NLWCS Game 1 - Wheeler's Gem Gives Phils Game 1 Victory

Phillies 4, Marlins 1
NLWCS Game 1 - Tuesday Night, October 3rd in Philadelphia
Phillies lead series, 1-0

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler was fantastic and the Phillies offense pushed across four runs in this Game 1 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the all-important Game 1, and they can proceed to the next round of the playoffs with a win against the Marlins on Wednesday night.

What Happened:  Wheeler was dominant, only fading towards the end of his 6 2/3 inning outing.  He allowed a run on five hits while striking out eight and walking none.  The bullpen trio of Jose Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman and Craig Kimbrel closed it out, allowing just two Marlins hits over the final 2 1/3 innings.

The Phillies offense could have done a lot more damage, and they were 3 for 14 overall on the night with runner's in scoring position.  In the third, Johan Rojas singled to start the inning and would come home on an Alec Bohm double to left.  In the fourth, J.T. Realmuto singled and Nick Castellanos doubled to put runners at second and third.  Bryson Stott singled home Realmuto and Castellanos was thrown out at the plate, giving the Phillies just a 2-0 advantage.  Cristian Pache would later single Stott home, making it 3-0 Phillies.  The Phillies scored an insurance run in the eighth when Castellanos doubled home Bryce Harper, who had singled to start the inning.  Harper ran threw a clear stop sign from third base coach Dusty Wathan on his way to scoring.

Featured Card:  Similar to what I did last season, I'm going to create a custom card to commemorate each game of the postseason and I hope it's a fairly lengthy checklist.

Field Report:  Our oldest son Doug and I were there, and honestly I'm still a little tired after the raucous and late night.  When tickets went on sale to partial season ticket holders, I opted for seats in our favorite section, Section 315.  It seemed as if there wasn't a ton of postseason merchandise available for sale yet, and the only thing we found mentioning the Marlins as the Wild Card Series opponent was a collectible pin.  Doug did pick up a souvenir scorecard for the series and we enjoyed our usual dinner at Bull's BBQ.  The pregame ceremony was once again impressive, and having fan favorite (and injured) Rhys Hoskins throw out the ceremonial first pitch was an emotional highlight.

Transactions:  To trim the roster down to 26, the Phillies omitted Michael Lorenzen (rhp) and Nick Nelson (rhp).

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2023 Chachi #59 Nick Nelson / 2023 Chachi #61 NLWCS Game 2

Marlins at Phillies: October 3rd to October 5th

2023 Chachi Series Previews #8

2023 Chachi Series Previews #9

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (if necessary) 8:08
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  See here.

Marlins 84-77
National League Wild Card, 2nd Seed

Marlins Probables
Jesus Luzardo (10-9, 3.63)
Braxton Garrett (9-7, 3.66)
TBD

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Luis Arraez - .354
Runs:  Jorge Soler - 77
Home Runs:  Jorge Soler - 36
RBIs:  Bryan De La Cruz - 78
Stolen Bases:  Jazz Chisolm - 22

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 10
ERA:  Jesus Luzardo - 3.63
Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 208
Saves:  A.J. Puk - 15

Phillies 90-72
National League Wild Card, 1st Seed

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (13-6, 3.61)
Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.46)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .293
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 108
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 47
RBIs:  Nick Castellanos - 106
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 31

Wins:  Taijuan Walker - 15
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.61

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 212
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 23

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2023 Chachi #59 Nick Nelson

#57

Nicholas Benjamin Nelson
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  205
Opening Day Age:  27

Born:  December 5, 1995, Panama City, FL
Acquired:  Traded by the New York Yankees with Donny Sands to the Phillies for T.J. Rumfield and Joel Valdez, November 19, 2021

Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2024
Major League Teams:  New York Yankees 2020-2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023

World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

Remember Nick Nelson?  He was a surprisingly effective reliever for the Phillies in 2022, appearing in 47 games overall and owning a 4.85 ERA in 68 2/3 innings pitched.  Nelson was one of four players, along with Kyle Schwarber, Rhys Hoskins and Garrett Stubbs, to be on the active roster for all 162 games during the 2022 regular season.  He was omitted from the postseason rosters during the Wild Card Series and the NLCS, but added during the NLDS and the World Series.  He pitched a scoreless eighth inning against the Astros in World Series Game 3, in which the Phillies won, 7-0.

Nelson spent all of 2023, save the final day of the regular season, in the minor leagues mostly with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.  He also made a few rehab appearances with Clearwater and Reading.  In 25 minor league starts, Nelson was 7-3 with a 3.83 ERA.  He was activated for Game 162 against the Mets, pitching extremely well for 5 1/3 innings and earning the win.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2021 Topps Heritage #363
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2021
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photo Cards
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  2 as of 10/1/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist

2022 Chachi New Additions #3

2022 Chachi #23

2023 Chachi #59

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2023 Chachi #58 Michael Plassmeyer / 2023 Chachi #60 NLWCS Game 1

Game 162 - Offense, Nick Nelson (!) Handle Mets in Regular Season Finale

2022 Topps Chrome Platinum
Anniversary #322

Phillies 9, Mets 1
Game 162 - Sunday Afternoon, October 1st in Flushing
Record - 90-72, 2nd Place, 14 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies finished off the regular season with an impressive performance against the Mets, winning 9-1.

What It Means:  It's the first season since 2011 the Phillies have won at least 90 games.  The Marlins will come to Philadelphia for the Wild Card Series, beginning Tuesday night.

What Happened:  Nick Nelson saved the bullpen with 5 1/3 innings of relief, allowing a run on two hits on his way to his first (and only) win of 2023.  The Phillies offense was fairly quiet early on, with Bryson Stott driving in the game's first run with a third inning single.  Tim Locastro homered off Nelson in the bottom of the third to tie it up, but Alec Bohm untied it in the sixth with his 20th home run of the season.  The Phillies piled on from there with RBI hits from Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas and Garrett Stubbs and a sacrifice fly from Bohm.  Marsh added a three-run home run in the ninth, his 12th of the year, to put the game away.

Stott, Bohm, Marsh and Stubbs were a combined 9 for 17 at the plate with five runs scored and eight RBIs.

Featured Card:  Nelson was due to get the featured card, but I wanted to pay tribute to Bohm and his 20th home run.  With his blast, the Phillies had six players with at least 20 home runs in one season for the first time in franchise history.  Bohm joined Kyle Schwarber (47), Nick Castellanos (29), Trea Turner (26), Bryce Harper (21) and J.T. Realmuto (20).

Transaction:  Nelson (rhp) was recalled to eat innings and Michael Plassmeyer (lhp) was optioned to the spring training complex in Clearwater.

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2023 Chachi #58 Michael Plassmeyer

#49

Michael Gene Plassmeyer
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  197
Opening Day Age:  26

Born:  November 5, 1996, St. Louis, MO
Acquired:  Signed by the Phillies as a free agent, June 23, 2023

Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2026
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023

Over the past two seasons, lefty Michael Plassmeyer has been on the Phillies active roster for four games, appearing in three of them.  In 2022, he pitched 7 1/3 innings combined of relief in an appearance in August and in a long-relief stint on the final regular season game of the year.  In 2023, he was recalled to make a spot start following the Phillies' clinching a Wild Card berth, in order to rest arms for the postseason.  His start on September 30th, the penultimate game of the regular season, did not go well as Plassmeyer allowed nine earned runs over 3 2/3 innings.  He was optioned to Clearwater following the game, where he'll continue to prepare in case needed for the postseason.

In 19 minor league appearances this season, Plassmeyer was 3-4 with a 4.64 ERA in 75 2/3 innings pitched.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2023 Topps Heritage #496
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #15
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  2 as of 10/1/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist

2022 Chachi #63

2023 Chachi #58

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2023 Chachi #57 Phils Clinch Wild Card HL / 2023 Chachi #59 Nick Nelson

Game 161 - Plassmeyer Rocked in '23 Debut

2023 Topps Heritage #496

Mets 11, Phillies 4 (Game 2)
Game 161 - Saturday Night, September 30th in Flushing
Record - 89-72, 2nd Place, 15 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Michael Plassmeyer was hit hard and Kyle Schwarber connected for his career-high 47th home run in this 11-4 loss to the Mets.

What It Means:  The Phillies still don't know who they'll be facing in the Wild Card Series, beginning on Tuesday, but the field has been narrowed down to the Marlins or the Diamondbacks.

What Happened:  Plassmeyer was added to the roster in an effort to rest arms for the postseason.  In his 2023 debut, he lasted 3 2/3 innings, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) on eight hits, including three home runs.  He also hit three batters.  The bullpen did its job, allowing no further runs over 4 1/3 innings, just one hit and striking out nine.  Schwarber's three-run home run in the fourth brought the Phillies closer, as the score at the time was 8-4.

Featured Card:  Plassmeyer is featured on a unique card within the 2023 Topps Heritage short prints, sharing a space with three other short-term Phillies pitchers.  Plassmeyer appeared in two games last season, while Nick Duron and Bubby Rossman both pitched in only game on July 13th.  That was the Covid series in Toronto, necessitating a bunch of roster moves as the unvaccinated on the team couldn't travel to Canada.  Mark Appel wins the veteran award among this quartet as he appeared in six games in 2022 for the Phillies.

Transaction:  Plassmeyer (lhp) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley.  Luis F. Ortiz (rhp) was optioned to the spring training complex.  Erich Uelmen (rhp) was recalled and placed on the 60-day injured list to make room for Plassmeyer on the 40-man roster.

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Game 160 - Phils Rally Late, But It's Not Enough

2023 Choice Lehigh
Valley IronPigs #27

Mets 4, Phillies 3 (Game 1)
Game 160 - Saturday Afternoon, September 30th in Flushing
Record - 89-71

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker struggled early and the Phillies' offense was mostly quiet until the late innings in this 4-3 loss.

What It Means:  The weather in New York necessitated a double header on Saturday as Friday's game was rained out.  The Phillies are still waiting to find out who they'll play in the Wild Card Series.

What Happened:  Walker allowed four runs in the first and second innings, and then settled in to throw five scoreless.  The Phillies had one hit through six innings - a fourth inning single from J.T. Realmuto.  In the eighth, Mets' starting pitcher Tylor Megill allowed a pair of singles to start the inning.  Edmundo Sosa was able to bring home the Phillies' first run with an RBI single.  In the ninth, Realmuto walked and was doubled home by Brandon Marsh.  Weston Wilson singled to bring home Marsh, making it 4-3 Mets, and then stole second and third base.  With Wilson, as the tying run, on third, Jake Cave struck out and Cristian Pache flew out to end the ballgame.

Featured Card:  Luis F. Ortiz pitched a clean ninth, striking out a pair.  He was up and down several times throughout the year, pitching in 14 games overall and owning a save and a 3.32 ERA in 19 innings pitched.  He'll likely never appear on a Phillies baseball card, but I have this card of his, from the IronPigs team set, in my collection.

Transaction:   In an effort to rest some pitching arms and plan a postseason roster, the Phillies made roster moves before and after this first game of the double header.  Dylan Covey (rhp) was placed on the 15-day injured list with low back pain and Rodolfo Castro (inf) was optioned to the spring training complex in Clearwater.  Ortiz (rhp) was recalled along with Wilson (inf).

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Game 159 - Phils Fall Flat in Series Finale

2022 Topps Throwback
Thursday #77

Pirates 3, Phillies 2
Game 159 - Thursday Night, September 28th in Philadelphia
Record - 89-70, 2nd Place, 14 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies looked fairly flat in this series finale loss, also the final regular home game of the 2023 season.

What It Means:  The Phillies will be back at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday for Game 1 of the Wild Card Series.

What Happened:  Kyle Schwarber led off the bottom of the first with his 46th home run of the season, tying his league leading total from 2022.  Jared Triolo doubled home a run for the Pirates in the top of the third, tying the score at 1-1.  Triolo gave his club the lead in the top of the fifth with another RBI double, and Jack Suwinski singled home the Pirates' third run of the day a batter later.  The Phillies would score their final run in the eighth after Trea Turner doubled, stole third and came home on a throwing error from catcher Jason Delay.

Featured Card:  In the bottom of the third, Bryce Harper checked his swing on a 3-2 count and was ruled to have swung by third base umpire Angel Hernandez.  Harper had some justifiable words for Hernandez and was promptly tossed from the ballgame.  Harper went a little nuts on Hernandez and threw his helmet into the stands on his way into the Phillies' dugout.  I went through recent Phillies binders looking for a card to represent Harper's rage, and I thought this one would be appropriate to feature.  From last year, this is a Throwback Thursday online exclusive card using the design of the 1979 Topps Incredible Hulk set.

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Game 158 - Phils Prevail in Hangover Game

2022 Topps Update #US315

Phillies 7, Pirates 6
Game 158 - Wednesday Night, September 27th in Philadelphia
Record - 89-69, 2nd Place, 13 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  With most of the regular line-up getting the day off following Tuesday's clincher, the reserves overcame the Pirates, 7-6.

What It Means:  Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, J.T. Realmuto and Nick Castellanos all got the night off in the so-called hangover game.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez, who was one of the main revelers in the clubhouse the night before, somehow cobbled together 4 2/3 innings of work, allowing six runs on nine hits.  With the Phils trailing 5-1 in the bottom of the fourth, Garrett Stubbs blasted a three-run home run, his first of the season.  Edmundo Sosa added a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth, and Cristian Pache singled home Bryce Harper later in the inning to tie the game, 6-6.  The Phillies took the lead for good when Harper hit a solo home run to center, his 21st of the season.

Orion Kerkering pitched a scoreless seventh inning, earning his first big league win, and Gregory Soto struck out the side in the ninth for his third save of the season.

Featured Card:  Similar to what happened last year, I'm hoping Stubbs finds his way into the Topps Update set.  This is his card from the 2022 Topps Update release, and is one of two mainstream baseball cards featuring the popular back-up catcher with the Phillies.  The other is a Topps Now card celebrating his walk-off home run last June.

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Game 157 - PHILS CLINCH WILD CARD!

Phillies 3, Pirates 2 (10 Innings)
Game 157 - Tuesday Night, September 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 88-69, 2nd Place, 13 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  With a dramatic, extra-inning walk-off single, Johan Rojas drove the winning run home and triggered an on-field celebration that would continue in a champagne-soaked clubhouse.

What It Means:  For the second year in a row, the Phillies are heading to the postseason.  They'll now use the final five games of the regular season to gear up for the Cubs, Diamondbacks or Marlins, with the Wild Card series kicking off on Tuesday in Philadelphia.  Hard to believe, Harry.

What Happened:  The Phillies were held hitless through five innings until Brandon Marsh led off the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run off Pirates' starting pitcher Mitch Keller.  Bryce Harper drove in a second run with a sacrifice fly.  Aaron Nola kept the Pirates from scoring until the top of the seventh when Bryan Reynolds led off with a home run.  Nola, who struck out eight in this game and has now crossed the 200-strikeout mark for the season, allowed a run on four hits.  He joins only Steve Carlton as Phillies pitchers with at least five seasons of 200 or more strikeouts.  Carlton had seven, and Nola may not get another shot at getting closer to Lefty if this is indeed Nola's final season in Philadelphia.

Craig Kimbrel entered in the eighth and allowed a game-tying solo home run to Henry Davis, ultimately sending the game to extra innings.  Jose Alvarado pitched a perfect ninth and Jeff Hoffman escaped unscathed in the top of the 10th.  With pinch-runner Cristian Pache at second base as the ghost runner in the bottom of the 10th, Rojas singled to center, scoring Pache and clinching a 2023 postseason spot for the Phillies.

Featured Card:  I could get used to creating these playoff-clinching highlight cards!  Unfortunately, I had to enjoy this win partially from the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and partially from the Hilton Anatole, where I was staying for a work conference.  Fortunately, the playoffs and World Series will be over by the time I have to travel back to Dallas for the next conference.

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2023 Chachi #56 Orion Kerkering / 2023 Chachi #58 Michael Plassmeyer

Phillies at Mets: September 29th to October 1st

1965 Topps #446

2014 Topps Heritage #424

Friday and Saturday 7:10, Sunday 3:10
Citi Field - Flushing, NY

At the Ballpark:  On Friday night, the first 15,000 fans will receive a Mets crossbody bag, and on Saturday all fans will receive a Mets tie-dye headband.  Following Sunday's game, kids are invited to participate in the Mr. and Mrs. Met Post-Game Dash.  And that's a wrap on the 2023 regular season!

Phillies 89-70
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 14 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Taijuan Walker (15-5, 4.35)
Cristopher Sanchez (3-5, 3.48)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .295
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 107
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 46
RBIs:  Nick Castellanos - 106
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 31

Wins:  Taijuan Walker - 15
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.61

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 212
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 23

Mets 72-86
4th Place in the N.L. East, 30 1/2 games behind the Braves

Mets Probables
Tylor Megilll (8-8, 4.92)
Jose Quintana (3-6, 3.39)
Jose Butto (1-3, 3.75)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Brandon Nimmo - .274
Runs:  Francisco Lindor - 104
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 46
RBIs:  Pete Alonso - 117
Stolen Bases:  Francisco Lindor - 31

Wins:  Kodai Senga - 12
ERA:  Kodai  Senga - 2.98

Strikeouts:  Kodai Senga - 202
Saves:  Adam Ottavino - 11

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2023 Chachi #56 Orion Kerkering

#50

Richard Orion Kerkering
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  204
Opening Day Age:  21

Born:  April 4, 2001, Huntington Beach, CA
Acquired:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 5th round of the 2022 amateur draft, July 18, 2022

Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2023

Selected in the 2022 amateur player draft, Orion Kerkering quickly rose through the Phillies' minor league ranks, pitching at four levels in 2023 before making his major league debut on Sunday night.  In parts of two minor league seasons, Kerkering was 5-1 with a 1.78 ERA in 55 relief appearances, striking out 86 in 60 2/3 innings pitched.  He's looking to become the first Phillies pitcher to make his debut in September and play in the postseason since Marty Bystrom did it in 1980.  The Phillies were obviously aware of this comparison, assigning Kerkering uniform #50, the same number worn by Bystrom.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2023 Topps Now #915
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #1
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  2 as of 9/26/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist

2023 Chachi #56

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2023 Chachi #55 Bryce Harper HL / 2023 Chachi #57 Phils Clinch Wild Card HL

Pirates at Phillies: September 26th to September 28th

2014 Topps Heritage #34

2023 Chachi 1965 Topps Missing Links #6

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

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies hope to secure a postseason spot with a win tonight against the Pirates.  On Wednesday, all kids receive a Phillies friendship bracelet, and on Thursday, all fans will receive a 2024 schedule magnet.  (They must have had some of these left over from Sunday's game.)

Pirates Leaders 74-82
4th Place in the N.L. Central, 14 games behind the Brewers

Pirates Probables
Mitch Keller (13-9, 4.25)
Johan Oviedo (9-14, 4.12)
Luis Ortiz (4-5, 4.96)

Pirates Leaders
Average:  Ke'Bryan Hayes - .276
Runs:  Bryan Reynolds - 82
Home Runs:  Jack Suwinski - 26
RBIs:  Bryan Reynolds - 82
Stolen Bases:  Ji Hwan Bae - 24

Wins:  Mitch Keller - 13
ERA:  Johan Oviedo - 4.12

Strikeouts:  Mitch Keller - 204
Saves:  David Bednar - 37

Phillies 87-69
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 13 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.57)
Ranger Suarez (4-6, 3.89)
Zack Wheeler (13-6, 3.64)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .292
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 105
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Nick Castellanos - 106
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 30

Wins:  Taijuan Walker - 15
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.64

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 207
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 23

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Game 156 - Sanchez Dominates Mets Completing Series Sweep

2021 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #26

Phillies 5, Mets 2
Game 156 - Sunday Night, September 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 87-69, 2nd Place, 13 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez was phenomenal and Nick Castellanos hit his 29th home run of the season in this 5-2 win over the Mets, completing a four-game sweep.

What It Means:  What was originally supposed to be an afternoon game was pushed to a night game as wet weather continued to move through our area all day Sunday.  A Marlins or Cubs loss earlier in the day, coupled with a Phillies win in this game, would have clinched a postseason berth.  Unfortunately, both the Marlins and Cubs won, meaning the Phillies would have to delay a celebration by a few days.

What Happened:  Sanchez went seven strong innings and had no-hit the Mets until DJ Stewart singled with two outs in the fifth.  Sanchez allowed two runs on three hits while striking out 10 and allowing only one walk.  Orion Kerkering made his big league debut in the eighth, striking out a pair of Mets batters.  It was quite the moment for Kerkering, who began the season pitching for Low-A Clearwater.  Michael Lorenzen, trying to figure it out, was given the ninth inning and earned the save.

The Phillies plated four runs in the fourth inning courtesy of a two-run single from J.T. Realmuto and Castellanos' two-run home run.  They added a run in the fifth when Bryce Harper singled home Trea Turner, who had doubled to reach.

Featured Card:  I have only four Sanchez cards in my Phillies collection, and this is the first card I added from the 2021 IronPigs team set.  Hopefully he starts to show up in a few 2024 Topps releases.

Field Report:  The four of us attended this game with seats in the Diamond Club.  We've made it a tradition to attend Fan Appreciation Day annually, although this year's celebration was a little anti-climatic given there's still a week left in the regular season.  Still, we enjoyed our dinner at Pass & Stow and Ben was the lucky recipient of a Bryson Stott foul day when a fan behind us corralled the ball and graciously handed it over to Ben.  Ben, being the excellent little brother that he is, has since relinquished the ball to Doug and his collection.  Before departing the ballpark, we made a quick visit to Scott Rolen's newly hung Wall of Fame plaque.

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Game 155 - Harper, Offense Dismantle Mets in Win

2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photo Cards

Phillies 7, Mets 5
Game 155 - Saturday Afternoon, September 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 86-69, 2nd Place, 13 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Playing in a windy, steady mist, Bryce Harper drove home three runs to support Zack Wheeler's outing as the Phillies overcame the Mets, 7-5.

What It Means:  If the Phillies win on Sunday AND the Marlins OR the Cubs lose, the Phillies will clinch a postseason spot.

What Happened:  Wheeler won his 13th, allowing five runs (three earned) over seven innings, while striking out six.  Gregory Soto and Jose Alvarado kept the Mets from scoring in the final two innings, with Alvarado earning his 10th save.

The Mets were up 2-0 in the bottom of the second when Harper cut the deficit in half with a solo home run, his 20th of the year.  J.T. Realmuto then reached on a Francisco Lindor error, and scored the tying run when Nick Castellanos tripled him home.  (The triple resulted in a ball misplayed by center fielder Brandon Nimmo.)  Alec Bohm put the Phillies ahead with a home run in the third, and Harper provided some cushion with a two-run single to right in the fifth.

Featured Card:  This is Harper's somewhat rare 2023 team-issued photo card.  My hopes the Phillies would release a full set of 2023 photo cards have been dashed, and instead collectors will need to piece together the set through autograph requests or future grab bag purchases.  I have no idea how many of these photo cards were created this year, and my guess is the production numbers are much lower than in prior years.  I sincerely hope the Phillies return to selling their fantastic photo card sets in 2024.

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Philly Baseball Card Show Report - Rainy, Quick Trip

We weren't supposed to attend this show, as Doug had a travel baseball tournament scheduled for the weekend in the Toms River area.  The torrential downpour that started on Friday night scuttled those plans, so we pivoted and made the hour-plus drive to Oaks, Pennsylvania for the latest Philadelphia Sports Collector Show, better known as The Philly Show.

Our goals were simple.  Doug wanted to add a Michael Lorenzen signature to the recently released Phillies scorecard celebrating the pitcher's August no-hitter.  Lorenzen may not return in 2024, and this could have easily been the only chance to get his autograph before he moves on.  I wanted to add at least one Diamond Stars card and hopefully a few 1969 Topps star cards.  My massive 1969 Topps haul from March is still mostly sitting on my project table, as life and work have forced me to step away from my 1969 Topps blog for a little bit.  (I hope to return to it in October.)

We drove through a hard, steady rain, navigated our way through the confusing admission lines, found the not-well-marked autograph pavilion, stood in line again, purchased our autograph tickets and waited our turn.  I made an impulse Jim Thome autograph ticket purchase, as I wanted to have the Hall of Famer sign his Phillies Alumni photo card.

For the first time ever, I spent all my allotted money at one table and one table only.  Technically, it was two tables, but the two dealers from the Buffalo area were working together and even provided me with a joint business card.  From the Ed Hans side of the table, I found a Paul Waner card needed for my 1934-36 Diamond Stars set build, which is steadily plugging along.  From the Gary Nuchereno side of the table, I first settled on four star cards needed for our 1969 Topps set - all in good shape and very reasonably priced.  After we secured Thome's and Lorenzen's autographs, I went back and found 11 needed commons and semistars from the same dealer's 1969 Topps binder.

Doug spent his money on Ultra Pro supplies with nary a new baseball card purchased.  We were on our way out in less than two hours, me with 16 new cards for my two current, primary set builds and a Thome autograph, Doug with his signed Lorenzen scorecard and some much needed supplies.  We'll now rest up and get ready to likely do a little more damage at the next show in December.

Recent Memory Lane

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

Valley Forge 13 - March 2022 - Easy like Sunday morning, close to completing 1965 Topps

Oaks 3 - December 2022 - 1965 Topps set completed, dent made in 1969 Topps, Schwarber, Vierling and Stott

Oaks 4 - March 2023 - Huge haul of 1969 Topps and five Diamond Stars cards added

Oaks 5 - September 2023 - Thome, Lorenzen, only 26 cards purchased from two dealers

Game 154 - Rolen Returns, Bohm Walks It Off

Phillies 5, Mets 4 (10 Innings)
Game 154 - Friday Night, September 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 85-69, 2nd Place, 14 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Mets' attempted comeback fell short when Alec Bohm singled home Trea Turner to give the Phillies a 5-4 walk-off win.

What It Means:  The Magic Number to clinch a postseason berth is three.

What Happened:  The Phillies took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the sixth when J.T. Realmuto hit a three-run home run, his 20th of the season.  Kyle Schwarber singled home Johan Rojas in the seventh for an insurance run.  Francisco Lindor hit a solo home run off Gregory Soto in the eighth, bringing the Mets to within a run.  In the ninth, and with Craig Kimbrel on the mound trying to close it out, Brett Baty stunned the crowd with a game-tying solo home run.

With the game in extra innings, Seranthony Dominguez worked out of a mostly self-created bases loaded jam, striking out Lindor and Pete Alonso to end the Mets' threat in the top of the 10th.  With Turner at second as the ghost runner in the bottom of the 10th, Bohm laced his single to right, scoring the winning run and starting yet another on-field celebration.

Featured Card/Field Report:  Jenna, Doug and I braved the windy weather and attended this game, solely to see Scott Rolen officially inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame in a pregame ceremony.  Rolen had a scheduling conflict and couldn't attend Alumni Weekend in August.  My feelings toward Rolen have softened over the years, and the bitterness I felt when he unceremoniously left Philadelphia in 2002 has dissipated over time.  His speech was on the mark and sincere and the cheers from the early-arriving fans outweighed the few boos.  Former teammates Wayne Gomes, Mark Grace, Kevin Sefick, Rico Brogna, Kevin Jordan and a few others I couldn't quite place were on hand.  The card shown above shows the Wall of Famers who were in attendance for the ceremony.

Doug staked out the alumni suite within the Hall of Fame club, and his patience was rewarded when Rolen came through and signed for the autograph seekers assembled there.  Rolen signed Doug's Wall of Fame print, which joined his quickly growing, and impressive collection.  Shake Shack was on the menu for all of us, and I continue to be underwhelmed by their burgers.  I think I'm in the minority?

Transaction:  The Phillies purchased the contract of Orion Kerkering (rhp) a 22-year-old 5th round draft pick from 2022 who began the season at Low-A Clearwater.  Kerkering has shot up through the system quickly, having been recently promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.  Yunior Marte (rhp) was sent down to Lehigh Valley and Drew Ellis (inf) was designated for assignment to make room for Kerkering on the 40-man roster.

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

Game 153 - Castellanos (Again) Leads the Phils to Victory

2022 Topps Stadium Club #17

Phillies 5, Mets 4
Game 153 - Thursday Night, September 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 84-69, 2nd Place, 14 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Castellanos homered again and had four RBIs in this 5-4 series opening win against the Mets.

What It Means:  Castellanos became the first Phillies player to cross the 100-RBI threshold in 2023.  Kyle Schwarber joined him on Friday night, and Alec Bohm is close with 94 RBIs and eight games remaining.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez picked up his fourth win, pitching 6 2/3 innings and allowing four runs on five hits while striking out six.  The somewhat surprising back-end of the bullpen trio of Jeff Hoffman, Craig Kimbrel and Jose Alvarado closed it out, with Alvarado recording his ninth save.

Nick Castellanos had a two-run single in the first, giving the Phillies a quick 2-0 lead.  The Mets tied the game at 2-2 in the second, but Alec Bohm would un-tie it a solo home run in the third.  Castellanos added a sacrifice fly in the same inning to put the Phillies up, 4-2.  After the Mets tied it up again, 4-4 in the sixth, Castellanos launched a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth, his 28th of the season.

Featured Card:  Another win, another Castellanos baseball card.  This is from last year's Topps Stadium Club set, which I've never really had a chance to feature as the set wasn't released until December.

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

Game 152 - The Nick Castellanos Game (2023 Edition)

2022  Topps Update
Image Variation #US266

Phillies 6, Braves 5 (10 Innings)
Game 152 - Wednesday Afternoon, September 20th in Atlanta
Record - 83-69, 2nd Place, 14 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Castellanos hit a pair of home runs and made a game-saving (and probably ill-advised) catch and throw-out at home as the Phillies prevailed over the Braves in 10 innings.

What It Means:  The Phillies impressively took two out of three from the pennant-winning Braves, and they headed home for a four-game weekend series against the Mets.

What Happened:  Castellanos' first home run, a solo shot in the second, was his 26th of the year and gave the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  His second home run, this one a two-run blast, gave the Phillies a 4-0 lead.  The Braves scored a few times off Phillies' starter Aaron Nola, who departed after six innings with the score, 4-2.  Nola struck out eight in his outing.

In the eighth, and with the reliable Jeff Hoffman on the mound, Ozzie Albies doubled and scored on Austin Riley's RBI single.  Hoffman yielded to Gregory Soto who allowed an RBI double to Marcell Ozuna, tying the game, 4-4.  In the ninth, Craig Kimbrel issued a lead-off walk to Sean Murphy and former Phillie Luke Williams came in to pinch-run for Murphy.  Williams stole second and third base.  With two outs, Orlando Arcia lofted a fly ball into foul territory that likely should have been dropped.  But Castellanos opted to catch the ball, spinning and unleashing a perfect throw to catcher Garrett Stubbs, cutting down Williams at the plate and prolonging the game.

Bryson Stott doubled home two runs in the top of the 10th and Matt Strahm eventually closed it out, giving the Phillies a 6-5 win. 

Featured Card:  Castellanos' clutch hitting this season has meant I need to dig deeper for cards to feature in these game summary posts.  This is his image variation card from last year's Topps Update set.

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

Mets at Phillies: September 21st to September 24th

1965 Topps #187

2014 Topps Heritage #57

Thursday 7:15, Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Unbelievably, this is the final regular season homestead of the Phillies' 2023 season.  Tomorrow night, Scott Rolen will be officially inducted onto the Phillies Wall of Fame and there will be a pregame ceremony honoring Rolen.  Sunday is fan appreciation day, and all fans will receive a 2024 schedule magnet.

Mets 71-81
4th Place in the N.L. East, 26 games behind the Braves

Mets Probables
David Peterson (3-8, 5.22)
Tylor Megill (8-8, 4.94)
Jose Quintana (3-5, 3.02)
Jose Butto (1-2, 3.09)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Brandon Nimmo - .272
Runs:  Francisco Lindor - 99
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 45
RBIs:  Pete Alonso - 114
Stolen Bases:  Francisco Lindor - 28

Wins:  Kodai Senga - 12
ERA:  Kodai  Senga - 2.96

Strikeouts:  Kodai Senga - 194
Saves:  Adam Ottavino - 11

Phillies 83-69
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 14 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (3-6, 3.80)
Taijuan Walker (15-5, 4.40)
Zack Wheeler (12-6, 3.63)
Cristopher Sanchez (2-5, 3.55)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .287
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 103
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber - 99
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 29

Wins:  Taijuan Walker - 15
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.63

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 201
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 23

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