965 Topps #248

1965 Topps #239

Friday 9:40, Saturday and Sunday 4:07
Oakland Coliseum - Oakland, CA

At the Ballpark:  This is likely the Phillies last visit to play the Oakland Athletics before the team's seemingly inevitable move to Las Vegas.  On Sunday, all "early arriving fans" will receive an A's Hawaiian shirt.

Phillies 35-34
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 8 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Taijuan Walker (6-3, 4.67)
Cristopher Sanchez (0-0, 6.23)
Zack Wheeler (5-4, 3.73)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Nick Castellanos - .316
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 43
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 18
RBIs:  Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos - 42
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 12

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Taijuan Walker - 6
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.73

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 94
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 10

Athletics 19-52
5th Place in the A.L. West, 24 1/2 games behind the Rangers

Athletics Probables
JP Sears (1-3, 4.15)
James Kaprielian (2-6, 6.89)
Hogan Harris (2-0, 4.84)

Athletics Leaders
Average:  Brent Rooker - .261
Runs:  Ryan Noda - 34
Home Runs:  Brent Rooker - 13
RBIs:  Brent Rooker - 38
Stolen Bases:  Estuary Ruiz - 33

Wins:  Shintaro Fujinami - 3
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  JP Sears - 65
Saves:  Trevor May - 3

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Game 69 - Phils Win Again; Topper Wins 100th

2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photo Cards #59

Phillies 5, Diamondbacks 4
Game 69 - Thursday Afternoon, June 15th in Phoenix
Record - 35-34, 3rd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies and Diamondbacks traded early runs in this game, with the Phillies ultimately hanging on to win by a 5-4 score.

What It Means:  That's 3 out of 4 wins in Phoenix against a first place Diamondbacks club.  The Phillies are seemingly on a roll, and they'll look to continue their winning ways over the weekend in Oakland.

What Happened:  The Diamondbacks scored all their runs in a tough third inning for Aaron Nola, with the big blow a three-run home run from Ketel Marte to give the Diamondbacks a 4-3 lead.  The Phillies had scored their first three runs on a Bryson Stott solo home run, a Trea Turner RBI single and an Alec Bohm RBI double.

Now trailing, Kyle Schwaber tied the game with an RBI double in the fourth to drive home Garrett Stubbs.  Bryce Harper singled Schwarber home to give the Phillies a 5-4 lead.  Nola would depart in the seventh inning, with Gregory Soto, Seranthony Dominguez and Craig Kimbrel handling the rest.  Kimbrel recorded his 10th save.

Featured Card:  Manager Rob Thomson recorded his 100th win.  Of the franchise's 56 managers, he's tied for sixth for reaching the 100 win plateau the quickest (180 games) and he's the fastest to the mark since Pat Corrales in 1983.  

Unfortunately, it seems the Phillies won't be selling any photo card sets this year, which is a shame as collectors such as myself have looked forward annually to the team-issued set.  Cards are apparently only available individually, and they were used as identification in grab bags sold at the recent ALS Night.  This is Thomson's card from this year's set, and I sincerely hope the Phillies reverse course on their decision to not sell complete sets in 2023.

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Game 68 - Seranthony Stumbles but Phils Stun Snakes

2023 Topps Heritage #219

Phillies 4, Diamondbacks 3 (10 Innings)
Game 68 - Late Wednesday Night, June 14th in Phoenix
Record - 34-34, 3rd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies didn't waste a solid outing from Ranger Suarez, eventually prevailing in this game, 4-3, in 10 innings.

What It Means:  The Phillies made it back to .500 for the first time since May 14th, when they were 20-20.  They're clearly on a roll, having gone 9-4 so far in June.

What Happened:  Suarez didn't get the win, but he threw seven shutout innings, allowing four hits while striking out seven.  Seranthony Dominguez gave up a deflating three-run home run to Christian Walker in the eighth to allow the Diamondbacks to tie up the game 3-3.  In the 10th, with Brandon Marsh starting the inning as the ghost runner (a rule I still don't like), Trea Turner reached on an error by right fielder Jake McCarthey with Marsh moving to third.  Nick Castellanos hit a sacrifice fly to score Marsh with the eventual winning run.  Jose Alvarado escaped a jam in the bottom of the 10th to record his sixth save.

Earlier in the game, the Phillies plated three runs on a few force outs and a J.T. Realmuto solo home in the sixth.

Featured Card:  In his last four starts, Suarez owns a cool 1.35 ERA in 26 2/3 innings pitched.  This is his 1974 Topps inspired card from this year's Topps Heritage set, and I think it's the best card in the Phillies team set.

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Game 67 - Offense Comes to Life in Desert

2023 Topps Heritage #243

Phillies 15, Diamondbacks 3
Game 67 - Late Tuesday Night, June 13th in Philadelphia
Record - 33-34, 3rd Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies supported Zack Wheeler's strong outing with a 20-hit outburst in this 15-3 win.

What It Means:  The series is now tied up and the Phillies will try to continue their hot streak Tuesday night.  They've won 8 of their last 10 games.

What Happened:  Kyle Schwarber and Bryson Stott both homered, Nick Castallenos had a pair of doubles, and eight Phillies players had multi-hit nights.  Castellanos drove in three runs while raising his average to .316, currently fourth best in the National League.  Wheeler went six innings, allowing a run on four hits while striking out seven.  Luis Ortiz, recently brought back up from Lehigh Valley, recorded a three-inning save.

Featured Card:  There are a lot of choices here, but I'll go with Stott for his three-hit night, raising his average to an even .300.  This is his 2023 Topps Heritage card, and Topps gets bonus points for featuring Stott wearing the era appropriate baby blue Phillies jersey for this card.

Transaction:  Needing to replenish bullpen arms, Yunior Marte (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley and Ortiz (rhp) was recalled. 

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Game 66 - Realmuto Hits for Cycle; Phils Lose

Diamondbacks 9, Phillies 8
Game 66 - Late Monday Night, June 12th in Phoenix
Record - 32-34, 3rd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  J.T. Realmuto completed the first cycle by a Phillies player since 2004, but the bullpen couldn't keep the Diamondbacks from piling on runs in this 9-8 loss.

What It Means:  Not a great start to the important west coast trip, and I admittedly stayed up later than I had planned to watch most of this game.

What Happened:  The Phillies held a 3-1 lead following Realmuto's solo home run in the second and his two-run triple in the third.  Two more runs scored in the third on Alec Bohm's double and a single by Josh Harrison.  But the Phillies bullpen quartet of Matt Strahm, Yunior Marte, Dylan Covey and Andrew Vasquez each gave up at least two runs in their outings, allowing the Diamondbacks to ultimately take the lead.  The Phillies would plate a pair of runs in the seventh thanks to Bryce Harper (RBI double) and Bohm again (RBI single).  In the top of the ninth, Kody Clemens hit what initially looked to be a two-run home run to give the Phils the lead, but the ball was shown to be foul upon replay review.  Clemens would strike out to end the game.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo was tossed in the third after Strahm hit Corbin Carroll for the second time in the game.  Both benches emptied, but there were no further incidents.

Featured Card:  The ninth cycle in Phillies franchise history merits a highlight card.  Realmuto got the more difficult hits first, hitting a home run in the second and tripling in the third.  He'd single in the fifth and double in the ninth to complete the rare feat.  This is the third Phillies cycle in my lifetime, with Realmuto joining Gregg Jefferies (1995) and David Bell (2004).

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2023 Chachi #43 Drew Ellis / 2023 Chachi #45 Rob Thomson AS

Phillies at Diamondbacks: June 12th to June June 15th

1965 Topps #352

2023 Chachi Series Previews #3

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

At the Ballpark:  I'm somewhat surprised there are no promotions, no theme nights and nothing special scheduled at Chase Field during this four-game series.

Phillies 32-33
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 8 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Matt Strahm (4-3, 3.61)
Zack Wheeler (4-4, 3.91)
Ranger Suarez (1-2, 4.70)
Aaron Nola (5-5, 4.60)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Nick Castellanos - .312
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 40
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 17
RBIs:  Nick Castellanos - 38
Stolen Bases:  Three tied with - 9

Wins:  Taijuan Walker - 6
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.91

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 87
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 9

Diamondbacks 40-25
1st Place in the N.L. West, 3 1/2 games ahead of the Dodgers

Diamondbacks Probables
Tommy Henry (3-1, 4.37)
Zach Davies (1-1, 4.68)
Merrill Kelly (8-3, 2.92)
Ryne Nelson (3-3, 4.95)

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Corbin Carroll - .308
Runs:  Corbin Carroll - 47
Home Runs:  Corbin Carroll - 13
RBIs:  Lourdes Gurriel - 39
Stolen Bases:  Corbin Carroll - 19

Wins:  Merrill Kelly - 8
ERA:  Merrill Kelly - 2.92
Strikeouts:  Zac Gallen - 93
Saves:  Andrew Chafin - 8

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Game 65 - Phils Convincingly Down Dodgers in Series Finale

2023 Phillies Kids Club

Phillies 7, Dodgers 3
Game 65 - Sunday Afternoon, June 11th in Philadelphia
Record - 32-33, 3rd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker threw five solid innings and the Phillies offense produced a few clutch hits in this 7-3 win over the Dodgers.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the series, and they've now won seven of their last eight games.  They'll open a four game series in Phoenix against the Diamondbacks late Monday night.

What Happened:  Walker would earn the win, but he looked unhappy to be leaving the game, after getting pulled seemingly early by manager Rob Thomson.  With 83 pitches, he allowed a pair of hits and struck out five.  The bullpen kept the Dodgers at bay long enough to get to Craig Kimbrel who pitched a perfect ninth.

There were a bunch of important hits in this game, but the biggest two were probably Bryson Stott's two-run single in the third to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead, and Nick Castellanos' two-run home run in the seventh to give the bullpen some breathing room.

Featured Card:  It's kind of nice when there's no clear cut player for a featured card in a win.  The TV broadcast interviewed Bryce Harper as the star of the game, on the strength of him reaching base in four plate appearances (two singles, two walks) and a first inning sacrifice fly.  I'll give the card to Castellanos as his home run put this game seemingly out of reach.  This is another Phillies Kids Club card, available exclusively at the ballpark.

Transaction:  Alec Bohm (3b) was activated from the Injured List and Drew Ellis (inf) was optioned back down to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 64 - Phils Ripped by Dodgers

1988 Topps Big #226

Dodgers 9, Phillies 0
Game 64 - Saturday Afternoon, June 10th in Philadelphia
Record - 31-33, 3rd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Phillies' pitching got hit early and often, as the Phillies' hitting continued to slumber in this 9-0 trouncing.

What It Means:  We had debated going to this game as Jenna wanted to see the postgame concert (AJR) but I'm glad we ended up skipping it.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola didn't have it, and he was tagged with six runs in 6 1/3 innings of work.  Jeff Hoffman threw gas on the fire, allowing a pair of Nola's inherited runners to score and then giving up three runs of his own on a J.D. Martinez three-run home run.  In the middle of the nightmare seventh inning, in which the Dodgers scored six times, manager Rob Thomson was ejected.  Thomson had been sticking up for Nola, who was delaying the game (slightly) when asking for new baseballs.  Dylan Covey and Kody Clemens settled things down with a final two scoreless innings.  Clemens has now pitched in four games, and has a respectable 3.38 ERA in 2 2/3 innings.

Featured Card:  I got nothing here.  I spent part of the weekend getting my 1988 Phillies binder added to my collection over at TCDB.com, and this is one of the random cards from the binder.  For the record, my username is Ringo73 at TCDM.com, and my 1988 Phillies binder contains 567 unique Phillies baseball cards.

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2023 Chachi #28 Mike Caltri / Kevin Long / Caleb Cotham CO

#95

Michael Hennessey Calitri
Bench Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  210
Opening Day Age:  45

Born:  March 14, 1978, Brockton, MA

Major League Teams (as coach):  Philadelphia Phillies 2021-2023

#53

Kevin Richard Long
Hitting Coach

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left Height:  5'8"  Weight:  180
Opening Day Age:  56

Born:  December 30, 1966, Van Nuys, CA

Major League Teams (as a coach):  New York Yankees 2007-2014; New York Mets 2015-2017; Washington Nationals 2018-2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023

#65

Caleb Kent Cotham
Pitching Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  215
Opening Day Age:  35

Born:  November 6, 1987, Mt. Juliet, TN

Major League Teams:  New York Yankees 2015; Cincinnati Reds 2016

Major League Teams (as a coach):  Cincinnati Reds 2019-2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2021-2023

Mike Calitri, who played in parts of four seasons in the minor leagues with the Reds and Red Sox organizations, joined the Phillies coaching staff as their Quality Assurance Coach in 2021.  He's the first person to have that officially designated role with the club.  He was promoted to bench coach in June 2022 when Joe Girardi was fired and Rob Thomson took over as interim manager.

Hitting coach Kevin Long has reached the World Series with four different teams as their hitting coach - the Yankees in 2009, Mets in 2015, Nationals in 2019 and Phillies in 2022.  Somehow Long has completed avoided appearing in any Phillies team-issued photo card sets to date.  Caleb Cotham appeared in 35 big league games wit the Yankees in 2015 and the Reds in 2016, going 1-3 with a 7.15 ERA.  He's found more success as a pitching coach.

2021 Chachi #28

2021 Chachi #30

2022 Chachi #30

2022 Chachi #32

Other Notable Baseball Cards - Calitri
First Mainstream Card:  N/A
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photo Cards #95
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  3 as of 6/10/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Calitri

2021 Chachi #30
2022 Chachi #32

2023 Chachi #28

Other Notable Baseball Cards - Long
First Mainstream Card:  2009 Topps Heritage #465
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  N/A
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  0 as of 6/10/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Long

2022 Chachi #30

2023 Chachi #28

Other Notable Baseball Cards - Cotham
First Mainstream Card:  2016 Topps #530
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2016-2017
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photo Cards #65
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  2 as of 6/10/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Cotham

2021 Chachi #28

2022 Chachi #30

2023 Chachi #28

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2023 Chachi #27 Rob Thomson MG / 2023 Chachi #29 Phillies Coaches

Game 63 - Schwarber Continues Torrid June with Walk-Off Bomb

2023 Phillies Kids Club

Phillies 5, Dodgers 4
Game 63 - Friday Night, June 9th in Philadelphia
Record - 31-32, 3rd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber, who has been crushing the ball so far in June, hit a game-winning ninth inning home run off Dodgers' reliever Caleb Ferguson to give the Phillies a 5-4 win.

What It Means:  After losing five in a row, the Phillies now have a six-game winning streak.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez pitched well for six innings, allowing a run on four hits while striking out eight.  He departed with the Phillies holding a 4-1 lead.  In the third, Schwarber tripled (!) to lead off the inning and came home when Bryce Harper singled to right.  In the fifth, the Phillies scored three more times.  Edmundo Sosa singled, Kyle Schwarber walked and Nick Castellanos ("Nicky Two Bags") doubled home Edmundo Sosa, with Schwarber scoring soon after on a wild pitch.  Trea Turner, hopefully heating up, singled home Castellanos.

Matt Strahm gave up a two-run home run to Mookie Betts and a solo home run to Freddie Freeman to allow the Dodgers to tie up the game, 4-4.

Featured Card:  Schwarber's walk-off home run came with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.  It was his fourth home run in June, and his 1.172 OPS is a result of having eight hits, with all but two of them for extra bases.  This is his Phillies Kids Club card, available exclusively at the ballpark.  Ben is getting closer to a complete 12-card set.

Field Report:  We were there!  My employer gifted me four great seats in Section 135, Row 10, for a decade of service.  It was another crowded night at the ballpark, but Ben managed to make his way over to the Phillies Kids Club kiosk for a few more cards for his growing collection.  It was a fun night, watching two great teams, with the right team ultimately winning.

Transaction:  Prior to the game, Jose Alvarado (lhp) was activated from the Injured List and Connor Brogdon (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 62 - Clemens Launches Rocket to Walk it Off!

2023 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #1

Phillies 3, Tigers 2
Game 62 - Thursday Night, June 8th in Philadelphia
Record - 30-32, 3rd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  After the Tigers took the lead in the top of the ninth, Kody Clemens walked it off with a game-winning double in the bottom of the ninth to give the Phillies a dramatic 3-2 win.

What It Means:  Air quality improved enough for this game to be played on Thursday night after Wednesday's cancellation.  Canadian wildfires have caused the Northeast to be blanketed in smoke for much of the week.

This win gave the Phillies a sweep of the Tigers, and moved them past the reeling Mets for sole possession of third place in the division.  The Dodgers come to town next for a weekend series.

What Happened:  For the third game in a row, a Phillies starting pitcher took a no-hitter deep into the game.  It was Zack Wheeler's turn on Thursday, as Wheeler held the Tigers hitless until Tyler Nevin singled with one out in the top of the eighth.  Seranthony Dominguez replaced Wheeler and immediately allowed the tying run to score.  Nick Maton again came through for his new team in the ninth, giving the Tigers a temporary 2-1 lead when he singled off Craig Kimbrel.

The Phillies' offense was largely quiet on the night, scoring their first run in the sixth on a Bryce Harper sacrifice fly.  In the bottom of the ninth, Harper led off with a double, went to third on a Bryson Stott single and scored the tying run on a Brandon Marsh sacrifice fly.  With Trea Turner on second, Clemens laced his game-winning double to right and the on-field celebration began.

Featured Card:  Clemens appears with the Tigers in Topps Series One, and he's the first card (shown here) in this year's IronPigs team set.  I wanted to make a limited edition card for his father, Roger Clemens, as The Rocket threw batting practice to a few Phillies players on Friday.  The photo here is from Phillies' beat writer Todd Zolecki.  I never thought I'd be making a custom Roger Clemens Phillies baseball card.

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Dodgers at Phillies: June 9th to June 11th

2014 Topps Heritage #219

2014 Topps Heritage #119

Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 1:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  All fans in attendance tonight will receive a fantastic looking Dick Allen bobble head, and there will be a Dick Allen pre-game tribute with several of his former teammates in attendance.  On Saturday night, AJR will perform in a postgame concert.  And on Sunday, all men 15 and over will receive a Phillies hat for Father's Appreciation Day.

Dodgers 36-27
2nd Place in the N.L. West, 1 1/2 games behind the Diamondbacks

Dodgers Probables
Michael Grove (0-2, 8.14)
Bobby Miller (2-0, 1.06)
Julio Urias (5-4, 4.39)

Dodgers Leaders
Average:  Freddie Freeman - .333
Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 53
Home Runs:  Max Muncy - 18
RBIs:  Max Muncy - 44
Stolen Bases:  Freddie Freeman -8

Wins:  Clayton Kershaw - 8
ERA:  Clayton Kershaw - 2.95

Strikeouts:  Clayton Kershaw - 93
Saves:  Evan Phillips - 7

Phillies 30-32
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 8 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (1-2, 5.47)
Aaron Nola (5-4, 4.30)
Taijuan Walker (5-3, 5.04)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Nick Castellanos - .315
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 38
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 16
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 37
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 9

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Taijuan Walker - 5
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.91

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 87
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 9

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2023 Chachi #27 Rob Thomson MG

#59

Robert Lewis Thomson
Catcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  200
Opening Day Age:  59

Born:  August 16, 1963, Sarnia, Canada

Contract Status:  Signed through 2024

Major League Teams (as manager):  Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023

Major League Teams (as coach):  New York Yankees 2008-2017; Philadelphia Phillies 2018-2023

World Series Appearances:  New York Yankees 2009; Philadelphia Phillies 2022

The man they call Topper joined Gabe Kapler's coaching staff prior to the 2018 season, and he stuck around following Kapler's firing and the hiring of Joe Girardi.  As the team's bench coach between 2018 and early 2022, Thomson was also in charge of coordinating spring training activities.  He was named the club's interim manager on June 3, 2022, following the dismissal of Girardi, and Thomson guided the Phillies to a 65-46 record and its first postseason appearance since 2011.

The Phillies stunned the Cardinals, Braves and Padres to advance to the World Series, losing to the Astros in six games.  Thomson joins Pat Moran, Eddie Sawyer, Dallas Green, Paul Owens, Jim Fregosi and Charlie Manuel as Phillies managers to reach the World Series with the club.

2018 Chachi #27

2019 Chachi Photo Night #10

2021 Chachi #28

2022 Chachi #41

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2009 Topps Heritage #465
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photo Cards #59
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  6 as of 6/7/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2018 Chachi #27
2019 Chachi #27
2019 Chachi Photo Night #10
2020 Chachi #32
2021 Chachi #28

2022 Chachi #30

2022 Chachi #41

2022 Chachi #88 - World Series Game 6

2022 Chachi Fan Appreciation Day #4

2023 Chachi #27

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

2023 Chachi #26 Seranthony Dominguez / 2023 Chachi #28 Phillies Coaches

Game 61 - Schwarber's Bomb Enough for Walker in Win

Phillies 1, Tigers 0
Game 61 - Tuesday Night, June 7th in Philadelphia
Record - 29-32, 4th Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber hit a lead-off home run and Taijuan Walker threw seven solid innings in this 1-0 win over the Tigers.

What It Means:  They'll go for a series sweep tonight behind Zack Wheeler.  The last time the Phillies won a 1-0 ballgame on a lead-off home run was back on August 14, 2012 against the Marlins.  Jimmy Rollins hit his 14th home run of the season off Marlins' starter Josh Johnson.  Kyle Kendrick pitched seven scoreless innings with Josh Lindblom earning a hold, and Jonathan Papelbon recording his 26th save.

What Happened:  Pretty much summed up with the one sentence above.  Schwarber hit his third home run of June off pitcher Tyler Alexander, the first of four relievers used in this Tigers' bullpen game.  Walker allowed two hits and three walks in his outing, escaping a bases loaded jam in the fifth.  Seranthony Dominguez and Craig Kimbrel pitched the final two innings, striking out five batters.  Kimbrel recorded his ninth save.

Featured Card:  Walker now has two mainstream Phillies baseball cards, both photoshopping him out of a Mets uniform and into a Phillies uniform.  This is his card from the recently released Topps Heritage set, and he can also be found in the Topps Phillies retail team set.

Field Report:  Jenna and I witnessed this speedy game from our seats in Section 315.  It was a breezy night, and the haze from the ongoing Canadian wild fires gave the ballpark an eerie backdrop.  With a game time of 2:07, we were home shortly after 9pm, most likely a new personal record for us!

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Game 60 - Turner, Nola Star on ALS Night; #StrikeOutALS

Phillies 8, Tigers 3
Game 60 - Monday Night, June 5th in Philadelphia
Record - 28-32, 4th Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies won decisively against the Tigers, with two home runs from Trea Turner and an Aaron Nola no-hitter through six innings, broken up by former Phillie Nick Maton.

What It Means:  The Phillies hosted their annual ALS Night a few days after the June 2nd Lou Gehrig Day.  One year ago, the team fired fired manager Joe Girardi prior to ALS Night, and they'd go on a tear for the reset of the season to eventually reach the postseason.  Here's hoping history repeats itself.

What Happened:   Prior to the game, current Tigers Nick Maton and Matt Vierling received their National League Champions rings in a brief on field ceremony.

Trea Turner was responsible for two of the Phillies' first three runs with an RBI single in the first and his first home run, a solo shot, in the third.  The Phillies would take a 5-0 lead in the fifth on a Bryce Harper RBI single and Turner's second solo home run of the game.  In the top of the seventh, with two outs and Nola working on a no-hitter, Maton hit a second deck, three-run home run to bring the Tigers within two runs.  Runners had reached in advance of Maton on a walk and an Edmundo Sosa error.

The Phillies quickly recaptured their five-run lead with three more runs in the bottom of the inning.  J.T. Realmuto laced a two-run double and Sosa drove him home with a single to center.

Featured Cards/Field Report:  As we did last year, my family attended the game with other ALS Night event sponsors, watching from the Bill Giles Party Suite.  We obtained our grab bags, which included autographed hats and 2023 photo cards, which apparently won't be sold in set form this year.  Phillies Alumni spent the night in the suite with us, and it was great to talk with Mickey Morandini, Ruben Amaro, Jr., Greg Gross and Dickie Noles.  Milt Thompson and Gary Matthews were there too, and the Phanatic made a brief, frenzied cameo appearance.  Thanks to the Phillies, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association raised $408,000 to continue to fund care services and research.

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2023 Chachi #26 Seranthony Dominguez

#58

Seranthony Ambioris Dominguez
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  225
Opening Day Age:  28

Born:  November 25, 1994, Esperanza, Dominican Republic
Acquired:  Signed by the Phillies as an amateur free agent, October 6, 2011

Contract Status:  Signed through 2024 with 2025 team option
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2018-2019, 2021-2023

World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

Suddenly one of the longest tenured players on the team, Seranthony Dominguez was first recalled by Gabe Kapler's Phillies on May 7, 2018 when Adam Morgan landed on the disabled list with a back strain.  Dominguez has served at times as the team's closer ever since, although he's still trying to recapture the success he found in 2018 when he saved 16 games.  He missed all of 2020 and all but one game in 2021 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

As noted in the team's Media Guide, Dominguez began the postseason with 18 strikeouts and no walks, which is the longest walkless streak by any pitcher at the start of his postseason career.  He converted a crucial two-inning save in Game 3 of the NLCS against the Padres, and was the winning pitcher in World Series Game 1 following the Phillies come from behind 6-5 win over the Astros.

2018 Chachi #36

2019 Chachi Friendly Encounters #16

2019 Chachi Photo Night #15

2020 Chachi Almost #15

2022 Chachi #78

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2018 Topps Update #US161
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2018-2019
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2022 Topps Now #1115
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  19 as of 6/5/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2018 Chachi #36
2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #10 - with Edubray Ramos
2019 Chachi #19
2019 Chachi Phillies Phestival #15 - with Edubray Ramos and Juan Nicasio
2019 Chachi Friendly Encounters #16
2019 Chachi Photo Night #15

2020 Chachi Almost #15

2021 Chachi #68 
2022 Chachi #25

2022 Chachi #78 - NLCS Game 3

2023 Chachi #26

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2023 Chachi #25 Jose Alvarado / 2023 Chachi #27 Rob Thomson MG

Tigers at Phillies: June 5th to June 7th

1965 Topps #429

1965 Topps #20

Monday and Tuesday 6:40, Wednesday 6:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Tonight the Phillies will host their ALS Awareness Night with an on-field, pregame tribute to patients, caregivers and family members affected by this terrible disease.  Phillies Grab Bags will be available for sale throughout the game featuring signed memorabilia and other giveaways.  Tuesday and Wednesday will see a few theme nights with Greek Heritage Celebration and Dead & Company Night, respectively.

Tigers 26-31
Tied for 2nd Place in the A.L. Central, 3 1/2 games behind the Twins

Tigers Probables
Joey Wentz (1-5, 7.28)
TBD
Reese Olson (0-1, 3.60)

Tigers Leaders
Average:  Riley Greene - .296
Runs:  Riley Greene - 29
Home Runs:  Jake Rogers - 6
RBIs:  Javier Baez - 27
Stolen Bases:  Zach McKinstry - 10

Wins:  Eduardo Rodriguez - 4
ERA:  Eduardo Rodriguez - 2.13
Strikeouts:  Eduardo Rodriguez - 67
Saves:  Alex Lange - 10

Phillies 27-32
4th Place in the N.L. East, 8 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (4-4, 4.70)
Taijuan Walker (4-3, 5.65)
Zack Wheeler (4-4, 4.33)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Nick Castellanos - .316
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 37
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 15
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 37
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 9

Wins:  Four tied with - 4
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 4.33

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 79
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 8

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Game 59 - Schwarbs, Ellis, Ranger Star in Drubbing of D.C.

2023 Topps Heritage #174

Phillies 11, Nationals 3
Game 59 - Sunday Afternoon, June 4th in Washington
Record - 27-32, 4th Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A gutsy performance from Ranger Suarez and a power display from Drew Ellis and Kyle Schwarber led to this 11-3 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  The win meant a series win over the Nationals, and the Phillies will now head home for six games against the Tigers and Dodgers, beginning Monday night.

What Happened:  With the bullpen largely out of commission due to Saturday's bullpen game, the Phillies needed Suarez to go deep into this game.  He ended up going seven strong innings, allowing a run on eight hits while striking out three on 101 pitches.  

The Phillies offense was relatively quiet during the first part of this game, scoring their first run in the second on J.T. Realmuto's solo home run and adding a run in the fifth on Ellis' first home run of the game.  It was Ellis' first home run with the Phillies, and his second career home run.  They'd then pile on three runs in each of the sixth, seventh and ninth innings.  Six runs came courtesy of Schwarber's two, three-run home runs in the sixth and ninth.  Ellis would later hit his second home run, a two-run blast in the seventh.

Featured Card:  I'll start working my way through the Topps Heritage Phillies team set, and here's Schwarber's card.  I do think Topps attempts to use new and unique photos for this set in an effort to mimic the original odd angles used for photos in its 1974 set.

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