Snapshots 2012 08 08 Braves @ Phillies

Couple of snapshots from Phillies 12-6 loss to the Braves on Wednesday night.  Not many Highlights for a Phils fan to talk about so straight to the photographic evidence ->  

Dominic Brown

The recent callup and one time prospect was in the starting lineup. Brown doubled in the Phils big 5th inning. 

Tim Hudson First Pitch

I know this is blurry, but it was Tim Hudson's first pitch which Jimmy Rolllins knocked out.  Maybe a pitching guru can find a flaw in the mechanics there.

 Chipper Jones

Last night was probably the last time I will ever see Jones play.  In the final 2 ABs I got to see Chipper -0 wait for it.........Get intentionally walked.  Down 12-6 in the 8th I considered booing the decision and probably should have. 

Nate Schierholtz 

Another new Phillies player.  Might be the last time I feature him, don't want to be bothered with having to learn how to spell his name.

Michael Bourn

Now this is a name I would like to spell a lot.  Phils will likely be looking for a Centerfielder for 2013, Bourn is one guy I would love to see re-acquire.  Since I posted what Hudson looked like when he gave up a dinger, well I only thought it appropriate to post a phot of Michael Bourn looked like on the pitch when he homered.

etc

As noted above not many highlights for Phils fans. 
- Kyle Kendrick was putrid in the 2nd.  Through roughly 50 pitches - that is not an exagerration.      
- Despite tying the game in the 5th, never felt like Phils could sustain the comeback, due to the differential of talent in the bullpens.
- Dodger acquisition Josh Lindblom had a rough night.
- Utley had to run out a couple of balls - doesn't appear to be having trouble getting around.
- Erik Kratz didn't look real solid behind the plate - lots of dropped balls and foul tips.  I think Ruiz make the play at the plate in the 2nd. 
- Kratz is twice as big as Michael Bourn
- Even when the Phils lose, there is nothing like seeing Ryan Howard hit one of his epic home runs.
- I give the CBP Tacos a thumbs up.  Not gourmet or anything like that, but they are good for a light snack on a hot night.  I think they went for $4.75 each.

Eddie Murray Sculpture Night at Camden Yards

I don't believe I have touched upon the player sculptures which the Orioles are adding to their picnic area beyond the bullpens at Camden Yards.  Sculptures have been cast of several O's luminaries including Frank Robinson  and Earl Weaver.  

This Saturday Night (8/11) the Orioles will be recognizing Eddie Murray and with any luck team Phungo will be there on Saturday night for the unveiling. 

1988 Topps #4 Eddie Murray

Love this card.  There is a bit of gimickry to the card but the nod to Murray as a switch-hitter trumps that for me.  The Orioiles Orange also pops the photo.     

For the Collector

The above Topps card is from the ubiquitous 1988 set, can be found in a dime box, and like any other 1987 topps card it probably isn't worth the price of the raw cardboard.  

Eddie Murray HoF Index 
1979 Topps #640 (60th Birthday)
1988 Topps #4 (Pat Venditte Switch Pitcher)
2012 08 11 Eddie Murray Statue Night
 

NSCC Loot 1954 Bowman #95 Robin Roberts

Most of the cards that I picked up at the National came out of dollar bins.  This one did not.  

 

 

 

1954 Bowman #95 Robin Roberts

 

 

This card went for $5.50 and was my last purchase of the show.  The card is in good shape, no writing - good back, just a slight blemish on the bottom left corner.  

 

I have always been a fan of 1954 bowman - the design is simple with just a splash of color.  

 

Robin Roberts died in May of 2010, At the time several bloggers wrote columns on Roberts.  I have collected several of the Posts here along with links to additional Robin Roberts content at Baseball-ref Wikipedia and other resources.

Maybe Topps Knows Something About Barry Bonds

As noted by High Heat Stats and others, Today is the 5th anniversary of Barry Bonds breaking Hank Aaron's Home Run Record

This may be my favorite Bonds Card. 

2005 Topps Home Run History #666 Barry Bonds

666 - Maybe Topps is saying something.  I mean how many other cards feature the demonic number so prominently?   

My First Time - The 2012 National

The Natioinal is OVERWHELMING

 

 

I thought I was prepared - and I am old and jaded so not much fazes me, but the NSCC really overloaded my circutis.

 

 

Just walking into the building is mind-boggling.   

 

 

I have been to the PhillyShow, which is a good size show.  Perhaps 200 dealers.  The National dwarfs that several fold and also has the corporate sponsers on top of the independent dealers. 

 

 

I wanted to really take the show in and get a feel for all that was there.  Truth be told, I think I got more of this ambiance from the various blog postings and twitter feeds.  There is so much to see, one day just isn't enough time to check it all out. 

 

 

In the end I spent the bulk of my day shopping for vintage cards, just like I would do at any card show.  The browse factor is incredible - so many historic items to both the sport of baseball and the collecting hobby.  I probably should have dedicated more time to this, but the buying urge took over. 

 

 

I did manage to meet one other blogger, Chris from Vintage Sportscards, early in the day.  We only got to chat for a minute, but I was honored to meet one of my favourite columnists.  He gave me a brief rundown on some of the things he picked up and I look forward to seeing the postings on the items he mentioned.  I had intended to try and find some other bloggers, but my lack of preparation and the fact that I am still using a dumb-phone did me in on that goal. 

 

 

Hoarding

 

 

One of my recurring card show goals is to pick up a card for my vintage type collection.  I had to go outside of the Baseball genre to fulfill this requirement but it counts: 

 

 

1972-73 OPC Canada vs Russia Tony Esposito

1972-73 OPC Canada vs Russia Jean Ratelle(b-side)

 

 

Found this in a Dollar Bin - Tony Espisoto was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 and this card also fulfills my HoF Type collection - simple but nice design on the card.  I also picked up the Jean Ratelle card - the back of this card is presented above.  Ratelle is also a Hall of Famer inducted in 1985. 

 

 

 

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The bulk of the cards I picked up came out of dollar bins, with a couple of pricier cards. I hope to feature more cards from the NSCC over the next few weeks.

Tommy Joseph at EL All-Star Game

Some Phillies rumours are swirling regarding Giants AA Catcher Tommy Joseph.  Here are some pix of Joseph from the Eastern League All-Star Game earliar this month.

Seen here Joseph was good about signing autographs and chatting with fans pre-game.  

He was the 2nd round pick for the Giants in 2009.    

Team Phungo is Going to the Show

Card Show That Is

Specifically The National Sports Collectors Convention

I have noticed various other folks going and hope to find other bloggers at this year show.

I plan on being at the show on Thursday.  If anyone else plans on being there on Thurs let me know.

Lots of folks have been posting about the NSCC here is just a sample.


Vintage Sports Cards


Things are Funner Here



Bob Lemke