Moyer gets win # 250

Congratulations to Jamie Moyer for earning his 250th win today . . . some of us remember a younger Moyer wearing the big red "C" on his blue cap and pitching for the Chicago Cubs.

Moyers' major league debut AND first victory was on June 16, 1986 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Interesting enough win # 250 on May 31, 2008 he is wearing the colors of the Phillies.

You have come so far and it all started in Chicago . . . Congratulations Jamie Moyer !

Ten Days Ago . . .

was the official start of Major League Baseball for 2009; as the Braves beat the Phillies on Opening Night. Just ten days ago . . .

While there have been many surprises (both good and bad) on the field, it is the off field shockers that have been the center of our thoughts.

The most untimely and tragic death of Nick Adenhart to the most recent deaths of Harry Kalas and Mark "the Bird" Fidyrich. Each of these three individuals brought a unique flavor to the game we all love.

Adenhart with his youthful drive, strength and courage to work "harder than most his age" to become a top prospect and leave this world all too early, pitching a masterpiece in his last game on the mound.

Kalas, the "voice of the Phillies", sudden death after he collapses in the announcers booth prior to Mondays game - leaving the game he devoted his life to, a city, friends and fans all around baseball. It was only fitting that the Phillies played and won that day in his honor.

And Fidyrich, who played the game "like a kid", wacky,and quirky, a one year wonder thirty three years ago. He lived and now died in his quiet and simple (after baseball) life as he preferred.

All three of these men, so different as they are, will all be remembered for their accomplishments and long lasting images within the baseball world.

Just ten days ago the season started . . . so much is missing already. I just hope that there are no more off the field shocks like we have just had.

Opening Night

Baseball has officially started !

Last years World Champions, the Philadelphia Phillies lose to the Atlanta Braves 4 to 1 !

The Braves pitching shut down the powerful Phillie lineup allowing only four hits and one meaningless run in the ninth. Last year the Braves ranked 14th out of 16 NL teams in homeruns - tonight they hit three within two innings.

So what does this all mean ? Not much excpet that BASEBALL has started ! !

The Phillies will bounce back and be a force to be reckoned with, the Braves may outperform their expectations. Tomorrow is another day . . . that is why each team plays 162 games.

Opening Day is tomorrow across our country and games will be won or lost . . . dont get too excited about the W or the L . . . they will all play 162 games and come October we will know who is best.

We do have 2429 more games to enjoy . . . Baseball has officially started !

Just a quick tease

I kept all of my promises . . . in regards to the card show I attended earlier today; most importantly the budget side of things. While the show was a bit of a disappointment, with only ten dealers, and way too many basketball, football, hockey and golf cards to go along with the usual over priced fake walnut framed cards; I was able to find some goodies and here is just a sample.

To satisfy my Chicago Cub sweet tooth:

three Mark Graces': swinging, squatting and snipping (the leather with his teeth I presume)

and a couple of Andre Dawson's: his sweet swing and one in an Expo uniform but it is Wrigley Field in the background right ? !

and from my "want" list three 1969 Topps All-Star Rookies (I like those gold trophies) ; there are two World Series champions (Koosman 1969 Mets and Unser with the 1980 Phillies) to go along with the "error" gold trophy printed on Boswell's card.

So there you go . . just a bit of a tease from my card show adventure today. More later . . . I have a wifeless Saturday night to enjoy . . .

1970 Topps: #6 Grant Jackson

one of the most accepted definitions of a "journey man" in baseball would be someone who plays for several years (usually over 10), for a few different teams (usually over 3) and is deemed "valuable". I think it is important to add that any and every player on the 25 man roster is valuable and one who spends several years on a teams roster must be valuable.

Having said that, I present card #6 from the 1970 Topps set; Grant Jackson.

An 18 year veteran who played for six different teams (Phillies 1965-70, Orioles 71-76, NYY 76, Pirates 77-81 and 82, Expos 81 and Royals 82). A one-time all-star (1969), where in that year he had career high in wins (14), losses (18), innings pitched (253) and strikeouts (180).

Jackson played in 13 post season games, including three world series' (having won one ring in 1979 with Pittsburgh). His post season record of 3 - 0 in 17 2/3 innings is highlighted by being the winning pitching of record for game 7 in 1979. Jackson ended his career with a 86-75 W-L record to go aong with his 79 saves.

Grant Jackson, card #6 . . . a true valuable journeyman.