Bats Of Baseball

Chase Utley Extends Streak as Phils Take Beating

2006-07-31T15:33:00.000-04:00

Chase Utley singled in the sixth inning off of Marlin starter Josh Johnson to extend his hitting streak to 32 games.

The ball bounced off of second baseman Dan Uggla's glove and was ruled a hit.

Chase was than given the rest of the day off.

Phillies starter John Lieber got touched up early with two 2 run homers and the phils never recovered on what was a brutally hot day at Citizens Bank Park.

The final was 15-2 Marlins.

On another note, Rheal Cormier was traded to the Cincinatti Reds for triple A prospect Justin Germano, a right handed pitcher.

The Chase Continues

2006-07-30T21:37:00.000-04:00

Chase Utley extended his hitting streak to 31 games in the second game of a double header against the Florida marlins.

Chase singled to center in the 6th with an 0-2 count against him. Ryan Howard knocked him in with his league leading 35th homer of the year.

Chase is getting his hits in every fashion imagineable. Early, late, with singles, with home runs, bloops, and misjudged balls by out fielders.

Abreu and Lidle traded to Yankees

2006-07-30T15:55:00.000-04:00

Well, the Yankees just got better, they traded Abreu and Lidle to the New York Yankees. The Phillies are obviously sallary dumping. Hopefully something good will come of this in the off season.

Abreu has been with the phils since 1998 and has done nothing but produce. He is in the top ten of many categories in Phillies history and in all likelyhood his number will some day be retired.

Although he is sad to leave his friends and team mates in Philly, he will surely receive a warm welcome in New York where at least he will finally be able to be on a team that can contend for a title.

Abreu Pulled From Line Up

2006-07-30T15:00:00.000-04:00

Bobby Abreu was pulled from the Phillies line up at the last minute this afternoon, adding to the speculation that a trade to the Yankees was coming.

As I was watching the game this afternoon, the camera panned the Phillies dugout where Abreu was seen saying his good by's.

More later...

Utley Extends Streak as Wolf Takes the Mound

2006-07-30T14:18:00.000-04:00

Randy Wolf retired the first two batters he faced after returning from Tommy John surgery nearly 13 months ago.

He than went on to walk 3 batters and give up one run on one hit while exhausting himself throwing 40 pitches.

Utley lined to left on his first at bat on a good catch by Josh Willingham.

By the thrd inning, Wolf really began to settle in. But in the fourth he gave up a homer to Miguel Olivo who hit a screamer over the left field wall.

Olivo is very aggressive on first ball fast balls, and that is exactly what he received, and he delivered.

Wolf was than pulled after 4 and a third due to a pitch count.

Utley doubled to extend his hitting streak to 30 games in the fourth on a misjudged ball by the center fielder. In his next at bat he hit a triple down the right field line.

In the fourth, Aaron Rowand tied the game with an rbi double, and Mike Lieberthal broke the game open with a grand slam.

Abraham Nunez, had a two run single in the 5th.

In the bottom of the eighth, Rowand doubled in another two runs.

Ryan Howard walked 5 times, to tie a Phillies record, much to the crowds dismay.

That record tied Howard with Von Hayes and Dick Allen.

Phils took the win 11-5

Mark McGwire Becomes Eligibe for Hall Next Year

2006-07-30T13:08:00.000-04:00

The talk has already started as to wether or not Mark Mcgwire should be considered for the Hall of Fame next year.

Although it has never been proven that McGwire was abusing any kind of substance, and he retired before the scandal exploded in baseballs face, it has been highly speculated.

One sports writer when asked about the controversy that will be heating up around this time next year was quoted as saying "I know a bum when I see one."

I pesonally don't see him going in the first round, if at all.

What do you think?

Chase Utley Extends Streak in Phils Win

2006-07-29T22:13:00.000-04:00

Chase Utley extended his hitting streak to 29 games in the Phillies victory over the Florida Marlins.

Chase went 2-4 with a two run single and later a home run.

All together the phils trounced the fish putting up twelve and knocking out the D-train after two and a third.

Ryan Howard slammed a three run homer giving him the league lead with 34, one ahead of Albert Pujoles.

Pat Burrell and Aaron Rowand homered as well. Obviously the ball was flying out of the yard tonight.

On a milder note, Abraham Nunez was a dud at third taking over for the recently traded David Bell.

Phillies Trade Bell to Brewers

2006-07-29T11:00:00.000-04:00

The veteran third baseman David Bell was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday for minor league pitcher Wilfredo Laureano.

Bell was dissapointed to be leaving, stating he would miss his friends and team mates in Philadelphia. He said the biggest dissapointment was not winning while he was there.

Bell was in the final year of his contract, a four year 17.5 million dollar deal that he signed in November of 2002.

The two million dollar tab that he is still owed will be picked up by the Brewers.

General manager Pat Gillick said the move was a logical one since the Phillies did not plan to persue Bell in the off season.

Utley Extends Streak as Phils take loss to Marlins

2006-07-28T21:34:00.000-04:00

Chase Utley extended his hitting streak to 28 games in his last at bat in the eighth inning against the Marlins picher Taylor Tankersley. The amazing part is that the bat was taken out of Chase's hands twice. He was hit by a pitch in his first at bat, and walked in his third at bat.

Ricky Nolasco had a no hitter going into the 7th before it was broken up by Abraham Nunez of all people. He is batting 150% and is the 8 hole hitter. It was a cheap hit, but a hit none the less.

Brett Myers pitched a very solid eight innings giving up one run on five hits and walking one.

Ryan Howard homered in the 9th for his 33rd of the year, but to little to late. Phils lost 4-1.

Navy Leap Frogs Land at Citizens Bank Park

2006-07-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, here are some more pictures I took of the Navy Leap Frogs. They jumped into Citizens Bank Park on Fathers day. Check out yesterdays pic's as well.

Check back later to see if Chase Utley extended his hitting streak to 28 games. I'm sure he will, he has been white hot lately and currently has the longest hitting streak this year in the majors. Still not even half way to Dimaggio yet.

Utley extends streak as Phils Get Win

2006-07-27T16:01:00.000-04:00

Chase Utley extended his hitting streak today to 27 games. Utley blooped a single to center in the fifth inning off Diamonbacks losing picher Claudio Vargas.

Corey Lidle recorded his eighth win of the season piching eight strong innings.

Tom "flash" Gordon recorded his 25th save of the season.

Mike Lieberthal recorded the big blow with a two run shot.

Florida comes to town tomorrow for a five game set.

Navy Leap Frogs Storm into Citizens Bank Park

2006-07-27T10:25:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, check out these pic's I took at Citizens Bank Park on Fathers day back in June. These guys came barreling in from thousands of feet in the air and the way they maneuvered around the ballpark was a truly amazing spectacle. Feel free to click on any picture for a larger view.

The Chase Is On

2006-07-27T00:18:00.000-04:00

Chase Utley continued on his red hot tear tonight against the snakes blasting a 3 run homer off of Brandon Webb in the second inning. Utley also extended his hitting streak to 26 games. Phils remain 13.5 games back of the red hot Mets.

Phillies Swept by Mets

2006-06-16T08:57:00.000-04:00

The phillies handed another one over to the Mets allowing their division rival a 9.5 game lead in the National League East.

The Mets did what they do best, and that is score runs in the first inning putting their opponent on their heels from the get go.

This time the victim was Corey Lidle, giving up a four run first with the crushing blow coming from David Wright who hit a three run shot scoring Endy Chaves and Carlos Delgado.

Endy Chavez, the scrub that has been coming off the bench and killing the Phillies in the three game series doubled to knock in Jose Reyes for the first run.

The only thing in this game for the fans to get exited about was Pat Burrells two home runs. Pat Burrell has always killed the Mets with homeruns, and hopefully this is an indication that his bat is getting hot as the Devil Rays come to town.

Bird Hit by Pitch

2006-06-13T08:24:00.000-04:00

Talk about a game for the birds. Well in this case, for a seagull who decided to get a closer look at a pitch of a minor league player in Buffalo New York.

The bird flew between the mound and home plate and was pegged by the pitch, and it fluttered to the ground.

Fortunately, a beach clearing braw did not ensue.

The batter did however swing at the would be pitch and was called out on strikes. Being that it was the third strike, the batter ran toward first base only to be thrown out by the catcher.

The umpires collaberated on the strange turn of events and decided the ball was dead once it hit the seagull.

Unlike the baseball, the bird was alive and flew away under its own power and to the delightful applause of the fans.

Perhaps the pitcher thought the bird was stealing signs and pegged it on purpose.

In any event, this should make seagulls think twice about getting a birds eye view of a baseball game.

Trading for Dontrelle Willis

2006-06-12T08:44:00.000-04:00

The Phillies have a day off today after twenty straight games, most of which have been on the road. Tomorrow they begin a three game home stand against division rival and leader, The New York Mets.

The Phillies sit 6.5 games back of the Mets heading into tomorrows game, and badly need to make up some ground as their inconsistency has allowed for the mets to pull away in the east.

Going up against pitchers such as Glavine and Martinez, than having to face Billy Wagner in the ninth is no easy task for the phillies or for any other team for that matter.

Going forward the phils need to make a case with pitching in the second half of the season.

Randy Wolf will be returning in July and will definitely become a needed asset in the rotation, picking up some of the slack for the rookie pitchers the Phils have been forced to start.

Cole Hammels has shown good command so far. But with gavin Floyd being sent to triple A four games to late and Eude Brito soon to follow, Randy Wolf will be welcomed back with open arms by fans and team mates alike.

One more thing, if the rumors have anything to do with it , trading Bobby Abreu for Florida Marlin pitcher Dontrelle Willis may not seem like a bad idea after all.

Phillies Game

2006-05-22T11:27:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, I went to the Phillies game the other night to watch the Phillies take on the Mets. Check out some of the great shots we got. I'll be adding more each day.

David Bell argues with the umpire

Brett Myers delivers the pitch

The Philadelphia skyline

Can A Second Baseman Balk?

2006-05-09T13:13:00.000-04:00

Why yes, as a matter of fact he can.

I didn’t actually witness the event, but I watched it on sports center way back in 1989.

Here is the scenario:

There is a speedy runner on first base, and the batter hits a long fly ball to deep right field.

The man on first tags up and advances to second base safely.

The opposing team decides to appeal the play, arguing the runner on first left for second base too soon.

To appeal the play, the pitcher steps off of the rubber before delivering a pitch to the next batter, and throws the ball to first for the appeal.

Now, the second baseman is aware that the appeal will be taking place, so he decides to back up the first baseman, but he positions himself out of bounds.

The umpire calls the runner safe.

The manager of the team at bat witnesses this and comes out to argue that it is illegal for the second baseman to position himself out of bounds and argues that his man on second should be awarded third base.

The umpires agree, the man on second is awarded third base, and the ruling goes down as a balk on the second baseman.

FYI. The catcher is the only player to legally position himself out of bounds.

By the way, the player involved was not Ryne Sandberg, I just put his picture there because he is perhaps the best 2nd baseman of all time. I also considered Joe Morgan.

Bonds Gets Bonked

2006-05-04T13:00:00.000-04:00

Only one hour after Barry Bonds proclaimed that breaking Babe Ruths record wasn't all that important to him, he took a foul ball straight between the eyes during batting practice.

Bonds did receive some treatment in the locker room and was in the starting line up only to go 0-4.

I guess the curse of the Great Gambino lives on!

Bonds who is sitting on 712 home runs moves into Philadelphia this weekend, hoping to move into second place on the all time home run list.

I just so happen to be a native philadelphian and I plan to be at Citizens Bank Ballpark just in case there should be any history in the making.

I'm also anxious to see what the fan reaction in Philly may be should anything historic happen.

I'll keep you posted.

Rowand Rallies Phils in 7th

2006-05-02T22:05:00.000-04:00

Aaron Rowand provided the go ahead runs in the 7th inning with a bases loaded triple to go ahead 7 to 5 to beat the Florida marlins.

Jimmy Rollins started the inning with a solo home run that just cleared the right field fence, and in the earlier innings Ryan Howard helped out with two singles and two rbi's to keep the Phils within arms length.

Tomorrow night the phils take on division rivals The Atlanta Braves, a game shaping up to be a pitchers dual with Myers on the mound for the Phils, and Smoltz pitching for the braves.

Phils Win as Manuel Explodes

2006-05-01T22:56:00.000-04:00

The Phillies closed out their second straight April in a row with a ten and fourteen record, and as Charlie Manuel said, you can't win a championship in April, but you can sure lose one.

Fortunately, the Phillies started out their May with a victory, but not until Manuel lit a fire under the players butts for falling behind the Marlins five to one early in the game.

Not until Manuel unleashed his fury on an umpire for blowing a call at 2nd base did the Phillies begin to let their bats do the talking, scoring four in the sixth and three in the seventh including Pat Burrells homerun to deep center field, and Jimmy Rollins heads up play, scoring from third while the Marlins fell asleep on the field.

Dontrell Lewis suffered the loss, and tied his career high in runs allowed with eight.

Tomorrow night the Phils will be in Atlanta behind the 0-4 Jon Lieber, their supposed ace. We'll see what happens.

Honus Wagner

2006-04-29T10:24:00.000-04:00

Honus Wagner is considered to be one of the game’s greatest players. Breaking into the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1897, Wagner was an all around great player. He could hit, field his short stop position like a vacuum, steal bases with the best of them, and lay down a bunt for a hit or sacrifice almost at will.

Honus Wagner was one of the first five players inducted into Baseballs Hall of Fame. He lead the league six times in stolen bases, and at the end of his career, he retired with more hits, runs, rbi’s, doubles, triples, games and steals than any other player up to that time.

Sadly, today Honus Wagner is most notable for having the most valuable baseball card.

During his era, baseball cards were distributed along with tobacco products. Wagner, being a non smoker, forbid his card to be distributed along with tobacco products, because he did not want to support the use of the product.

Subsequently, because the card was recalled, there was less distribution of it than other cards of the time. Over the years, this lack of distribution made it one of the rarest cards in all of baseball.

Today, the Honus Wagner baseball card remains the oldest and rarest card out there, making it the Holy Grail of baseball cards.

Chase Utley

2006-04-27T22:13:00.000-04:00

Being that I am a Phillies fan, one of my current favorite players is Chase Utley.

Chase Utley won the starting position at second base during the 2005 season after the trade of a fan favorite Placido Polanco.

Utley is an all around good fundamentally sound baseball player. He can hit for average and power. He can steal, sacrifice, run the bases extremely well, and play gold glove defense at second base.

Chase, though not very well known at this point, except in Philadelphia, is most notable for his offensive capabilities. He arguably has the sweetest swing in all of baseball.

Speaking of his swing, Chase worked at a batting cage while still in high school, and he likes to joke that he has been getting paid to swing the bat since he was fifteen years old.

Chase has also fit the mold of what is expected out of Philadelphia athletes. He comes to the field with a hard nosed, take no prisoners attitude who runs out every at bat like it was his last. And goes after the relay man to break up a double play with no holds barred. He will also sell out on the field to make a play defensively.

Without a doubt Chase Utley will be a staple at second base not only for the Phillies, but also at the All-Star games for many years to come.

Of course I am a Phillies fan, so I am partial to Phillies players. Please feel free to comment on this player, or take a minute to tell us about one of your own favorite players.

Holy Cow

2006-04-27T19:06:00.000-04:00

We all have our favorite announcers that we listen to during the ball game. That old familiar voice coming into our living room every summer evening giving us the play by play as we watch it unfold before our eyes on our television sets.

For many of the baseball faithful out there, we have grown up listening to that voice. And the man behind it is genuinely considered a surrogate part of many American families.

Wether we are tuning into our car radios or turning on the television set, we will welcome that voice into our personal space every time with open arms. We will cheer as his voice lifts with a great play by the home team, and we will sigh in despair as his voice mellows with the disappointment of losing a game, but optimistically reminding us of the game tomorrow.

Know matter what our age may be, we all have a memory, or memories of a great call to go along with a great play.

"The Giants win the pennant," "The Giants Win the Pennant"

Who hasn’t heard the legendary Giants announcer Russ Hodges call that unforgettable home run into the lower deck by Bobby Thomson securing the pennant for the giants. And whoever listened to that broadcast live can only be envied by the rest of us.

And who will ever forget Harry Caray’s ‘Holy Cow?" There’s a line that will forever go down in baseball announcer lore. He and that line are definitely one for the ages.

The announcers are a very important and integral part of baseball and have done very much for the sport with their personalities. So much so, that their greatness is now being recognized in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

If you would like to tell us about your favorite announcer or give us the details of a play that lead to a great and memorable call, please feel free to visit our blog and share it with us, we would love to hear all about it.

Babe Ruth

2006-04-27T19:02:00.000-04:00

George Herman Ruth, otherwise known as Babe Ruth, or simply the "Babe," is arguably the best baseball player of all time.

Considered a natural at the game, babe Ruth started out his career as a pitcher in the Baltimore Orioles organization. From there he was traded to the Boston Red Sox and excelled as a pitcher leading the Sox to three world championships.

The Boston Red Sox owner, Harry Frazzee, who was badly in need of cash, sold babe ruth to the New Your Yankees for $125,000.00.

And the rest as they say is history.

It is with the New York Yankees where babe Ruths offensive prowess is truly discovered, and over the next fifteen years of his career, babe Ruth rewrote the offensive record books.

Babe Ruth not only remains the standard for all baseball players to live up to. He also remains the standard for all athletes to measure themselves up to, regardless of their sport.

The On Going Controversies

2006-04-27T19:00:00.000-04:00

Although Baseball has never been a stranger to controversy. From the 1919 Chicago Black Sox, to Pete Rose betting on baseball, to Sammy Sosa’s corked bat. And now the on going soap opera of Barry Bonds suspected steroid use, it is in no way hurting in the ratings and fan department.

Why is this?

I think I have the answer, but of course, it is just my opinion.

Remember the baseball of the 70's and 80's, the days of the tight uniforms and relief pitchers being driven to the mound in carts that looked like big baseballs.

It was the days when a slugger only needed to hit 28 home runs to lead the league in homers, and the triple crown didn’t seem like an impossibility.

The days before anyone had coined the term set up man for the pitcher that came in in the eighth inning, and the only thing intimidating about a relief pitcher was his mullet.
Lets face it, and no pun intended, baseball needed a shot in the arm.

I mean who wants to go to a game and watch batters hit singles all day. I sure don’t.
Thank God for Maguire, Bonds, Sosa, Ken Griffey jr, Palmero, etc. Regardless of what they were pumping into their bodies, they made baseball exciting again.

And why is all the focus of suspected steroid use on the sluggers only? What about the pitchers? They are bigger and bulkier than ever, and more and more can rush a fast ball up their at 100 plus mph. Why are they not under a microscope?

If guys like Barry Bonds are going to be criticized for using performance enhancing drugs, than perhaps they should ban pitchers from having Tommy John surgery because it is considered performance enhancing surgery.

As you may or may not know, after this surgery, a pitcher always comes back with better velocity on the ball.

Cheating and baseball go hand in hand. From doctoring up the baseball, to corked bats, to steroid use. If a player can find an angle to improve his game and believe that he can get away with it, he most definitely will. Lets just hope they don’t all end up like Ken Caminiti.

Lou Gehrig

2006-04-27T18:57:00.000-04:00

Lou Gehrig was born on June 19th, 1903 in New York City, and was the only surviving son of his German immigrant parents.

Lou Gehrig attended Columbia University on a football scholarship. After John Mcgraw, the manager for the New York giants noticed Gehrigs exceptional athletic ability, he encouraged him to play baseball in a summer league.

From there he joined the baseball team of the university, the Columbia nine, where he pitched and played first base.

When baseball scout Paul Krichell saw Lou Gehrig play for Columbia, he was so impressed with Gehrigs hitting ability along with his power, that he signed him to the Yankee’s farm system in 1923.

Gehrig left Columbia to join the Yankee farm system in Hartford, where he batted 304.
That same September, Gehrig was called up to the major league level where he batted 423 in twenty-six at bats.

In 1925, Lou Gehrig became the Yankee first baseman for good, replacing Wally Pipp. He remained there for thirteen years.

Lou Gehrig went on to become known as the "Iron Horse" because of his consecutive game streak of 2130 games in which he often played with broken bones and back spasms.

During the late nineteen twenties Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig dominated the baseball headlines with their dazzling shows of offensive skill and power. Lou Gehrig also became the first player to hit four home runs in a single ball game.

Lou Gehrigs Disease

Gehrig played the first four games of the 1939 season before he took himself out of the lineup, forever ending his consecutive game streak.

Doctors diagnosed Lou Gehrig with a very rare degenerative disease known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which today is better known as Lou Gehrigs disease. He never played baseball again.

In one of the most emotional and poignant moments in baseball history, Lou Gehrig made his final farewell, calling himself "the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

Jackie Robinson

2006-04-27T18:56:00.000-04:00

Born Jack Roosevelt Robinson on January 31st 1919 in Cairo Georgia, Jackie Robinson became the first African American man to break baseballs’ color barrier.

He signed a contract in 1945 to play for the Dodgers farm team the Montreal Royals. He was brought up to the big leagues a year later to join the Dodgers in 1946, making him the first professional African American baseball player of the twentieth century.

Even though petitions were signed by players against this, sports writers declaring it would destroy baseball, and some teams threatening to strike. Jackie Robinson, being the true hero that he was then, and is today, stepped out onto the playing field, kicking open the gates for all African American players everywhere.

In the beginning, Jackie Robinson was harassed by fans and players alike. But in time, those same fans and players began to get a taste of just how good of a baseball player Jackie Robinson truly was.

Before you knew it, fans were coming out to the ballparks just to watch him play, and the players began to show him the respect he not only deserved, but also the respect that he earned.

In 1957 with his health in decline, Jackie Robinson retired from the game of baseball as a true American hero and future Hall of Famer.

In honor of Jackie Robinson’s historic memory, his number 42 was retired by all of major leagues baseball teams.

A paying tribute to one of the games greatest men.

Stadiums

2006-04-27T18:54:00.000-04:00

I started attending Phillies games in 1974 with my parents and two brothers at Veterans Stadium in South Philadelphia.

Built in 1970, it was the prototype of what the modern day stadium was supposed to be.
I suppose it was a big deal in 1970, but in time it gained a reputation as one of the worst places to watch a baseball game in the entire country and Canada.

The Vets’ reputation really went down hill as new ball parks began to replace the tired dungeon like atmosphere of the stadiums, and many cities were feeling the pressure to go the way of the classic ballpark.

Nevertheless, I had some great times at Veterans stadium, and I also have some great memories. Including attending a game during the 1980 World Series when we beat the Kansas City Royals.

I also attended a game during the 1983 World Series where the Phillies lost in five games to the Baltimore Orioles. However, Cal Ripken jr. was a rookie that year, so at least I had an opportunity to witness greatness before any of us new what was to come of that man.

I was also in attendance when Pete Rose broke Stan Musials hit record making him second on the all time hit list behind Ty Cobb.

And than again, some time during the very early eighties, I watched Steve Carlton strike out his 3000th batter with my uncle and two brothers.

Of course all of the great memories I have of Veterans stadium took place from the vantage point of the 700 level. But they are great memories all the same.

These days at the age of 36, I attend games with my wife at the new Citizens Bank Ballpark, and I now park my car in a parking lot where Veterans Stadium used to be.

Citizens Bank Ballpark is now in the beginning of its third season. So far, I have attended every home opener and intend to make it a tradition with my wife. I have also attended a good many regular season games thanks in part to my season ticket plan. Unfortunately, I am still waiting on some great memories.

I’ll write about it when it happens.

Favorite Players

2006-04-27T18:53:00.000-04:00

Through the years I have watched many of my favorite players come up from the farm league as rookies and have outstanding careers in the majors. It is kind of scary for me now to see players that I used to watch as young men now managing, or coaching third or first base.

George Herman Ruth, otherwise known as Babe Ruth, or simply the "Babe," is arguably the best baseball player of all time.

Jackie Robinson became the first Afro American to play in baseballs modern day era. He broke into the big leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Being that I am a Phillies fan, one of my current favorite players is Chase Utley.

Albert Pujols, The Rocket Man.

Most noteable for his baseball card and unfortunately not for his statistics, Honus Wagner has found a very unique place in the baseballs great history.

Aaron Rowand.

Barry Bonds closes in on Ruths record Barry Bonds.

Phillies Ticket at Face Value

2006-04-23T15:21:00.000-04:00

On opening day for the Philadelphia Phillies, my wife and I were anxious to attend but we did not have tickets.

The night before the game, we decided to arrive at the ballpark early with a cooler full of tailgating food and drink, and try to find a scalper that would give us a deal on some good seats.

Much to our surprise, there was not a scalper in sight. Very strange for the city of Philadelphia. Like twilight zone strange.

I said to my wife, why don’t I just try the ticket office? Maybe they have some standing room only tickets.

She told me it was a waste of my time because the game was sold out, which it was.
I said what have we got to lose? So I went to the ticket window to see if I could get some Phillies tickets at face value.

And sure enough I did. I didn’t even have to settle for standing room only. We got two tickets in the outfield and got to watch the Phillies lose in the cold and rain.

I was just happy that I was able to get my Phillies tickets at face value and not have to pay a ridiculous amount of money to a scalper.

What happened to the Blue Collar Baseball Player?

2006-04-22T11:06:00.000-04:00

I have been a Phillies fan my entire life. Although I was never fortunate enough to attend a game at Connie Mack stadium, I did spend a lot of time watching the Phillies from the cheap seats of what is now referred to as the "Old Vet." And now I currently enjoy the games with my wife at Citizens Bank Ballpark.

I can remember watching the Phillies win the World Series in 1980, lead by their take no prisoner’s coach Dallas Green, and the on the field leadership of Mike Schmidt and Pete Rose.

I can also remember the 1993 National League Champion Phillies with Darren Daulton behind the dish keeping everyone in line, Curt Schilling dazzling hitters with his brilliance, and Lenny Dykstra leaving a trail of tobacco juice everywhere he went.

The 1993 Phillies were a bunch of misfit throwbacks that nobody ever heard of with tobacco stained beards and long hair that made it to the World Series.

They had guys like Lenny Dykstra who was fearless in the outfield, and guys like their third baseman Dave Hollins who refused to get out of the way of an inside pitch regardless of how fast it was going.

So my question is, where have all the down and dirty blue collar players gone. I know for the most part that some are still out there, but why are there not more?

Now a days players are wining and crying because they got yelled at by the coach, or they are getting the tips of their hair bleached on their off days.

Players slow up when they hit the warning track instead of going all out for the bal. (Jim Edmonds excluded).

Even the take out slide is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Players are too concerned about covering their head and face than taking out the relay man.

Home runs are great, but it is also fun to watch players sell out on the little things that win ball games.

Where have you gone Lou Gehrig and Ty Cobb, etc.?

Albert Pujols, The Rocket Man

2006-04-21T10:39:00.000-04:00

On April third, my wife and I attended the Phillies home opener at Citizens Bank Ballpark. The Phillies were facing the St. Louis Cardinals. And what was clearly a win for the Cardinals on paper, was also a clear win for them on the field as well.

The game was at 3:05 EST., and though the day started with the sun shining, it wasted no time hiding behind rain clouds about fifteen minutes before the Phillies took the field.

The bad weather did not stop the traditional fly by, by the United States Air Force, nor did it stop the awesome display of the parachuting skill of the Navy Leap Frogs, who gracefully glided themselves into the ballpark to the wide-eyed amazement of the dazzled crowd.

But what was equally impressive on that chilly, rainy day, came in the late innings when the game was out of hand and after the former Phillie Scott Rolen got the best of the home crowd with a Grand Slam. It came when Albert Pujols hit his second home run of the game.

Even though I am a Phillies fan, I received nothing but complete awe and amazement of watching that ball leave the bat of Albert Pujols like it was a tomahawk cruise missile leaving the deck of a U.S. Destroyer in the Gulf.

I was completely amazed. I have seen dozens of home runs but nothing like this. If you blinked, you would have missed it leave the park.

I can’t imagine what would have happened if the upper deck of Citizens bank Ballpark had not gotten in the way of that ball. It more than likely would have ended up in the upper deck of Oriole Park in Camden Yard. It was headed that way.

Barry Bonds, No Asterisk in My Book

2006-04-20T20:41:00.000-04:00

We all are familiar with the scandal that is swirling around Barry Bonds and his suspected steroid use like a twister ripping its way through the great plains.
We all know, and I agree, that when he breaks Babe Ruths record, and if he goes on to break Hank Aarons record, it will not be as exciting as it could be had he not been using an illegal substance.
I have been reading lately about how sports announcers should handle the call if they are doing the commentating for that particular game.
Should they be upbeat, or low key? Loud and dramatic, or excited but monotone. I guess we’ll just have to listen in if we want to find out.
The only problem I have about this entire mess, regardless if Barry Bonds is guilty or not, is that using an illegal substance does not give you the ability to hit a baseball with movement and in the high nineties.
Sure, it can make you stronger and make the ball go further, but in no way does it give a player the ability to hit a baseball. It takes God given talent to hit a baseball at the major league level. And no drug in the world can give you this ability.
Barry Bonds is a great hitter, there is no question about that, and the adjustments he makes on a baseball to hit it over the fence are like no other players in the history of the game.
So say what you want about Barry Bonds. I believe that when he becomes baseballs home run king, there should in no way be an asterisk next to his name.