Hunter Pence Bobble Head Night: It's Still On...

Hunter Pence SGA Bobble Head

The most notable piece of news to come out during the aftermath of Hunter Pence's trade to the Giants is that the Phillies will still honor the former right-fielder later this month (8/21).  The night was supposed to be one of the premier dates on the team's promotional schedule, selling out before the season began.  They most likely already have the figurines in production, and would probably cause more negative fan reaction by canceling the promo than if they just move forward as planned.  

While unusual, this is not the first time a team has kept their promotional schedule intact after a major trade.  In probably the most famous example, the Cleveland Indians still held Victor Martinez Bobble Head Night in 2009, days after the catcher was dealt to the Boston Red Sox. I am not sure what the atmosphere was that night in Cleveland, but doubt it will be overly festive for those in South Philly on the 21st.

Update (8/21):
The Phillies ended up handing out three different items at the game tonight: The Hunter Pence Bobble Head, a postcard with message from Pence to the fans and a surprise, Carlos Ruiz Fathead.  Not sure why they decided to hand out the Ruiz Fathead - wonder if there was some internal call for an alternate promotion that was discarded in the end.  Maybe a cheap alternative to satisfy anyone who was upset Pence isn't still with the team...

Giveaways from Hunter Pence Bobble Head Night

Poll #3: Phillies Phestival Booths Review

Approximately a month ago I posted a question asking readers to enter the Phillies Phestival booth numbers that had been assigned to them.  I went in with the understanding that the poll would have no statistical relevance considering our sample size would be a small fraction out of ~ 7,000 tickets sold.  Still I hoped we would get enough responses that tracking might give some insight into the overall ticket distribution and answer the question - "Are premier players distributed significantly less than reserves/relievers?"

Results:
Total number of submissions (multiple booths were tracked within one submission): 58

  • For example: I had tickets to six booths.  I entered all six and it counted as one submission.
Booths rank ordered by least number of tickets available were:


Booth Player/Coach % of Distribution
17 Lee 18%
7 Utley 20%
1 Ruiz 24%
3 Manuel 24%
4 Polanco/Valdes 25%
16 LA/Sarge 31%
19 Halladay 32%
14 Blanton 34%
18 Rollins 36%
20 Hamels 36%
21 Wigginton/Gross 36%
8 Pierre/Mackanin 37%
11 Howard 37%
13 Papelbon 39%
6 Fontenot/Billmeyer 41%
10 Mayberry/Nix 43%
12 Kratz/Samuel 43%
15 Kendrick/Perlozzo 44%
2 Savery/Diekman 46%
9 Bastardo/Horst 48%
5 Schwimmer/Dubee 51%

Summary:

So, what does this tell us?  Again, understanding there is little/no statistical relevance to the percentages reported above, and only based on the information put before me by the readers of this site, I can easily conclude: the Phillies distribute fewer tickets for "premier" players.  Below are a few keys highlights:

  • Of the top 10 "least distributed" booths - nine were for single-players, and the only one with two guys appearing was Booth # 16 for Larry Andersen and Gary Matthews - two popular, former World Series players.  
  • The top 5 "most distributed" booths included three coaches and five rookies.  
    • All was not lost with these booths for anyone needing Kyle Kendrick, Antonio Bastardo or Rich Dubee on either a 2008 or 2009 item (note: Bastardo for '09 only).
  • Based on both their position in the overall rankings, and physical location in the Hall of Fame section, I believe Booth # 21 (Ty Wigginton and Greg Gross) was meant for Jim Thome.  Many of us hoped to have him here for the event - and if you had a ticket for this booth, you may be a little more bitter after seeing this...
I don't think these findings are going to be a complete shock to anyone, but are interesting nonetheless.

My Collecting Story: Ghosts of Phestivals Past

The 2012 Phillies Phestival is taking place tomorrow night, July 26th, at Citizens Bank Park.  Over the years the event has become an annual date between me and my favorite Phillies.  For me, it's a reason to get out to the stadium, a nice way to collect some autographs, or see the projects others are working on.

Players have come and gone, and looking back over the past 15-20 years, there have been several great successes for my collection.  Thought I would take a few minutes to share some of my more memorable experiences from the "Citizens Bank Park Years":


Chase Utley - 2010

Item signed: 2008 and 2009 World Series team baseballs
Comments: These were "cash line" successes.  I waited about a half-hour without a ticket for his booth, hoping to have the opportunity to buy it for $10.  I got lucky, eeking in as one of the last fans through his line that night.  You cannot have either of those team balls without Utley, and cannot beat the $20 price tag.

Chase Utley autograph
2009 World Series team ball

Jayson Werth - 2007

Item signed: 2007 team baseball
Comments: Werth was fairly new to the team, and honestly with him and Wes Helms together I considered skipping his booth all together.  Between the two players was a huge bag of popcorn that JW was digging into before signing each item, barely acknowledging the fans "lucky enough" to have his booth.  Both he and Helms signed my ball and as we walked away my wife said, "That guy is really gross." Not sure which one she was talking about, never asked...

I think that spot is from their popcorn butter...

2007 Phillies Team Signed Ball

Cory Lidle - 2006

Item signed: 2006 team baseball
Comments: This interaction didn't mean much to me at the time, but it was something I kept thinking back to a couple months later after his sudden death.  Lidle had been with the Phillies the previous year, and was a nice part of the team - definitely worth having on my team ball, but not someone I would have gone out of my way to get.  His booth was coupled with Charlie Manuel and the two of them took a minute to comment on the other guys who had signed the ball so far.  Great example of a personal interaction sticking with you for years.

2006 Phillies Team Signed Ball


Cliff Lee - 2011
Item signed: 2009 World Series team baseball, 2009 World Series print and SS ROMLB
Comments: Like many Phillies fans, Cliff Lee won me over with his performance in 2009, and going into last year's event, he was tops on my want list.

I was waiting in the Brad Lidge "cash line" when I noticed Lee had already zipped through the people waiting with tickets and they were now emptying HIS cash line. I jumped lines and for $30 was able to get a couple nice pieces related to the 2009 World Series signed.

Cliff Lee - SS ROMLB


If you are on Twitter and going to the Phestival, or want to follow the action - there is a list where user tweets can be monitored: Phillies Phestival List

Phillies TTM: Week of 7/16/12

It was a vintage TTM week.  Three pre-1970 themed returns...

1960 Sports Illustrated cover - Jim Woods

I have gone pretty deep into the surviving 1960 Phillies roster.  The latest addition, infielder Jim Woods appeared in 11 games during the season and may be best known to Phillies fans as one of the guys the team got for Richie Ashburn. Mr. Woods included a hand-written note commenting on his post-baseball career working for Pan-Am airlines and noting 1960 was a tough year for the Phils.  It was a cool addition to the success.

Two guys I still want to get before closing this project out are Art Mahaffey and Bobby Wine.  I think I'll be able to catch up with them next month...

1960 Sports Illustrated -
Team signed cover


1966 Sports Illustrated cover - Dick Groat

I have admired this SI cover for a long time, and figured it would look great signed if I ever tracked down a copy.  Immediately after finding (and buying) it at a flea market two weeks ago, it was in the mail.  I mentioned in my request letter that I enjoyed watching the MLB Network special on the 1960 World Series (last fall).  Mr. Groat must have been paying attention - he added a really nice '1960 NL MVP' inscription for me.

1966 Sports Illustrated -
Dick Groat

New project - 1950's era Phillies 8x10 - Putsy Caballero

I printed this 8x10 photo of Connie Mack Stadium out a couple weeks ago.  I like the picture, just wasn't sure what I would do with it.  Initially the idea was to get "guys who played there" to sign, but changed it to "guys who played there during the 1950s".  Whiz Kid, Ralph "Putsy" Caballero is my first success.  I have it out to his NL Championship teammate, Bob Miller now.

Connie Mack Stadium photo -
Putsy Caballero

Collectible of the Week: 2007 Cole Hamels SGA Bobble Head

Cole Hamels  - 2007 Home Uniform Bobble Head with packaging

The Phillies held a "Christmas in July" promotion on July 25, 2007.  Cole Hamels started, and after the bullpen blew the game (that sounds familiar) the Phillies ended up pulling it out 7-4 behind Ryan Howard's 14th inning, two-run home run.  Historically speaking, the Phils' season was at a crossroads.  Chase Utley had just broken his hand, and with the Tad Iguchi trade still two days away things could have really gone downhill.  Of course, Iguchi came in and batted .300 over 45 games and the Phillies began their current streak of NL Eastern Division Championships.

Despite the on-field turmoil, the team had a strong promotional schedule for the 2007 season.  Some of the highlights included the Ryan Howard MVP bobble head, the Victorino "Hula" figurine, the Phanatic bobble belly and the classic "College" t-shirt.  For the Christmas in July celebration, all fans attending the game against the Washington Nationals were given the home uniform Cole Hamels bobble head.  The box featured the play on words - "Cole in Your Stocking."

Vital Stats:

Production run - 43k+
Manufacturer - Evolving Branded Merchandise
Sponsor - American Red Cross
Approximate value - Found online anywhere between $30-60


Cole Hamels Road Uniform Variant Bobble Head

Cole Hamels 2007
Away Uniform Variant 
Vital stats:

Production run - 1,500
Manufacturer - Evolving Branded Merchandise
Sponsor - American Red Cross
Approximate value - $100-125

Comments - One of the more rare figurines the Phillies have given away, this version was handed to participants of a Red Cross blood drive at Citizens Bank Park on August 18th (2007).

Auction Watch: Huggins and Scott Aug. Online Auction

Huggins and Scott posted the lots for their August online auction.  Below are a few highlights from the list of Phillies-themed items up for bid:

Kevin Millwood No-Hitter Game Used Ball (Autographed) #472

Auction Description:  This OML Selig baseball was used during that performance and subsequently autographed by it "No-No" author.  The sphere features a Veterans Stadium "final season" logo and shows game use in the form of light dirt.

Opening Bid: $100 (bidding starts 7/30/12)

Link to listing: Millwood signed no-hitter ball

Comments:  Personal connection with items in my collection is really important.  As one of the crowd on that Sunday afternoon I have several items commemorating Millwood's no-hitter and this would be a good piece to add.  $100 seems a little steep for a starting bid though.

Update:
Total # of bids - 3
Final bid amount - $130
Comments - I thought starting at $100 was high and definitely would not have gone $130 - but, it is a nice piece if you have a no-hitter collection.

Kevin Millwood GU No-Hitter Ball
(via HugginsandScott.com)

Figurine/Bobble Head Lot #1040

Auction Description: The "City of Brotherly Love" is the basis for this group of (5) Philadelphia Phillies figurines featuring (2) signed Ashburn pieces and (3) bobbing head dolls.

Opening Bid: $150 (bidding starts 7/30/12)

Link to listing: Lot of figurines

Comments: Though I have many in my collection, I'm not a huge bobble-head guy.  The two with round, green bases are from '62-'64.  Two versions of players were created during this time, one with the crooked cap, another with the flat cap - this lot has one of each.  The third was from the last production run of original Japanese bobbles, circa '65-'72.

My real interest is in the white uniform variant of the Richie Ashburn signed Prosport Creations figurine.  I have never seen this before - if you know anything about it, let me know!

Update:
Total # of bids - 8
Final bid amount - $250
Comments - I knew this would be a big hitter!  Still trying to find out something about the white uniform Ashburn figurine.  Great lot.

Ashburn Figurines/60's bobble heads

Phillies TTM: Week of 7/9/12

Two successes last week, including one sent to Clearwater back in March...

Phillippe Aumount

I bought this Heritage Minor League set over the winter and sent a few out to Spring Training.  I noticed several successes from him during February/March, but had to wait it out a few months to get this beaut' back.

Phillippe Aumont - Signed card


Denis Menke

This project was started during last year's Alumni Weekend.  With the Krukker going up on the Wall, I knew I was going to have an opportunity to get a few members of the '93 NL Champs during the weekend.  I ended up getting Kruk, Darren Daulton, Tommy Greene, Ricky Jordan and Milt Thompson and have been adding through the mail ever since.  Menke is a great signer and got this back in less than a week.  Total signatures up to 14 on the cover.

Denis Menke -
1993 World Series Program

My Favorite Cards: Mickey Morandini

During the core years of my youth, few Phillies were as big a constant on the team's roster as Mickey Morandini.  He will always be remembered as a member of the great 1993 National League Championship team, his unassisted triple play and Harry's great pronunciation - Mick-ey Mor-an-dini.  Below are some good cards from a pretty good name from Phillies history:


1991 Donruss, # 44

Comments: There is one rule in my book.  If a guy has a Rated Rookie card - it is his best card ever.  Bonus points for mullet and old school logo.
Mickey Morandini
1991 Donruss (Rated Rookie)

1993 Topps, #262

Comments: 1993 was the last full set I collected from packs.  Overall, I like most of the cards in the Phillies team set from this season.  Things I have always liked about this card in particular are the 1948 "turn back the clock" uniform and Vet background.
Mickey Morandini
1993 Topps

1991 Score, #376

Comments: This is a great example of the card images that seem to dominate Morandini's pro-card catalogue.  Is this a fantastic catch of a liner or a saved errant throw by Darren Daulton?  The world may never know...
Mickey Morandini
1991 Score

1993 Upper Deck, #285

Comments: Awesome back/front sequence that shows off the intense side of Morandini's on-field play.
Mickey Morandini
1993 Upper Deck (back)
Mickey Morandini
1993 Upper Deck (front)

Collectible of the Week: Jim Bunning HOF Induction Yearbook

1996 Hall of Fame Program

August 4, 1996 - The day legendary Phillies right-hander Jim Bunning was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The ceremony capped a three-year streak in which Phillies were featured induction class members following Steve Carlton ('94), Mike Schmidt and Richie Ashburn ('95).

While there are many different collectibles that are sold every summer during Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown, NY, the induction yearbook is an affordable classic.  Like a game day program you could buy at Citizens Bank Park, it is a nice keepsake of the event and makes a great autograph medium.  The yearbook for the class of 1996 featured a white cover with four colored blocks - one for each of the inductees (Bunning, Weaver, Foster and Hanlon).   

On the secondary market, programs from this era typically retail for between $10-$15.  Fans who have participated in the activities of an Induction Weekend are probably familiar with the practice of getting their souvenirs "cancelled" at the town's post office the morning of the inductions.  Having the cancellation stamp does not impact the book's overall value, but I like having it present - since it places the program at the event that day. 

Autograph Anatomy: Steve Carlton

Sample 1: Steve Carlton - Upper Deck Epic Signatures

Steve Carlton has been a baseball star since the late 1960's when he played on some great St. Louis Cardinals teams.  As a reasonably priced mainstay on the collectible show circuit since 1994, the previously "reclusive" Carlton has probably signed approximately 1,000,000 autographs in his lifetime - with surprising consistency.  This study will review a few signature variations present as his career progressed, as well as the consistencies in some letter formations throughout the years.  

"The S"

One thing that stands out when looking at his signature from his playing career is that the shape of the "S" in Steve is much different than the current one.  The loop at bottom of the letter bends downward, as compared to the way it loops up in a "smile-like" fashion today.

Sample 2: Steve Carlton

Single-signed ball circa 1987

Sample 2: Steve Carlton

Single-signed ball circa 1987

Sample 3: Steve Carlton

Single-signed ball circa 1998

"The t"

A big consistency throughout the years has been Lefty's formation of the lower-case "t" in "Steve".  Though sometimes writing in a more technically correct manner (see: Sample 1), he always skimmed the top of upswing with his cross.  Certainly a technique that would have cost him in handwriting class.

Sample 4: Perez-Steele

Great Moments  Circa 1997

"The C"

One of the most identifiable letters for collectors of Phillies autographs, Carlton's last name has always started with that unique straight line upward, followed by a hitch before starting the downward half circle of "The C".  

Here are a couple additional "playing era" examples from my collection:

Sample 5: 1972 Phillies Team Ball

Sample 6: 1984 Phillies Team Ball

Inscriptions:

Hall of Fame -

Sample 3 demonstrates the standard Hall of Fame notation Carlton uses - "HOF 94" with an "open" 4.

Cy Young Awards -

Sample 7 shows Carlton simply uses "Cy" (with lowercase letter y) followed by the year or years.  He will sign "Cy 80" for 1980 team, or World Series items (Sample 8).  Important to note that he never uses an apostrophe before years in his inscriptions - written 80 not '80.

Sample 7: Steve Carlton -

Single-signed "Cy" inscription

Sample 8: 1980 Phillies Team photo

Steve Carlton "Cy 80" inscription

Lefty -

The "L" has a similar letter formation to the uppercase "S" in his first name, especially the lower half.  I have seen examples of the nickname appearing between his first and last name, as well as underneath the "normal" autograph (as shown in Sample 9).    Also notable with this inscription is the break between the "f" and "t".

Steve Carlton

Sample 9: Steve Carlton

"Lefty" inscribed baseball

Phillies TTM: Week of 6/25/12

Not a lot to report on, but did have one success...

Larry Bowa - Wall of Fame Postcard

Larry Bowa -
Signed Wall of Fame Postcard

Really wish the Phillies would have continued creating new WOF postcards for each of the new inductees.  This set was created to commemorate Bob Boone's election to the Wall of Fame in 2005. Unfortunately, many of the guys who grace the wall are deceased, or are tough (free) autographs.  Also, players like John Kruk, Darren Daulton and Juan Samuel who were elected in the years following Boone are omitted.  I am slowly working toward getting the plaques from living members signed.  With Bowa I now have four (Simmons, Bunning, Boone are the others).

Twitter follower successes:

Two returns from current Phillies catcher, Brian Schneider

From @philschamps2008 -



From @bigrothy -

 

Poll #3: What Phestival Booth Did You Pull?

I received my tickets to the 2012 Phillies Phestival in the mail today and am happy to say that none of the  eight autograph booths were duplicates (which has happened before).  There were a good mix of high and low numbers, whatever that means.

The Phillies will not disclose the list of players who will appear in any specific booth number - so, thought it might be fun to see if we could make any best guesses of which booths are "premier players" based on the number of tickets distributed.  For example, we might assume that the number of tickets available for Roy Halladay will be limited, while the booth with Greg Gross and Mick Billmeyer will be more widely distributed.  (Note: I have no knowledge that these assumptions are true, and this poll is certainly not scientific)

Next time you visit the site, make sure to log your booth numbers in the poll and we'll put my theory to the test.  Thanks for participating!

Auction Watch: Reviewing My eBay Watch List

Thought I would take a few minutes to review some of the Phillies collectibles I recently followed on my eBay Watch List...


1971 Opening Day at Veterans Stadium Program




Auction End Date: 6/13/12
Ending Bid Amount: $17.50
Number of Bids: 7

Comments: Must have program for any paper collectors.  This edition was unscored and in good condition.  Based on other lots I have seen sell online over the past few years, I would estimate the value for the program at $20, so at $17.50 this auction was a deal.

2004 Sportsclix Phillies Team Set 





Auction End Date: 5/30/12
Ending Bid Amount: Did Not Sell
Number of Bids: 0

Comments:  Created as part of a game, this set has the classic names of the early-2000's Phillies: Lieberthal, Thome, Abreu and Bell.  There are nine Phillies in the base set, with "B" set inclusions of Thome and Kevin Millwood.  I have a couple of these, but do not have the full set.  I was interested to see if anyone bit, but at $6.99 (+$3 s/h) this one went unsold.


1967 Phillies Safe Driving Team Set


Auction End Date: 6/8/12
Ending Bid Amount: $33.55
Number of Bids: 3

Comments:  This is a great odd-ball set from the '60s.  It contains 13, 2 3/4" x 4 1/2"cards.  I actually bid on this up to $31 - wish I would have gone a little higher.  A true sign of the times that the set sold for less than $50 - oh well. 

Collectible of the Week: Schmidt, Carlton 1977 Topps Cloth Stickers

Carlton - '77 Topps Cloth Sticker
Schmidt - '77 Topps Cloth Sticker 

A couple of weeks ago I bought a Steve Carlton 1977 Topps cloth sticker on eBay.  I collected Carlton cards pretty heavily during the late 1980's, and early 1990's - but, as work, college, girls and other things crept into my life, card collecting got pushed to the side.  At the time (pre-internet), finding either of the Phillies cards in the set for a price I could afford was few and far between.  Not surprisingly, these were two gaps in my collection for some time.

As I try to give my son some of the experiences I had growing up, I have recently come back to collecting Phillies cards more regularly.  While I will never keep up with every variation in every set, it has been fun to add both the Schmidt and Carlton cloth stickers to my collection over the last couple years.  The 1977 sticker set is a must-have for vintage card collectors, and has justifiably been revisited in the 2012 Topps Archive set.  I am looking forward buying them soon, too.


The 1977 Topps Cloth Sticker set details:

  • 55 nylon fronted stickers featuring notable players from 1977 (18 additional checklist cards were included - they could be used to create two, nine-piece puzzles of both NL/AL All-Star teams).
  • Two Phillies are included: Mike Schmidt (#41) and Steve Carlton (#11).
    • Both can usually be found for less than $10.
  • As with anything else, condition is key!  Stickers from the original 1977 set tend to pull away from the backing if not kept in the "ideal" environment.  There are enough of these two cards on the current market to be picky.
  • Full checklist (via KeyMan Collectibles)
  • More on the Phillies stickers in the 2012 Topps Archive set (via 14k Phillies cards)



Poll #2: Who do you want to 'Graph?


Last week I posted a poll asking the question, "What current Phillies player's autograph do you want most?"  The question was open for 10 days, and 29 total votes were cast:


Final Poll Results: What current Phillies player's autograph do you want the most?
Roy Halladay          58%  (17 votes)
Hunter Pence           10%  (3 votes)
Ryan Howard            6%  (2 votes)
Cliff Lee                   17%  (5 votes)
Shane Victorino        3%   (1 votes)
Jonathan Papelbon    3% (1 votes)

Slam-dunks
  • Roy Halladay's near non-existent signing habits since coming to town make him a top target.  He is my top guy, and am glad to see it appears he will be in a signing booth during this summer's Phillies Phestival.  
  • Cliff Lee is a similar case.  He has not done many appearances in the area, and as a key member of the 2009 World Series team, there are several "team" items that he HAS to be part of...

Surprises
  • Hunter Pence's low total.  It was not long ago people were fighting for the chance to hand over $90 for him to sign a baseball.  Something tells me the market is still there for Hunter, even if his star has been a little dimmer during this early part of the season.
  • Jonathan Papelbon.  He seems like a forgotten member of this year's team.  He came to town with this reputation as a character, but, so far he hasn't connected with me (or the general fan base it seems).  But, let's face it - this guy is a star.  I definitely expected him to have more than one vote.  
After posting this question, I thought it might have been more interesting to add in a "newer" guy like Freddy Galvis.  I think there is a part of the fan base who might have chosen him over the bigger names I did include.  Maybe for a later poll...

Phillies TTM: Week of 6/4/12

Last week was a shut out (hate those weeks).  Luckily, this week had a few returns, including a couple that added on to nearly forgot projects...

1977 Team Ball - Barry Foote

I have not added to this ball since getting Richie Hebner back in December.  I saw a couple recent successes from Mr. Foote and decided to put this project back in circulation.  He was a member of both the 1977 and 1978 NL Eastern Division Championship teams.  The signature is number four on the ball.  Have it loaded up to send to Larry Bowa on Monday.

Barry Foote - 1977 Phillies Team Ball

Pat Combs, 1991 Team Issue Player Postcard

Pat Combs was one of a several players the Phillies billed as "the next" during my childhood.  As a can't-miss prospect, he was a key member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team and zipped through the entire minor league system, reaching the Major Leagues in 1989 - posting a 4-0 record that fall.  I had an encounter with him down the right-field line at Veterans Stadium that season, when he signed a baseball for me.  That ball was a prized possession (and I still have it).  Unfortunately, the magic faded and he was out of the league by 1992.  With the bad times far behind us, sending the card to Mr. Combs reminded me of his meteoric rise during 1989.  Have to admit it made me smile getting it back.

Pat Combs - Signed Postcard

Mickey Morandini, 1994 Team Issue Player Postcard

I have made an admittedly, half-hearted attempt at getting the 1994 Team Issue set signed.  Over the past 3-4 years I have gotten a few of the easy TTM guys - and started supplementing with the cards from other years that I liked better.  I recently pulled that '94 set back out, and this is the first of a new commitment toward getting all the cards signed. Only time will tell...

Mickey Morandini - Signed Postcard

Phillies Phestival 2012: Update

A couple weeks ago I posted the sale date for the 2012 Phillies Phestival, and this week details were finally announced.  The Phillies posted all admission packages on their site earlier today, and confirmed sales will be by phone-only.

The team took considerable heat from the media last summer because of profits reaped on the online secondary market by industrious fans(?).  Admission tickets fetched two, to three times the face value and opened the debate of whether it is ethical to profit from a charitable event.  It seems like this new, phone-only sales approach may be aimed at eliminating the "dealers".

I am really disappointed in this direction.  As a full-time working man, I will be at the office on Monday morning when phone sales are initiated.  Online sales provided someone like me an opportunity to discreetly purchase tickets - this new policy is convenient only for those who are not teachers, office workers or labors (i.e. - memorabilia dealers).  I would encourage the Phillies to take a hardline on stopping those people who openly scalp tickets on Ashburn Alley during the event instead of punishing  the fans who would like a night out to allow their kids a chance to see and collect autographs from their favorite players.

(Stepping off soapbox) I like most of you will TRY to bust through the busy signals next Monday.  If you succeed, here are your purchasing options:

2012 Phillies Phestival Admission Packages*:

Admission Package $25
Admission Only Ticket (autographs not included) $15
Children's Admission Ticket (ages 3-10, no autographs) $5
Hunter Pence Photo Booth* (4-6 p.m.) $45
Vance Worley Photo Booth* (4-6 p.m.) $45
Shane Victorino Photo Booth* (4-6 p.m.) $45
Mike Schmidt and Greg Luzinski Photo Booth* (4-6 p.m.) $50
Auction Only Ticket (no autographs) $20
Live Auction Ticket (no autographs; begins at 6:15 p.m.) $10
* All Photo Booths are subject to change without notice.



Admission Details*
$25 per person (non-refundable) admission includes:
  • one admission ticket
  • two pre-selected autograph booth tickets (non-exchangeable)
Additional Information*
  • Games - Fun for all ages including Wheel of Chance, Games of Baseball, the Phanatic Phun Zone, Every Roll's a Winner, Grab Bags with a variety of memorabilia
  • Event starts at 4 p.m., with fans entering through the Left Field Gate
  • Parking is available in Lots R, S and V
  • The Phestival takes place rain or shine!
*All details from Phillies.com


Visit the Phillies Community link for more details.

My Collecting Story: Curt Schilling's '93 NL East Clinching Clubhouse Hat

Curt Schilling - '93 NL East Hat

The hat "in action"

Editors Note: This was originally posted on Wednesday, June 7th.  Since then, Mike Lieberthal has been named as the 2012 Phillies Wall of Fame honoree.  Despite lingering resentment over Schilling's departure from Philadelphia, I am happy to say I voted him in the number 1 spot during this season's fan vote period.  Whether you like him personally or not, no one can deny what he meant to the team during the '93 season, or those horrible late-90's seasons.  It is a shame that a personal controversy will postpone his election to the Wall of Fame, but here's to hoping for a successful election next season.

Last July Hunt Auctions featured "The Curt Schilling Collection" for their online auction.  Schilling is famously a baseball historian, and collector - which made me wonder why he would be unloading so much of his personal memorabilia.  Hundreds of items, including his 1993 World Series home jersey were made available to the public.  We can speculate now about why he decided to dump the treasures, but it may not be unreasonable to think it may have something to do with his video game company.  In the end, it was a rare opportunity for Phillies fans like me (and you).

Admittedly, Curt Schilling was never one of my favorite Phillies.  Injuries, fights with team management and a request for a trade ultimately soured my memories of his years in town. Love him or hate him, he was a significant contributor to Phillies history, and a key member of the NL East Championship in 1993. There were several pieces of his collection that I would have liked to own, but I knew I had to stay within a budget and wanted something "personal" with a connection to my favorite season (1993).  I focused attention on the hat Schilling wore during the Phillies National League East clinching celebration in Pittsburgh, and was lucky enough to end the night as the highest bidder.  It wasn't use in game action, but it fit the criteria and looks great on my shelf.

Coming next week: Cliff Lee Bobble Head SGA

Cliff Lee - 2012 SGA bobble head

Next week the National League West leading Los Angeles Dodgers are coming to Citizens Bank Park.  With the Phillies scuffling and MVP-runner up, Matt Kemp out of the lineup for Los Angeles, Monday's Cliff Lee bobble head may be the one reason to go to the game.  June 4th was circled on my calendar early in the winter, and I am looking forward to having this fine piece displayed soon!