2009 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions #43 Cole Hamels

All eyes will be on Cole Hamels at 2:30 (or thereabouts) this afternoon as he tries to give the Phils a 2-0 advantage over the Rockies before both teams head to Denver for the weekend. Other Game 1 thoughts . . .

He does it all: Cliff Lee's stolen base in the 2nd inning yesterday was the first time a Phillies pitcher had ever stolen a base in the Postseason. In fact, he joins only three other pitchers who have ever stolen a base in the Postseason - Wild Bill Donovan (1908), Billy Loes (1952) and John Smoltz (1991, 1992 and 1995).

Rauuuuul: Before his two hits yesterday, the last (and only) time Raul Ibañez had a hit in the Postseason was during the 2000 ALDS as a member of the Seattle Mariners.

I saw it on the radio: Heavy winds sent tree branches and leaves flying around our neighborhood on Wednesday morning. I had deftly maneuvered my schedule to allow myself to work from home yesterday, which almost completely backfired. A tree a half mile from our house was apparently toppled by the winds, taking a telephone poll with it and wiping out electricity for most of the morning. I made an emergency trip to purchase eight D batteries in order to power up my college boom box just in case the good people from Atlantic City Electric weren't able to restore power in time for Game 1. Fortunately, electricity came back around 1:30 and cable returned right before 2. The batteries still came in handy as we lost electricity again for close to forty minutes in the late innings of the game.

2009 Chachi #67 NLDS Game 1/Cliff Lee

NLDS Game 1 - October 7, 2009
Phillies 5, Rockies 1

Cliff Lee played the role of staff ace superbly this afternoon, coming within one out of pitching a shutout in his first career Postseason game. Cliff allowed just a 9th inning run as the Phillies took Game 1 of the NLDS from the Rockies, 5-1. He allowed three hits to the first six Rockies' batters to start the game. However, between allowing a lead-off double to Yorvit Torrealba in the 2nd and a 2-out double to Garrett Atkins in the 7th, Cliff Lee was perfect.

Rockies' starter Ubaldo Jiminez (aka Ubaldez to Phillies announcer Larry Andersen), matched Cliff Lee's performance until the bottom of the 5th. Raul Ibañez started the scoring by doubling in Jayson Werth, who had walked to start the inning. An RBI-single from Carlos Ruiz plated Raul a few batters later.

The Phils added three in the 6th on the following sequence - Chase Utley singles, Ryan Howard doubles to score Chase, Jayson Werth triples to score Ryan, Raul Ibañez singles to score Jayson. Charlie Manuel had J.A. Happ and Ryan Madson warming in the bullpen in the 9th, but they weren't needed as Garrett Atkins swung and missed Cliff Lee's 113th pitch of the game - a 94mph fastball.

Rockies at Phillies: October 7th through October 8th

NLDS Games 1 & 2

Wednesday & Thursday 2:37

How they got here: Rockies, NL Wild Card; Phillies, NL East Champion

Rockies Postseason Appearances: 1995, 2007, 2009

Phillies Postseason Appearances: 1915, 1950, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1983, 1993, 2007, 2008, 2009

First Pitches: Dick Allen and Geoff Jenkins on Wednesday, John Kruk on Thursday

Prediction: Phillies in 3. Yes, I'm a homer.

Rockies Probables: Ubaldo Jimenez & Aaron Cook

Phillies Probables: Cliff Lee & Cole Hamels

2009 Upper Deck Goudey 4-in-1 #35-47 Phillies

The Phillies set their NLDS roster this afternoon with Miguel Cairo, Kyle Kendrick and lefty Antonio Bastardo making the squad. Sitting out this round are Eric Bruntlett, Clay Condrey and Tyler Walker. Kendrick was the hard-luck omission last year, as the team opted to go with J.A. Happ to fill the final 25-man roster spot throughout the 2008 Postseason. Bastardo was a surprise addition, but the Colorado Rockies are notoriously bad against left-handed pitching.

Perfect Attendance: Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins, Greg Dobbs, Chase Utley, Jayson Werth, Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Carlos Ruiz are the only nine Phillies to be included on the Postseason rosters in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Twins in 12: Congratulations to Nick Punto and the Minnesota Twins - the 2009 AL Central Champions!

2007 Chachi #69 NLDS Game 3/Jamie Moyer

NLDS Game 3 - October 6, 2007
Rockies 2, Phillies 1

From the Phillies.com game summary: The Phillies mustered just three hits, but one of those, Shane Victorino's clutch homer, had them deadlocked after seven innings. Philadelphia's bullpen struggles continued, though, as J.C. Romero surrendered the season-ending run in the eighth.

Jamie Moyer: "It's unfortunate. I thought this team had a chance to do some special things in the playoffs. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way."

Aaron Rowand: "We just didn't hit. The pitching wasn't too bad. The bottom line is we just didn't hit. There's a reason they're here. They've got a good pitching staff. They're a good hitting team.
They're hot. We just didn't hit."

Ryan Howard: "The experience didn't turn out the way we wanted. But you get in and get your feet wet. Now, we know what it feels like. We'll go into next year and want to go further."

Greg Dobbs: "It's a bitter taste, but we know what we're capable of. I think this will make us hungrier."

2007 Chachi #68 NLDS Game 2/Jimmy Rollins

NLDS Game 2 - October 4, 2007
Rockies 10, Phillies 5

From the Phillies.com game summary: Jimmy Rollins clubbed a lead-off homer in the first and later added three more RBI, but Phillies pitchers gave up a pair of four-run innings. [We attended this game, and we were less than pleased.]

Kyle Kendrick: "Today was the biggest game of my life, and for our team, and I wish I could have given more than I did today."

Charlie Manuel, who removed Kendrick to bring in Kyle Lohse to pitch to Kaz Matsui: "I don't think it was a mistake. I did it. I liked Lohse against Matsui because of his stuff. It was the second time I got him up and when I put him in, he was going to go to the sixth."

Kyle Lohse: "That's the wrong guy to throw a down-and-in fastball to. I wanted a fastball up and in. It ended up coming back down. It was on the inside corner, but it needed to be up about two feet. Bad pitch."

Jimmy Rollins: "No one is panicking, no one is down. No one is frowning, either. That's something we don't do. After we get that one, and find out how to win again, I think we'll get to two and three."

2007 Chachi #67 NLDS Game 1/Aaron Rowand

The 2009 Phillies are a completely different team than the 2007 Phillies. The 2009 Phillies are the defending World Champions while the 2007 Phillies were just thrilled to have made the Postseason after a 14-year dry spell. Before the NLDS begins tomorrow, it's worth looking back to the Phils' quick exit from the 2007 NLDS against the Colorado Rockies. Mistakes were made, lessons were learned, and the 2007 experience served the team well during its 2008 championship run. Bring it on.

NLDS Game 1 - October 3, 2007
Rockies 4, Phillies 2

From the Phillies.com game summary: Cole Hamels nearly matched his Colorado counterpart, giving up just three hits over 6 2/3 innings, but those hits all came in the decisive second inning, when Hamels surrendered three runs. The Phillies' only offense came on back-to-back homers from Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell.

Cole Hamels, who removed a long-sleeved red shirt after the first inning: "You know, I don't want to use that as an excuse. It's something where it was definitely hot out."

Chase Utley, who struck out 4 times: "[Jeff Francis] was throwing strikes with all his pitches, keeping the ball down. There's been plenty of times when we've struggled, but we've always fought through it. Tomorrow, we're going to come out and be ready to go."

Ryan Howard, who struck out 3 times: "I don't know why anybody is panicking. I'm not panicking."

2007 Chachi #58 Phils Clinch East HL

I don't remember with much clarity the Phillies in the Postseason throughout the '70s, or in 1980 or in 1983. I remember hearing stories of my Mom not being able to watch the 1980 NLCS against the Houston Astros and how she listened to the games from the next room over.

I clearly remember the Phillies clinching the NL East division title in 1993. I was 500 miles away in college and my Dad held up the phone to the TV back home so I could hear Harry Kalas call the last few outs of the clinching game against the Pirates. My parents videotaped the game and mailed it to me, so I got to watch the postgame celebration in my dorm room a week after the fact.

I was there when the Phils clinched in 2007. (I'm the better looking guy on the right, next to my brother-in-law, Andy.) Jenna's Uncle Tim had two extra tickets, so we gladly accepted them. Before the team even took the field that day, the Marlins scored seven runs against the Mets' Tom Glavine and the crowd grew more and more frenzied as each Marlins' run went up on the out-of-town scoreboard. A Mets loss and a Phillies win and the Philadelphia Phillies were the 2007 NL East champions.

With two outs in the top of the 9th, the Nationals' Wily Mo Pena watched as a Brett Myers' curve ball went by for a called third strike and the place went completely bonkers. Little did we know it would be the first of three consecutive division titles.

2009 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #10 Paul Hoover

Phillies 7, Marlins 6 (10)

And so ends the 2009 regular season. The Phillies topped their 2008 regular season win total by one game, finishing with a record of 93-69, six games ahead of the second place Florida Marlins.

With most of the regulars (except Jayson Werth) getting the day off, it was the seldom-used bench players who starred in today's victory. Miguel Cairo, John Mayberry, Jr. and Eric Bruntlett each had two hits in the game. Cairo's two hits were a triple and a home run, his first since 2005. Back-up-back-up catcher Paul Hoover singled in the winning run with two runs in the bottom of the 10th inning. Hoover's facial expressions revealed a baseball player in a state of pure bliss as he was mobbed by his teammates on the field. I love when stuff like that happens.

The Phils will have an off day tomorrow and a work-out day Tuesday before the start of the 2009 NLDS on Wednesday afternoon against the Colorado Rockies.

2009 O-Pee-Chee #528 Phillies Checklist/Citizens Bank Park

Marlins 4, Phillies 3

Not a great day for the Phillies, but we sure had fun at the ballpark.  It turned out to be a gorgeous day, and Doug brought along his Rally Towel, just in case they weren't handing out new ones at the gate.  (They weren't.)  We spent more time walking around than sitting in our actual seats, which is bound to happen when attending a game with an excited toddler.  Doug got within a few feet of the Phanatic and had the Phanatic wave to him, so the day was deemed a success.

On the field, the only highlights were home runs from Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth, and a perfect 9th inning from Brad Lidge.

Home Field:  The Cardinals' loss today guaranteed home field advantage for the Phillies in the NLDS.  If the Phillies face the Cardinals in the NLCS, they'll have home field advantage for that series.  If the Phillies face the Dodgers in the NLCS, the first two games will be played in Los Angeles.

2010 Chachi Set Poll

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Conclusion
In which a poll appears

1971 Topps #233 Larry Bowa
1974 Topps #214 Billy Grabarkewitz
1982 Topps #480 Steve Carlton
1983 Topps #780 Gary Matthews

So there you have it. The 2010 Chachi Set Planning Committee narrowed the choices for next year's Chachi set down to the 1971, 1974 and 1983 Topps sets. (The 1982 Topps set is also in the final four, but the chairperson of the committee has realized the error of his ways.) We think we've picked our favorite, but we're interested in the input from the readers of this blog. Therefore, I've added a poll (look left) which will remain open until the end of the World Series. I must stress however, the poll's outcome will not be the deciding factor in choosing the final 2010 Chachi set design. It will be a big factor, but not the deciding factor.

I'd also appreciate reader's comments as to why they chose a certain set over another set. Why did you vote the way you did? Do you have any special memories of collecting these sets? Is anyone as upset as Doug is about 1982 Topps beating out 1987 Topps? The Committee thanks you in advance for your comments and feedback.

2010 Chachi Prototype #SV Shane Victorino

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 16
In which the final candidate is revealed

The 2010 Chachi Set Planning Committee members were tired and ready to adjourn. I had left them in a state of befuddlement with the inclusion of the 1982 Topps design as a final four candidate. There was one final set to consider - the 1983 Topps set.

Pros: Two pictures! A clean design and a color scheme that does not offend the eyes. There could be an interesting 2010 Chachi insert set using the "Super Veteran" subset from the '83 Topps set. The set featured Record Breakers and Team Leaders and League Leaders and All-Star cards. Is this it? Is this the design of the 2010 Chachi set?

Cons: Again, I'm drawing a blank.

The Committee members are torn. We like the 1971, 1974 and 1983 designs the best out of the final four contenders.

Next: A poll appears.

2009 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions #112 Robin Roberts

Friday night - Marlins 7, Phillies 2

The Phillies phoned in another flat game last night. The only Phillie showing any life was Ryan Howard who went 3 for 4 with a 2-run home run in the 1st. It was Ryan's 44th home run of the season and the 2 RBI gave him the league lead again with 140. The Dodgers also lost, so the Phils remain one game behind in the race for home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Injured and Out: 2009 is over for Jamie Moyer (left groin surgery) and J.C. Romero (left elbow) and Chan Ho Park (right hamstring) will miss the NLDS. With the bullpen in shambles, the door has opened for Sergio Escalona and Kyle Kendrick to make the Postseason roster. The bullpen is obviously the biggest concern for the team as they head into the Postseason.

#36: I haven't had the chance to post any Upper Deck Goodwin Champion cards yet, so I thought I'd take the opportunity today to share my favorite Phillies card from the set. No Phillie has worn the number 36 in my lifetime, as the team unofficially retired Robin Roberts' number upon his sale to the Yankees prior to the 1962 season.

2010 Chachi Prototype #JB Joe Blanton

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 15
In which mistakes may have been made

Committee members stared at me with puzzlement as I presented the 3rd candidate for the 2010 Chachi set. Upon reflection, I now realize the pink and orange of the 1982 Topps design does not go so well with the bright red of the current Phillies uniforms. Doug, still upset at the removal of 1987 Topps from consideration, actually threw a Wonder Pet at me this time. It was probably justified.

Pros: The In Action cards? Moving on . . .

Cons: Pink, orange and red together on a baseball card.

2010 Chachi Prototype #GD Greg Dobbs

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 14
In which finalist #2, a possible favorite, is revealed

The second of the 1970s Topps sets under consideration for the 2010 Chachi set is 1974 Topps. This set has a soft spot in my baseball card collecting heart as it was the second set my Dad and I tackled after completing the 1975 Topps set. I purchased the majority of the commons from Diamond Dust at the Ocean City Baseball Card shows of the mid-80s. A huge chunk of the set was delivered by Santa on Christmas Day 1987. But the 2010 Chachi Set Planning Committee reminds me we need more analysis and less nostalgia. So we forge onwards.

Pros: More lively than 1973 Topps, yet in a classy way. The requisite team cards, leader cards, and Postseason cards are all there. There's the first ever Topps Traded set to use as inspiration for possible 2010 Highlight cards and there's the "floating heads" coaches cards. Most importantly, this set makes me happy.

Cons: I'm drawing a blank. Could this be the 2010 Chachi set design? Two more candidates await consideration . . .

2010 Chachi Prototype #JR Jimmy Rollins

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 13
The first of the final four

If you've been following along, you'll have figured out there's only four Topps sets I have not yet referenced in the previous 12 parts of 2010: A Chachi Odyssey. The 2010 Chachi Set Planning Committee chose the 1971 Topps set as the first of its four finalists.

Pros: Sharp, classic design and I love the way the red Phillies uniform contrasts with the stark black border. This is the set I'm currently collecting, and there would be a nice feng shui to collecting the original and creating the new throughout the upcoming year. There are plenty of subsets within the original '71 Topps set for my Chachi set subsets - leader cards, team cards, multi-player cards and Postseason cards.

Cons: How much 1971 Topps is too much? Will the black borders burn me out mid-way through the summer of '10? Also, it's a minor point, but I'd need to create my own record breaker/highlight template as the 1971 Topps set doesn't include a highlights subset.

Marlins at Phillies: October 2nd through October 4th

Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:10, Sunday 1:35

Records: Marlins 85-74, 3rd Place in NL East (7 games behind the Phillies); Phillies 92-67, 1st Place in NL East (6 games ahead of the Braves)

There's Only One October: The Phillies will use these next three games to prepare for the NLDS. Regulars will be rested, relievers will get in some work and the manager will start to piece together the components of the 25-man Postseason roster. Home field advantage throughout the playoffs is still at stake. I tried to figure out all the different combinations of potential Postseason match-ups, depending on which team finishes with the best record, and it made my brain hurt. In lieu of summarizing the possibilities, let's just go with that it looks like the Phils will play the Rockies in the NLDS.

Marlins Probables: Rick VandenHurk, Anibal Sanchez, Josh Johnson

Phillies Probables: Joe Blanton, Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ

1951 Bowman #51 Andy Seminick

One of the baseball card blogs I frequent recently closed a poll concerning former Phillies catcher Andy Seminick. 37 votes were cast in the poll and almost half the voters chose to vote, "Who's Andy Seminick?"

It would be difficult to answer this question more succintly and accurately than this passage from Boyd & Harris' wonderful and essential Great American Baseball Card Flipping, Trading and Bubble Gum Book:

Andy Seminick was the hardrock, fireplug catcher for the [1950] Whiz Kid Phillies. He was the one who directed - and catchers too rarely get credit for this - Robin Roberts, Curt Simmons, and the reliever Jim Konstanty to their best seasons. He caught almost every game, and hit a strong .288 with 24 home runs.

Please also see JayBee Anama's original Andy Seminick post for his tribute to this underrated fan favorite.

2010 Chachi Prototype #CL Cliff Lee

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 12
In which the Committee makes a difficult decision

After much deliberation, we finally agreed to remove the 1987 Topps set from consideration for the 2010 Chachi set's design. This one was tough, and there was some arguing for the first time among the Committee members. At one point, Doug threw a Wonder Pet and put himself into Time Out to cool off. No one said this was going to be an easy task. Finally, we agreed to remove the set, but only after noting in the minutes to the meeting that the 1987 Topps set will be the first set considered when the 2011 Chachi Set Planning Committee gathers.

Pros: Who doesn't like wood-grained themed baseball cards? This set would definitely look appealing representing the Phillies roster in 2010 on the Phillies Wall.

Cons: In the end, we just liked the remaining four choices better. It didn't help that this set lacks each player's position on the front of the card.

Coming next . . . the four finalists are revealed.

2006 Topps Factory Set Rookie Bonus #19 Chris Coste

Astros 5, Phillies 3

For the first time since Saturday, April 4th, when the Phillies played an exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Rays, I watched a Phillies game with no concern as to the outcome. Win or lose tonight, the Phils were still going to the Postseason.

In his warm-up for a possible NLDS Game 1 start, Cliff Lee pitched into the 6th inning, allowing three earned runs and seven hits while striking out six. The Astros' big blow came on a two-run home run by Miguel Tejada in the 6th.

Ben Francisco, getting a start in center, recorded a 3-hit night. Pedro Feliz added two hits and knocked in a couple of runs.

Whither Coste: Fan favorite and all-around good guy Chris Coste appeared as an Astro pinch-hitter in the 9th inning tonight, and he promptly grounded out. It had to be strange for Chris to watch the on-field celebration from the visitor's dugout last night after being a part of the first two clinchers in 2007 and 2008. He was waived by the Phils in early July and claimed by the Astros. Here's hoping Chris latches on with a contender next year, or finds himself somehow progressing towards his ultimate goal of managing in the big leagues.

2010 Chachi Prototype #JW Jayson Werth

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 11
In which certain contenders are eliminated

The 2010 Chachi Set Planning Committee next eliminated the 1985 Topps set from consideration for the 2010 Chachi set.

Pros: Another great set from my childhood. I like the way the newer Phillies logo looks on this card, and I've tweaked the color of the team name block from the original maroon to the more modern/retro red.

Cons: I guess the design is a little boring. When I was going over the Topps sets I wanted to use for the 2010 Chachi set, I automatically wrote off the '85 set in my mind. Trying to come up with the "cons" of the set, I'm hard pressed to figure out why I was so quick to eliminate the set. However, the committee has spoken and the '85 Topps set goes back into the pile for 2011 consideration.

2010 Chachi Prototype #RH Ryan Howard

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 10
In which certain contenders are eliminated

What two colors come to mind when you think of the Phillies? If you answered purple and green, you'll love the Phillies cards from the 1988 Topps set. This set is growing on me, but not enough to honor it with its own Chachi set in 2010.

Pros: It's got a basic design and I like the way the player's heads rise above the team name on the card.

Cons: As if the aforementioned purple and green color scheme wasn't enough, there were other factors contributing to this set's dismissal from consideration. The player's position isn't featured on the front of the card. The lack of many subsets within this set would make it difficult to create the annual Chachi set coaches cards, or the leader cards or the team card. Finally, there are just other Topps sets I like better.

2010 Chachi Prototype #EB Eric Bruntlett

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 9
In which certain contenders are eliminated

This elimination may be a little controversial, but the 1972 Topps set was given the boot from consideration for the 2010 Chachi set.

Pros: It's 1972 Topps. It's super groovy and far out. Can you dig it?

Cons: I'll be the first one to say I love this baseball card set. It's quirky, it's got bizarre subsets (Pictures of Awards, Boyhood Photos, In Action cards that in some cases display no action) and who could argue with the Electric Company vibe of the design? In the end, I just don't know if I have it in me to create a 70 to 80-card Phillies set using just this design. And the card fronts don't feature the player's position - a virtual must for any good Chachi set.

2010 Chachi Prototype #CH Cole Hamels

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 8
In which certain contenders are eliminated

The 1970 Topps set was the first to go as a contender for the 2010 Chachi set. This set intrigued me especially since the proprietor of White Sox Cards clued me in on the font most likely used for the set - a quaint little cursive font called Koffee.

Pros: I like the Koffee font. It's different and cool. The 1970 Topps set has a few of the requisite cards needed for a good Chachi set - the team card, multiple-player rookie cards for my coaches' cards, good checklists, leaders cards, even fancy black and white Postseason cards.

Cons: The design is a little drab, isn't it? If this is the design I'm going to be looking at all year on my Phillies Wall I want it to at least be a little more cheery.

2009 Chachi #58 Phillies Clinch East HL

Phillies 10, Astros 3

The Philadelphia Phillies are the 2009 National League East Champions!

Moments before Ryan Howard fielded Lance Berkman's grounder and stepped on first to end the game, the Marlins defeated the Braves to clinch the pennant for the Phils. The Citizens Bank Park out of town scoreboard remained frozen, electing to hold off on the "F" by the Marlins-Braves game until after the team mobbed Ryan by first base. The Phillies celebrated on the field, champagne was sprayed in the clubhouse and a recording of the late, great Harry Kalas singing his signature song, "High Hopes" played throughout the ballpark. Hard to believe.

For the third year in a row, the Phillies are heading into the Postseason. The franchise secured three pennants in a row back in 1976, 1977 and 1978, a few years before I was cognizant of baseball and the Phils. One of these days, I'll tell Doug the story of the night the Phillies won the 2009 NL East pennant while he slept soundly upstairs.

The Game: Kyle Kendrick pitched three scoreless innings of relief for the win, following the departure of Pedro Martinez after four innings of work. The two through eight spots in the line-up each had at least one run batted in, with Raul Ibañez leading the way with three RBI. In a somewhat symbolic gesture, Charlie Manuel made a pitching change with two outs in the bottom of ninth, bringing in Brad Lidge to get the final out of the game.

2010 Chachi Prototype #CU Chase Utley

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 7
In which past 1980s Topps sets are rejected outright

We've eliminated three sets from the '70s, so it's time to take a few sets from the '80s off the table. I'm looking at you, 1986 Topps. This just isn't an eye-pleasing set, in my humble opinion. What appears to be a take on the famous 1975 Topps design, but in black and white, just fell flat. It was a cool set when it came out, but the design hasn't withstood the test of time.

The same can be said for the 1984 Topps set. I loved the 1983 Topps design (foreshadowing), but I was a little disappointed the first time I opened a wax pack of 1984 Topps. (Undoubtedly brought home from one of my Dad's Wawa trips.) The 1984 design just seemed like a reboot of the classy 1983 design, but with squares.

The 1989 Topps set never even had a chance. For those of you keeping score at home, here's where we stand:

Topps sets already used - 1975, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1981

Topps sets eliminated from contention - 1973, 1978, 1979, 1984, 1986, 1989

Topps sets under consideration - 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1988

Next, the 2010 Chachi Set Planning Committee will begin to whittle down the "under consideration" list . . .

2009 Chachi Prototype #ST So Taguchi

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 6

In which past 1970s Topps sets are rejected outright

The 2010 Chachi Set Planning Committee felt the best place to start when choosing the Topps set to represent the upcoming 2010 Chachi release was to eliminate the designs we felt certain we wouldn't be using. (Doug felt the best place to start was with a quick run around the house with his Mater and Lightning McQueen cars, but we quickly realized this was getting us nowhere.)

The 1973 Topps set is a great set burdened with a boring design. Ditto the 1978 Topps set, although I originally toyed with the idea of using the 1978 design as the basis for the 2009 Chachi set. I had used the 1976 and 1977 designs over the past few years and I didn't want to jinx the team by breaking the chain. Saner minds prevailed and I realized the design I chose for the 2009 Chachi set would not change the course or the fate of the 2009 Phillies.

The 1979 Topps set is a also a great set as a whole, but I've always been a little bored with its design. Thus we eliminated the 1973, 1978 and 1979 Topps sets from contention for the 2010 Chachi set.

2005 Chachi #63 Checklist 1-63

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 5

I topped off the entire inaugural set with the only respectable way to end any good baseball card set - with a checklist. Sets followed in 2006, 2007 and the magical year of 2008. We moved out of The Crick in 2006, we welcomed Doug to our little family, The Phillies Room got a new (and better) home and the Phillies Wall continues to be updated year-round. Earlier this year, I took the plunge into the blogosphere and decided to share my creations with folks who would appreciate the home-made baseball cards a little more than the casual observer.

Which brings us to today. After my moving soliloquy, the 2010 Chachi Set Planning Committee is now ready to commit and forge ahead with picking a past Topps design to host the 2010 Chachi set. The following designs have been previously used and as such are out of contention for the 2010 set: 1975 Topps, 1976 Topps, 1977 Topps, 1980 Topps and 1981 Topps. Over the next few posts, we'll share the 2010 Chachi set rejects as well as the finalists for the 2010 set. A poll may appear, consideration will be given to comments received and the final design will be chosen at some point before the end of the 2009 Postseason.

That's right. I make my own baseball cards.

2005 Chachi #33 Ugueth Urbina

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 4

Thus the set was christened the 2005 Chachi set. In mid-June 2005, we had company over and they were given the obligatory tour of The Phillies Room (The Crick's first floor). As their attention turned to the Phillies Wall, one guest innocently queried, "How is it you already have a Ugueth Urbina Phillies baseball card? He was just acquired a few days ago."

I smiled casually as I responded, "Oh that? I make my own baseball cards." That's right casual observer of the Wall, I make my own baseball cards. Others wait for new players to appear on new teams through the usual baseball card channels. I wait for no one. I make my own baseball cards. I expected praise. I expected complete and total fawning over my mad graphic design skills. Instead, I received a skeptical look and a "Hmm, yeah . . . Hey is that a Jim Thome bobble head?"

Undeterred, the set continued to grow. Highlight cards were created to capture memorable moments from the season, team leader cards featured the year's best in terms of offense and pitching and I topped off the entire inaugural set with the only respectable way to end any good baseball card set . . . To be continued.

2008 Topps Update & Highlights #U250 Pedro Feliz

Phillies 7, Astros 4

And exhale . . .

A 4th inning Pedro Feliz grand slam allowed tonight's capacity crowd at Citizens Bank Park to wave their rally towels in the air, and wave them like they just didn't care. We stood and waved ours too. An RBI double by Jimmy Rollins in the 3rd and a 2-run home run from Jayson Werth in the 5th inning (his 35th) added to the night's offense. The win dropped the magic number to clinch the NL East down to 2.

J.A. Happ pitched into the 6th inning tonight, allowing just three earned runs, on his way to recording his 12th win of the year. Ryan Madson recorded a 2-inning save (27 pitches, 22 strikes) for his 10th save of the year.

Get Well Soon, Jamie: Jamie Moyer left the game after the 7th inning after falling to the ground with a left groin strain.

This Just In: The Marlins held on to defeat the Braves tonight in Atlanta by a score of 5-4. Ladies and gentlemen, the magic number is now 1.

2005 Chachi #11 Jose Offerman

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 3

The most vexing new member of the Phillies, who most likely would never be featured on a Phillies baseball card . . . new utility infielder/pinch-hitter Jose Offerman. The Wall now had too many holes, so drastic measures were needed. Then and there, I decided to make my own baseball card set. I would make it stronger and faster than the other insufficient baseball card sets. I would scoff at the 2005 baseball card sets as they were released without their Clay Condrey, Matt Kata or Eude Brito cards. My Phillies team set would feature them all, and best of all, I would create my new set using my favorite baseball card design of all-time - that of the 1975 Topps set.

Using basic graphic design software, a scanner, a little twine and spare coat hangers, the set slowly came together. Holes were filled on the Wall. The empty sleeve reserved for situational reliever Aaron Fultz now hosted an actual Aaron Fultz baseball card. No more would I look away disgustingly at empty spots dotting the 25-man roster. All I needed was a name for my set, my creation. (At this point in my narrative, I realized 2010 Chachi Set Planning Committee member Doug had wandered off and he was attacking his 1988 Score Juan Samuel card with Buzz Lightyear. I pressed on undaunted. Back to the Spring of 2005 . . . )

Somewhere outside The Crick, a motorcycle backfired (again). Our puppy Chachi proceeded to completely go bonkers-bananas and bark bark bark unrestrained at the offending motorcycle. The name of my set came to me then . . . To be continued.

2005 Chachi #1 Jimmy Rollins

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 2

It was a dark and stormy night in the Spring of 2005. We were still living in what we affectionately refer to now as The Crick. Our small town house was rattled nightly by the sound of our ill-reputed neighbors rolling what sounded like bowling balls down their stairs. In between sounds of backfiring motorcycles and rolling bowling balls, I struggled with a problem.

Since the early '80s, I had maintained a Phillies Wall. Either on a bulletin board in my 12th Street bedroom, on the back of a closet door or now in the first incarnation of The Phillies Room - otherwise known as the first floor of The Crick. The Phillies Wall faithfully and accurately reported the current Phillies roster seven days a week, twelve months a year using baseball cards of the current roster. If a roster move was made, the Wall was updated with the appropriate player's baseball card. The Wall never failed. The Wall was a constant. Even during the Dark Times of the early '00s, the Wall was updated.

Back to The Crick and the crux of my problem: I had little to no funds for acquiring new Phillies baseball cards at the time. I was hard pressed to update the Wall with recent cards of Placido Polanco, Kenny Lofton and the most vexing new member of the Phillies, who most likely would never be featured on a Phillies baseball card . . . To be continued.

2005 Chachi #00 Chachi Passaro

2010: A Chachi Odyssey, Part 1

With a precious few games remaining on the 2009 regular season schedule, and the Phillies clinging to their precarious lead in the NL East, the 2010 Chachi Set Planning Committee recently held its first meeting. The goal of the meeting was to decide which past Topps set should be used as the basis for the upcoming 2010 Chachi release. At its outset, the meeting did not go well.

Doug was insistent on using either the 1990 Donruss (with the original orange borders) or the 1988 Score design (with either purple or green borders) for the set. Jenna wondered aloud what a 2010 set comprised of just Greg Dobbs or Rheal Cormier would look like. Chachi preferred a set of just him in various states of sniffing, scratching or resting. I did the only thing I could to regain control of the meeting by reminding everyone present of the original purpose and meaning of the Chachi set. As I spoke, the committee members stared at me in rapt attention and with reverence as I recounted the definitive Chachi set origin story.

It was a dark and stormy night in the Spring of 2005 . . . To be continued.

1996 Best Reading Phillies #27 Larry Andersen

Astros 8, Phillies 2

Yorman Bazardo? Yorman. Bazardo. Yorman Bazardo.

Yorman Bazardo.

Cranky L.A., Cranky Jim: During tonight's ballgame (?) broadcaster Larry Andersen suggested the following line-up for tomorrow night's game - Andy Tracy at first, Eric Bruntlett at second, Miguel Cairo at shortstop, Greg Dobbs at third, Paul Hoover catching, John Mayberry in left, Ben Francisco in center and Matt Stairs in right. If nothing else, maybe it would jolt the regular eight back from their vacations. For the first time since the All-Star Break, the Phillies lead in the NL East is at just 4 games. The Braves are hot, the Phils are not and the magic number remains at 3.

And one more thing: Yorman Bazardo?

Astros at Phillies: September 28th through October 1st

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 7:05

Records: Astros 72-83, 5th Place in NL Central (17½ games behind the Cardinals); Phillies 90-65, 1st Place in NL East (5 games ahead of the Braves)
Played with the Astros and the Phillies: Per Baseball Reference.com, 87 players have played for both the Astros (formerly the Colt 45's) and the Phillies, including - Bobby Abreu, Larry Andersen, Rocky Childress, Gene Freese, Kiko Garcia, Greg Gross, Larry Milbourne, Joe Morgan, Yorkis Perez, Robin Roberts, Curt Schilling, Dickie Thon, Mitch Williams and Glenn Wilson

Magic Number: 3

Let's Go Marlins!: The Braves open a 3-game series with the Florida Marlins before finishing out the season with four against the Washington Nationals. Any combination of three Phillies wins or three Braves losses guarantees the NL East pennant for the Phils.

Astros Probables: Yorman Bazardo, Wilton Lopez, Brian Moehler, Felipe Paulino

Phillies Probables: Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ, Cliff Lee, Pedro Martinez

2009 Topps Allen & Ginter #183 Pedro Feliz

Phillies 6, Brewers 5

Things to do during a nail-biting Phillies game in late September:

- Try to read a magazine

- Update a few wantlists

- Watch The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland with Doug on his portable DVD player (his little TV)

- Take a walk with the family

I tried each of the four things listed above, none of which helped to alleviate the anxiety caused by a struggling Phillies bullpen and a lead of less than 15 runs. In the end, the Phillies (and the bullpen) held on to their precarious lead and Ryan Madson recorded a 4-out save for the victory. The magic number to clinch the NL East is now down to 3.

Jimmy Rollins started the scoring early with a lead-off home run in the 1st inning. Ryan Howard added an RBI double in the 1st inning and Shane Victorino followed with a 2-run double in the 2nd inning. After a 2-run single from Pedro Feliz in the 5th inning, the Phils were done scoring for the day. As it turned out, the team would need all 6 runs for the victory, and Pedro's hit proved to be huge.

Following a less-than-stellar performance by starter Joe Blanton, relievers Sergio Escalona, Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson held the Brewers scoreless through the final 3+ innings of the game.

Road Warriors: The win was the Phillies' 48th road win of the year, tying a franchise mark for road victories set in 1976.

Happy 60th: Happy birthday to Michael Jack Schmidt, born today in Dayton, Ohio in 1949.

1996 Pinnacle #73 Ricky Bottalico

Saturday night - Brewers 7, Phillies 5

Ricky Bottalico is worried. The current Phillies Post Game Live analyst has gone from "concerned" to "officially worried" about the team's chances to advance to the Postseason. In his post game post-mortem last night, Ricky opined that a lot can happen over the remaining eight games of the season. The way the Phils are currently playing (sloppily), things aren't looking bright for the defending World Champions, especially coupled with how well the 2nd place Braves are currently playing.

The Brew Crew won in walk-off fashion last night on Ryan Braun's two-run home run off ninth inning pitcher du jour Tyler Walker. The Brewers were allowed to tie the game on a two-run error by Jimmy Rollins in the 6th inning. Emergency starter Kyle Kendrick (Pedro Martinez still has a pain in the neck) didn't last through the 5th inning.

Joe Blanton and the rest of team will hopefully try to emerge from their slumber this afternoon, just in time to attempt a series split. The magic number is still 4.

2008 Upper Deck World Series Champions #PP-42 Pat Burrell

Friday night - Brewers 8, Phillies 4

I'm often hesitant to post anything following a Phillies loss. More often than not when I re-read these posts, they come off as cranky and whiny, which I guess is just an accurate reflection of my mood at the time.

I watched most of Friday night's game, but I didn't hear much of it. On Friday night, in Doug's words, there was "a lot of work people here." I hosted my annual end of busy season get-together and the din of our guests drowned out most of the carnage from the game. Cliff Lee did not pitch well and Brad Lidge gave up yet another run in an inning of mop-up work. The only positives from the game were Ryan Howard's three RBI and back-up catcher Paul Hoover's two hits in his Phillies debut.

Flashback: The Phils were experiencing better times during their last visit to Milwaukee in October 2008. On October 5, 2008, Pat Burrell's two home runs led the team to its first NLCS berth since 1993. And for the record, the Chachi card commemorating this event is better than Upper Deck's. Just saying.

2009 Topps Phillies #PHI5 Jimmy Rollins

Phillies 9, Brewers 4

I was almost starting to forget what it was like when the Phillies score a bunch of runs and make things look easy. Fortunately, the offense came alive tonight and the Phils defeated the Brewers, 9-4. The magic number to clinch the division is now 4. Jimmy Rollins paced the offense and his 3-run home run capped the team's 6-run 5th inning. Shane Victorino and Pedro Feliz both enjoyed 3-hit games in the winning effort.

J.A. Happ pitched into the 6th inning for his 11th win of the season. It was just Happ's third start in September and although he pitched well, his performance tonight won't be enough to bump Pedro Martinez from the Postseason rotation. And the bullpen struggles continued . . .

The defensive play of the game came courtesy of catcher Paul Bako, who masterfully blocked the plate and hung onto the ball after being run over by the Brewers' Corey Hart in the 6th.

Played with the Brewers and the Phillies: Per Baseball Reference.com, 71 players have played for both the Brewers (formerly the Seattle Pilots) and the Phillies, including - David Bell, Johnny Briggs, Wes Helms, Larry Hisle, Geoff Jenkins, Deron Johnson, Randy Lerch, Sixto Lezcano, Don Money, Dan Plesac, Bruce Ruffin and Dale Sveum. (This tidbit was unintentionally omitted from the series preview post from earlier today.)

Phillies at Brewers: September 24th through September 27th

Thursday & Friday 8:05, Saturday 7:05, Sunday 2:05

Records: Phillies 88-63, 1st Place in NL East (6½ games ahead of the Braves); Brewers 75-77, 3rd Place in NL Central (13½ games behind the Cardinals)

Champagne on Ice?: The Phils have a very real possibility of wrapping this thing up in Milwaukee. Any combination of Phillies wins and Braves losses totalling 5 get us there. The Braves open a series in Washington on Friday night, so I'll become a huge Nationals fan for the weekend.

Magic Number: 5. It bears repeating.

Phillies Probables: J.A. Happ, Cliff Lee, Pedro Martinez, Joe Blanton

Brewers Probables: Jeff Suppan, Manny Parra, Braden Looper, Dave Bush

1998 Topps #60 Mark Leiter

Marlins 7, Phillies 6

Original Post (Made Obsolete): It got a little soggy, but Ryan Howard's 4-RBI night and Cole Hamels' pitching led the way to another Phillies victory tonight. With the win, the magic number to clinch the NL East drops to 4. Cole scattered eight hits and four runs over seven innings tonight for his 11th win. He also added two hits and knocked in what proved to be the game-winning run in the 6th inning.

Ryan Howard's 2-run double in the 3rd inning started the scoring for the Phils, and his 2-run home run in the 7th inning ended it. It was Ryan's 42nd homer of the year. Raul Ibañez added a 2-hit night, which included his 33th home run.

Updated Post (Reality): I can't believe I waited through a rain delay and stayed up late tonight to watch Brad Lidge blow his 11th save. He's one blown save shy of tying the franchise record of 12 blown saves set by Mark Leiter in 1998. Crap.

1987 Topps #PR10 Greg Legg

Greg Legg's baseball cards are littered throughout the Phillies minor league team issues of the '80s, '90s and '00s, yet he never received a proper Topps, Fleer or Donruss baseball card. Greg made his big league debut with the Phillies in April 1986, and he hit a lofty .450 (9 for 20) in 11 games. In 1987, he appeared in just 3 games with the Phils in June. In total, Greg played only 14 games with the big club, but he played in close to 1,200 games with the team's minor league affiliates from 1982 to 1994.

This is Greg's 1987 Topps card that never was (but is now), using a picture from the 1987 Tastykake Phillies set.

2009 Multi-Ad Lakewood BlueClaws #30 Greg Legg CO

Congratulations BlueClaws! On Saturday night, the Phillies Class A affiliate Lakewood BlueClaws won the South Atlantic League Championship. In a possible foreshadowing of another championship match-up, the BlueClaws defeated the Greenville Drive - the Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

Top prospect Anthony Gose hit .407 in the playoffs, and stole three bases in the clinching game. He led the entire league with 76 steals in the regular season.

A cool side note to the title is that it marks coach Greg Legg's first championship ring in his 27 years with the Phillies organization. Greg was drafted by the Phillies in 1982 and he played briefly with the big club in 1986 and 1987. Since retiring from active duty, he's coached and managed at all levels of the Phillies minor league system.

2009 Topps Heritage #238 Ronny Paulino

Marlins 3, Phillies 0 (Game 2)

Phillies Pet Peeve: Where did the offense go? Why is it the Phillies usually follow a game in which they have an offensive outburst with a game in which their bats are no where to be found? The Phillies managed just two hits against the Marlins' Anibal Sanchez and Leo Nunez tonight (both hits came from Chase Utley), as they lost to the Fish, 3-0. Marlins pitchers recorded 23 total strikeouts on the day. Jamie Moyer pitched a decent game, but you usually can't win a game with just two hits. Marlins' catcher Ronny Paulino went 3 for 4 tonight in the winning effort.

2009 Topps Heritage Pet Peeves: Why is there a Ronny Paulino Phillies card in this set? Ronny spent Spring Training with the Phils, but at best he was slated to be the team's AAA back-up catcher, fourth in the catching depth chart behind Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste and Lou Marson. The Phillies traded him to the Giants before camp broke for reliever Jack Taschner on March 27th. On the same day, a few hours later, the Giants spun him off to the Marlins. Here's a short list of Phillies that could have been included in the Topps Heritage set in Ronny's stead: Ruiz, Pedro Feliz, Greg Dobbs, Matt Stairs, Chan Ho Park or J.A. Happ. Thus concludes this edition of "Pet Peeves and Things I Don't Get."

2009 Topps Heritage #293 Joe Blanton

Phillies 9, Marlins 3 (Game 1)

In a game attended by what appeared to be a few hundred Phillies fans and maybe a few hundred people who wandered in off the streets, the Phils handily defeated the Marlins this afternoon, 9-3. Joe Blanton threw a superb game, pitching seven innings and striking out nine while allowing just two hits and two walks. He won his 11th game of the year.

Before the 5-run 8th inning put this game out of reach, the big offensive blow was a clutch 2-run single from Jayson Werth in the 5th inning. Ryan Howard enjoyed a 2-for-5 afternoon with 3 RBI and the rarely seen Miguel Cairo added two hits and his first RBI of the year in a spot start at third. The win dropped the magic number down to 5.

Remember This?: The last double header the Phillies played in Miami was on September 27, 1998, to close out the season. The Phils lost game 1 to the Marlins, despite Kevin Sefcik's 3-for-5 at the plate with 4 RBI. The Phils won game 2 behind starting pitcher Carlton Loewer.

Phillies at Marlins: September 22nd through September 23rd

Tuesday 4:10 (Double Header) & Wednesday 7:10

Records: Phillies 87-61, 1st Place in NL East (8 games ahead of the Braves and the Marlins); Marlins 80-70, 2nd Place in NL East (8 games behind the Phillies)

Are you ready for some baseball?: The double header is a result of the NFL scheduling a Monday Night Football game in Miami last night, even though the Marlins-Phillies game was there first. It's the Dolphins' stadium, so they call the shots.

Magic Number: 6

Home Field Advantage: The Phillies, Cardinals and Dodgers head into the final two weeks of the regular season battling for the best record in the National League. The team with the best record will be awarded home field advantage throughout the NL Playoffs and will face the Wild Card in the first round. Unless the Dodgers finish with the best record, either the Phils or the Cardinals will face the Rockies (the likely Wild Card) in the NLDS. (The team with the best record can not face the Wild Card in the first round of the Playoffs if both those teams are from the same division.) In summary, the Phils could be facing the Rockies, Dodgers or Cardinals in the NLDS. We just don't know yet.

Phillies Probables: Joe Blanton, Jamie Moyer, Cole Hamels

Marlins Probables: Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez, Rick VandenHurk