Phillies vs. Yankees 2009

When I look at the 2009 World Series matchup of the Phillies and Yankees I can only feel sorry for Mets and Indians fans. Back in 2007, the Tribe and Metropolitans were on the verge of huge success only to run into hard times. If 2007 seems like too long ago let me remind you. The Mets suffered through their first of two epic September collapses and the Indians led the ALCS 3-1 to Boston. This past season was equally unkind to them and the 2009 World Series is just one more kick in the pants to both beleaguered franchises. Congrats to the Phils and Yanks you each get to trot out a Former Indian Cy Young Winner for Game 1 of the World Series. If a Phillies- Yankees World Series wasn’t enough to make a Mets fan blood boil there is the added factor of Pedro. Since Cole Hamels has pulled a disappearing act it looks likely that Pedro will pitch Game 2 at Yankee Stadium.
The Phils, winners of a Yankee-like 16 of their last 20 playoff games, defeated C.C. Sabathia in last years NLDS when he willed my Brew Crew to the playoffs. This year C.C. is not as gassed as he has been in prior seasons, so while the Yanks have loused up the Joba situation they've handled their Sabathia investment wisely. The winner of this matchup will join the Red Sox as two-time Champions in the 2000s. The Yanks try to join the Cards as a team who won the title in the first season of a new stadium.
Below I rank the Yanks and Phils in categories that I feel will be crucial to victory.
- Class Act, Quiet Leader (Ryan Howard vs Derek Jeter) I've been saying for days that whoever gets colder first (A-rod or Howard ) will cost his team a title. But it's Jeter who Howard is like in that he has been postseason clutch in more than one series and he doesn't give the press much ammo. Slight edge to Jeter in that he has four titles to one.
-Mascot (Phillie Phanatic vs Freddy Sez) Is this even a matchup? The Phanatic takes this one hands down over the Yanks one-eyed pot wielder. Edge Phillies.
-Top of the Order Spokesman (J-Roll vs Damon) Both always speak up with the quotes, but it's their bat talking that will take their teams further. Edge to Phils, I still say Rollins has a smoking hot series in him.
-Closer (Mariano vs Lidge) The all-time greatest closer vs The all-time roller coaster closer. Amazingly this is Lidge's third WS, his first was with the Astros. While he seems to have been effective of late the back of his baseball card pales in comparison to Mo. Edge Yanks.
-Infield hitting. Think about 7 of the 8 infielders in this series are allstars. A-rod has 3 MVP's, while Rollins and Howard each have one for the Phils. This season I take the Yanks left side of the infield over Philly, but I take the Phils right side over Cano & Tex. I'm talking offense & not taking into account Utley's poor throws vs LA. Even.
-Cleveland Aces. Cliff Lee vs CC Sabathia. It looks like CC will be going thrice. Lee will probably go 1 & 5. Which leaves a possible Hamels vs CC in potential game 7. CC will get two wins but not be as dominant as prior rounds. Edge Yankees.
I don't know who to pick but I will say this is the first time I ever saw the two World Series teams play each other during the season (thanks Cid, Gerry & Interleague!) I do know this it will go six games and not seven. Enjoy!

Phil In the Blank...

2009 World Series! Philadelphia Phillies vs. __________________. It's incredible to believe that the first team in pro history to 10,000 losses has won 16 of their last 20 playoff games and is returning to the World Series. The Phils will try to become the 4th NL team to repeat as World Series winner. They will play the Yanks or the Angels. I'm sure you know who I'm rooting for, but when Shira and I saw the Phils & Yanks play months ago I had a feeling they might meet in September. The Phils team is one of the toughest in my lifetime and I'm sure it'll be a fantastic matchup in the WS. Enjoy the games!

Sign of Things to Come?

Sorry Yankee fans I don't have access to a time machine. This is not a picture from the 2009 World Series. I took this a few months ago from our five inning excursion to new Yankee Stadium. A friend from work has season seats and she thought of Shira and I because of the Phils. We jumped at the offer and at that point it was the longest Shira had gone without Cyrus. We've since been to a wedding and a U2 concert. The Phils took their first step in the '09 playoffs with a win today vs. the Rox. The Yanks are playing the miracle Twins at this moment. I'll post more pics from the Phils-Yanks game we went to. Rollins homered on the first pitch of the game by the way.

Cyrus Stadium #1

This is one of my favorite pictures of Cyrus. What was neat about the scoreboard was that when the Giants batted there was a pic of the Golden Gate Bridge behind the players. As you may know I proposed to Shira on the Golden Gate. Someday we'll take Cyrus out there to see the Bridge (and a game!)We stayed five innings for this game during our annual trip to Citizens Bank. In total I went to three games this season. But we made sure Cyrus' first was in Philly!

Cyrus and the Playoffs

It's amazing that the past 12 memorable months have blazed by so quickly. It seems like two days ago Shira and I ventured to see the Phils begin their playoff run in 08. Then I hopped on a plane to meet up with Dave in Milwaukee for Game 3 of the LDS. All this taking place while Shira was pregnant with our baby to be! Now it's the 09 Playoffs!?! Cyrus is here to root on the Phils, but my Brewers will be sitting this one out. After last years events I really can't complain. Just hoping that the playoffs are little more exciting than the past six weeks of anti-climatic baseball we've seen. Cyrus will have little memories of the 08 and 09 playoffs but that'll be a story for him someday.

2009 Young Cy Award Winner

I guess the reason I've seldmomly blogged on this page in 2009 is because Cyrus was born in January and we moved in July! What a whirlwind of excitement the past twelve months have been from summer 08 to summer 09. In the process, the Phillies won the title, Cyrus was born on the day of Obama's inauguration, Jaxon was born in May, and the aformentioned move by our family. As of now the Phils look like a serious contenders but the Brewers have had not enjoyed the same success as '08. Oh well maybe by the time Cyrus is 25 they'll be ready for the playoffs again.

Uncle Vinnie

if you are reading this now there is a good chance you did not know I had an Uncle Vinnie. one reason is since he moved away from the area about 10 years ago i havent seen uncle vinnie much. the other reason is that uncle vinnie was not really my uncle, he worked with my dad for years, was a family friend and honorary uncle

uncle vinnie was the only person who could walk into my dad's garden and help himself to tomatoes. no one else could get away with that. but most importantly uncle vinnie accompanied us on many trips to Yankee Stadium. we would pick him up in Yonkers and drive down the concourse through the beaches of "cape cod, NY" and arrive at the home of Uncle Vinnie's beloved Yanks. he was a perfect companion for my dad and bro as he would tell us stories and jokes and accompany rit on his many trips to the restroom. I can't remember too many particulars of the games but i remember my love for baseball (but not the Yanks) being born out of these trips to the stadium with my dad, rich and uncle vinnie. there would be other trips with my sister, mom and friends but going with Uncle Vinnie always bore a special signifigance. the last game we went to was a game between the Yanks & Mariners in which both teams had young up and coming shortstops(jeter & arod).

uncle vinnie and his wife aunt mercy would always think of us on their trips to the actual cape cod by bringing us back t-shirts. my mom and dad would occasionally visit him when he moved there and we'd hear from him on holidays. this morning i learned uncle vinnie passed away and a shard of my childhood flashed before my eyes. would i have loved baseball as much or visited all those stadiums without my initial trips to the bronx with dad, rich and uncle vinnie...probably not.

Winter Classic

And so 2009 "The Year of the Babies" begins! Rich is returning from Florida and we celebrated a low key New Years. Shira and I just watched some TV last night. The quiet before the storm. Today I watched the Red Wings win at Wrigley Field 6-4. It reminded me of my view from section 226, row 7, seat 101 on August 25, 2000 vs the Dodgers.

2008...2009!

While so much went wrong in the world Shira and I had a super year! We can only hope that 2009 treats us as well as we begin Baby Year One. So much of my blogging energy has been put into babymagic that I've neglected my baseball blog. But I guess thats what impending faterhood does to my baseball needs. It's offical all FOUR of my sports teams made it into the playoffs this calendar year... Celtics, Red Wings, Brewers, and Dolphins! But more important, I have a loving and creative wife who is about to become an amazing mom! Happy New Year!

Toast to the New World Champs...Phillies

Congrats to Shira, Cherry Hill, & our baby who is now officially a Phillies fan. The Philadelphia Phillies are the 2008 World Series Champions! The won all seven games at Citizens Bank Ballpark behind Cole Hamels. What an exciting run especially since we saw the run up close and personal! Now let's elect Obama!

Five Years!

Amazingly it's been five years since Shira and I were married. I remember watching the post season as Shira would spend nights at Gillions finishing her dress. I remember picking up 100+ pimpkins from my school and driving them home and then to the city. That year anothe Florida team made an unthinkable run to the World Series. This time we are rooting hard for the Phillies, but we still own matching 2003 Marlins World Champion shirts. Looking forward to many more October Anniversarys!

#19

The Pilgrimage to the Yount statue reached its conclusion two weeks ago. Got the chance to see Yount shag some flyballs during my tour with Dave. Two weeks since the memorable game and Sveum is gone. Actually he only had a .500 record in his 16 games. As for Yount it was cool to see his statue and see him be a part of the second most successful team in Brew Crew history. I wore #19 & #91 in honor of Robin Yount. I have several more pics which I'll post at some point.

If you Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em! Go Phils!

Shira and the baby are going to the World Series! Actually the Phillies will, we will be watching at home. Especially since our 5th anniversary is Game 3 in Philadelphia. We were there for the first step and look forward to the Phils taking it all this fall!

Stadium #21 Miller Park

As the season drew to a close I seemed resigned to two facts: the Brewers would choke their way out of a playoff spot & I would be stuck at 20 ballparks until next seasons two new NY stadiums. Well the Brewers one six of the last seven with Dale Sveum at the helm & the Brewers made their first postseason since I was nine. Dave and I were fortunate to see the Brew Crews first playoff win since I was ten. All those years of being loyal paid off with this Brewers dream scenario. This photo was taken during my "tour" with Barkin. Thanks Dave for an amazing Brew Crew experience!

Octoberfest 2008

Philadelphia (Gm. 1 NLDS)- WOW! We were interviewed twice by the Courier Post and a Milwaukee radio station. And that was before the game even began! What a thrilling day! It was our first playoff game and it did not disappoint. The Phils won the game 3-1 and we got our moneys worth. We had fantastic seats about five rows behind right field wall and the fans booed me as we walked to them. Fortunately I had Shira, my pregnant wife, as a buffer. Most of the fans were cool because what threat do the Brewers really pose to the baseball landscape? I will have more to post but I want to say thanks to Dave Barkin before I continue.

Milwaukee Bound!

The White Sox and Twins might not know if they are going to the playoffs but I know I'll be making my debut! Shira and I are hopeful we can land tickets for Game one Brewers-Phils on Wednesday, but at the very least I'll be at game three! Shira gave me her blessings saying, "You might not get this chance again." I've had this grin the last 24 plus hours. Shira added she won't have to trek out to Milwaukee now. I owe many thanks to my friend Dave for making this happen. We've been buds at the wood for years and he's always been more than generous in hooking me up with Brew Crew gear. This whole scenario has been worth the wait and the true fun hasn't even begun!

Brewers return me to 1982

Last week I spoke to my friend Dave and we were both dejected about the Brewers squandering their playoff chances. Now we are both in an ecstatic state and making playoff plans after our beloved Brew Crew landed a playoff spot. Years ago I remember listening on my walkman at the WP Bowl as the Brewers came back from two down to beat the Angels and get to the World Series. That was one of the first things to enter my mind as victory seemed real today. I have waited since 1982 and never thought the day would arrive when we made it. Ironically neither New York team got in! C.C. threw a gem and made a memorable one-handed snag. Then Braun launched a homer that will send him into Brewers immortality. Loyalty sure pays off I knew this one playoff opportunity would be worth the wait. Strangely the Brewers will face Shira's Phillies. It'll be more exciting days ahead!

Celtic outtake photo

Wow! What a week! The Celts got it done! Rit picked us up title shirts today( and he met MCA). Celts by 39 points and to think a year ago they were the worst. This spring Celts and Red Wings won. Hey the Dolphins went 1-15 so I desrved a good spring, and the Brew Crew isn't playing so bad. Hopefully Sheets can stay healthy and they'll play some important games. On Memorial day weekend, Shira and I saw Brewers beat Nationals. On that day Celts beat Pistons in a Eastern Conf game and Wings took game 1 of Stanley Cup. We watched 3 of the finals games at fern!What a series!

Beat L.A!

Wednesday Night, Red Wings win 4th Cup in my lifetime.
Thursday Night, Celtics win a game in Finals for the 1st time since I was 15.
Wow.

Stadium #20 Nationals Park

A brief donning of the home team cap outside of stadium #20, Nationals Park. This was the fifth stadium I saw the Brewers in so I quickly took off the "W" cap and handed it to Shira. Nationals Park did not disappoint. The first hour was spent in the outfield concourse. We bought a Teddy Roosevelt doll and Screech claw. We had time to get some blue slush puppies and see the DJ, cherry blossoms, and guitar hero center. The seats were fantastic(thanks Andy) and Shira found a pracice ball on our way to giving Suppan the Book of Bert. Stadium twenty was a huge success. It was the third team I've seen two homefields( Pirates, Phillies, Nationals).

Celts return to Finals!

We interrupt this blog to report that the Celtics are returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987. Let's see I was finishing 9th grade at tha time. Now i've been teaching for 9 years! I watched the game with my Dad who raised Rit and I to be Celtic fans. Who wouldv'e thought a year ago we'd be at this point. Then the summer time trades gave us hope. Now game 1 of the finals this Thursday vs... The Lakers?!? Should be fun!

April Showering with Baseball

What a hectic April it's been?!? Tax Day! Green Lantern Bday! Varsity Baseball Season! Book Release Parties! Somehow managed to squeeze three games into the 08 Season, so far. This pic is from my third trip to Camden Yards. Enjoy!

Munchkin Land, U.S.A.

In Kansas City they busted out the last remaining Munchkin from the Wizard of Oz. I've seen other Munchkin's since and I'm not sure of the discrepancy. While we were in the Midwest trolling with Munchkins my bro saw Shaq on his vacation.

Leap Day '08!

It's not every day you get to blog on February 29th. Actually it's every four years! But you know that! This pic is from our 2005 trip to KC. We took a pic automatically and then an usher came over and asked us if he could take our pic. Just like NY !?!
Shira and I plan on going to DC sometime this year for my 20th stadium.

N.L.B.M.

The Negro League Baseball Museum is located in Kansas City. It is not a Hall of Fame but a history of the defunct league that existed before and for a brief time after Jackie Robinson's debut in MLB. At the time of our visit Buck O'Neil was still alive but he was not at the museum. Last year Buck passed away, ever the gentlemen Buck was never publicly miffed at not being placed into Cooperstwon Hall. Hopefully one of these days MLB will get it right and honor Buck O'Neil. The NLBM shares the premises with the Jazz Musuem and is well worth the visit if one is ever in KC.

*Snow Day*

Crazy, snowy day here! My bro locked his keys in his running car while we were shoveling our parking spots. To commemorate this snowy day how about a pic from Canada!

Wheels, Bovines, & Wreaths

This photo was taken during my third and briefest trip to Cooperstown. Just paying my respects to the Scooter who departed this earhtly plane in summer 07. This upcoming softball season will be dedicated to his memory.

Schmidt Mitt!?!

Philadelphia 2005- Shira and I outside Citizen's Bank Ballpark at the Mike Schmidt statue. Games we've been to since the park opened:
September 19, 2004 vs. Montreal Expos
June 12, 2005 vs. Milwaukee Brewers
May 20 & 21, 2006 vs. Boston Red Sox
August 30, 2007 vs. New York Mets

Head First Into '08!

Almost a year with this blog and about 50 posts AND I still haven't posted my St. Loooie Card pics?!!? Here is the Cardinal sliding under the tag of the Wizard of Oz, Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith!

Pitchers, Catchers, Congressman Report

It's ironic that Bonds, Clemens, and Sosa may all end up eligible for the Hall of Fame the same year. It seems all three will have a hard time getting in without paying admission. I hope they have AAA because they'll at least get the rebate. In this pic I'm posing near the Gwynn Shrine. Shira is at the Ripken shrine.

More Ball Droppin'

As kids Mom and Dad were great at taking us to the ballpark. In the late 70's we were screaming for Rick Cerone and Lou Pinella's attention. Coach Mike Ferraro was kind enough to toss us youngsters a ball. Jim Rice also answered our call by autographing our program (in the Bronx no less?!!?)

New Years Ball Drop!

Don't drop the ball in '08! Have a healthy and safe new year! This is one of two Willie Mays autographs I have. The first I received from my grandfather when he was a caddy master. This ball was signed when Willie made an appearance at a car dealership in Mount Vernon.

Christmas Balls!!!

Yes that is a Bud Selig signed ball. Believe it or not I'm connected through two different paths to Bud. Over the years Dave Barkin,friend,co-worker,member of the Brewer Fam, has hooked me up with too much Brewer gear.This ball is one of the many things he graciously gave me.

Brewing Hot Stove

Why so serious?! Gone from the successful 07 Brewers... Estrada, Jenkins, Cordero. What do they have to show? A couple of relievers from the Mitchell Report. Here's hoping the 08 season is just as competitive as 2007.

Marital Marlins!

Marlins take 2 out of 2 vs Yanks in the Cadaco Spin Game!

Box a Rox in Red Sox

The Red Sox century of comebacks continues... The Sox look to place their stamp on the 2000s with a second WS title. My guess...Josh Beckett and the Bosox tame the scalding-hot soon to be snowcold Rockies in FIVE!

Bugged Out!

The other night as the Yanks and Joba were beseiged by midges I had to call Max as this once happened to us! This photo is from earlier in the game before the flying bugs took over Comerica. The game was stopped a few minutes unlike the ALDS game a few nights ago. Hey wouldn't it be a great Halloween costume to get a Yankee Jersey and hot glue some bugs to it...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/news/2000/08/24/detroit_swarm_ap/

Beckett's At It Again!

The last time Josh Beckett appeared in the playoffs he was a member of the World Champion Florida Marlins. That last start was October 25,2003.

Philadelphia October!

I took this photo at the August 30th tide-turning slugfest vs. the Mets. This game concluded the four game sweep for the Phillies. They would take three more at Shea before their historic weekend. Rollins for MVP! (and thats coming from a Brewers fan)

Shira's Phils win NL East

Shira received a belated Birthday gift from the Phils this year... the NL East Crown! The last team the Phils won the east the team was full of mullets. This magical run takes away some of the hurt from the Phils 1964 collapse with Gene Mauch.

Glavine wins #303

While the Mets franchise still can't seem to notch its first no-hitter, Tom Glavine picked up historic win #303. Here's one of three pics i snatched of Glavine from the Phillies Hall of Fame.

Twice Visited Stadiums!

While seated at the Rogers Centre it dawned upon me that It was the sixth stadium I had visited at least twice. Yankee Stadium and Shea are the obvious ones. Ive been to both the Vet and Citizens Bank at least twice. Camden Yards is the sixth. If you want to get technical I saw two games at Wrigley, but it was a doubleheader.

WIS Winners

Dave,Dad and myself. Where's Tarp?!

Shira Stadium #13

Shira is catching up! On our recent trip to Canada, Shira and I went to Rogers Centre to see Jays v. A's. This was Shira's 13th stadium visit, while still stuck at 19.

Stadium #19 PNC Park

August 24, 2006- Astros at Pirates was my 19th stadium, and it was Shira's 12th! My amazing wife has put up with my baseball travels. The trip to Pittsburgh was fun for her as well as we went to the Warhol museaum and Bird Sanctuary.

Stadium #18 Kaufmann KC

Since i was a little kid ive wanted to visit the stadium in KC, and it didnt disappoint. The Red Sox nation overtook the stadium but the Royals won the game. Bronson Arroyo started and Schillin was on the cover of the KC program. Easy access to the stadium via the bus. One of my favorite stadium visits! Got to love the waterfalls!!!