2021 Phillies Alumni Weekend

Hi everybody,

It was Alumni Weekend down at the ballpark this past weekend and the Phillies had three separate events to honors members of the organization.

On Friday night former Phillies President the late David Montgomery was recognized after he was posthumously awarded the Buck O'Neil Lifetime Achievement Award during the National Baseball Hall of Fame Ceremonies last month.

On Saturday night former second baseman Manny Trillo was inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame.  The member of the 1980 World Champions was supposed to be inducted last year but Alumni Weekend was cancelled due to the coronavirus.

On Sunday afternoon former pitcher, Wall of Fame and Hall of Fame member the late Roy Halladay had his number retired by the Phillies in a ceremony where his former teammate Raul Ibanez spoke.  A Number 34 Monument was also unveiled on the Third Base Plaza by Doc's former catcher Carlos Ruiz.

I tip my cap and raise my glass to all the Phillies legends.

Talk to you soon,

Little Chase

Roy Halladay's Number 34 To Be Retired By Phillies

Hi everybody,

The Phillies are going to retire the late Roy Halladay's Number 34 in a pregame ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2020.  This special event for the MLB Hall of Fame and Phillies Wall of Fame legend (officially named Roy Halladay Number Retirement Night) is taking place on the 10th anniversary of Doc pitching his Perfect Game against the Miami Marlins.

Halladay celebrating the Perfect Game with Chooch and Ryan Howard...

Miss you Doc...

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Roy Halladay Inducted Into the National Baseball Hall of Fame

Hi everybody,

I just wanted to congratulate former Phillies starting pitcher and Wall of Famer the late Roy Halladay for his official induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Halladay was inducted on Sunday (July 21th) during a ceremony in Cooperstown, NY.  Halladay's widow Brandy gave an emotional induction speech honoring Halladay (Halliday Induction Speech). Congrats, Doc!  Wish you were here to have been a part of it!

Brandy Halladay Accepting HoF Award For Doc

Halladay Hall of Fame Plaque

R.I.P. Doc

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Roy Halliday Selected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame (Class of 2019)

Hi everybody,

I just wanted to congratulate former Phillies starting pitcher the late Roy Halliday for his recent selection to the National Baseball Hall of Fame (Class of 2019).  Halliday played with the Phils for the final four seasons of his career (2010-2013)...where he pitched both a perfect game and a playoff no-hitter during the 2010 season.  Halliday was also added to the Phillies Wall of Fame in 2018.  Congrats again to Doc and his family!!!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (8-15-18)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a shot of Chase celebrating a walk off win with his teammates a few years ago.  I can't tell who everybody is but I do see Kyle Kendrick, Domonic Brown, Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Ruiz and Roy Halladay amost the happy Phillies mobbing Chase.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Alumni Weekend - Roy Halladay and Pat Gillick Wall of Fame Ceremony

Hi everybody,

It is Alumni Weekend down at the ballpark and former Phillies starting pitcher Roy Halladay and former Phillies General Manager Pat Gillick were added to the Phillies Wall of Fame in a ceremony last night (August 4th) before the ballgame.

Roy Halladay (who sadly passed away last November) played for the Phillies from 2010-2013.  During his four season with the Phils, Doc would pitch a perfect game against the Miami Marlins on May 29, 2010 as well as a post-season no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds during Game 1 of the 2010 National League Divisional Series.

Halladay's wife Brandy and his two sons accepted the Wall of Fame induction in his honor and Brandy gave a beautiful speech honoring Doc.  Carlos Ruiz then unveiled Halladay's Wall of Fame Plaque.

Charlie and Brandy Halladay...

Brandy Halladay gives beautiful speech honoring her husband....

Chooch unveils Halladay Wall of Fame Plaque...

Doc Wall of Fame Plaque

Pat Gillick served as the Phillies General Manager from 2006-2008 and later as Phillies President from 2014-2015.  It was during Gillick's time as GM that the Phillies won the World Series in 2008.

Gillick Wall of Fame Plaque

I just want to congratulate both Roy Halladay and Pat Gillick for earning their places on the Phillies Wall of Fame.  I just wish that Doc was still here so he could have been a part of it.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Roy Halladay and Pat Gillick Selected as 2018 Phillies Wall of Fame Inductees

Hi everybody,

The Phillies announced on Tuesday (February 27th) that former starting pitcher Roy Halladay (who passed away last November) and former Phils GM and President Pat Gillick have been selected as the 2018 inductees to the Phillies Wall of Fame.  The ceremony will occur on Friday, August 4th before the game against the Miami Marlins.  The Phils also announced that a flag bearing Halladay's Number 34 will fly at Citizens Bank Park for the entire 2018 Season.

Halladay pitched for the Phillies from 2010-2013 and had great success with the team.  Doc was the 2010 NL Cy Young award winner and pitched two no-hitters during the 2010 Season.  The first no-hitter was a perfect game against the Marlins and the second no-hitter occurred in the NLDS playoff series against the Cincinnati Reds.

Roy Halladay

Gillick was the Phils GM during the World Series winning 2008 season and many off his moves were instrumental to the success of the Phillies during the 2007-2011 run.  Gillick was also elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.

Pat Gillick

I just wanted to congratulate both men for this honor.  I just wish that Doc would have been around to be a part of it.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (2-7-18)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a shot of Chase in the dugout watching the action while he waits for his upcoming at bat.  In the background is former Phils pitcher Roy Halladay....who passed away last year.  R.I.P. Doc.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

No Phillies Will Wear Halladay's Number 34 During 2018 Season

Hi everybody,

The Phillies announced yesterday (December 21st) that no Phillie will be wearing Roy Halladay's Number 34 during the 2018 season.  The Phils pitching legend passed away in a plane crash on November 7th and this looks to be the first of many ways that the Phillies plan to honor Doc during the 2018 season.  I'm hoping that one of the ways that Halladay is honored will be an induction to the Phillies Wall of Fame.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Former Phillies Pitcher Roy Halladay Has Passed Away

Hi everybody,

I apologize for not writing about this sooner but I have been too bummed out to do it until now.  Former Phils starting pitcher Roy Halladay passed away in an airplane accident last week (November 7th).  Doc pitched for the Phillies from 2010-2013 and threw two no-hitters (including a perfect game) during the 2010 season.  Halladay previously pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Celebrating No-Hitter in 2010

Roy Halladay 10 Greatest Baseball Moments

A memorial service was held for Doc in Clearwater, Florida on Tuesday (November 14th) and many former teammates from both the Phillies and Blue Jays attended to pay their respects.  Chase Utley, Cole Hamels and Charlie Manuel spoke during the service to reflect on Doc's life and his impact on them.  Here are some links where you can hear their comments.

Roy Halladay's Life Celebrated At Memorial

Teammates Speak at Roy Halladay Memorial

Doc is survived by his wife Brandy and  his two sons.  The Halladay family released the following statement shortly after his tragic passing:

Our family is heartbroken in confirming that Roy passed away in a plane crash Tuesday afternoon. While many will remember him for his success as a major league pitcher, we remember him as an amazing father, loving husband and loyal friend.

Roy had many accomplishments in his professional career, the memories of which we will cherish forever. He described each achievement as a team effort rather than an individual accomplishment, a true testament to his character and love for his teammates.

Roy grew up with a passion for planes and always had the goal of becoming a pilot. Since retiring from baseball, he has been actively studying, accumulating the required flight hours and obtaining multiple pilot certifications and licenses. Just as he was known for his work ethic in baseball, he was also widely respected by those who knew him in the aviation community for his hard work, attention to detail and dedication to safety while flying. He treated his passion for aviation with the same joy and enthusiasm as he did his love for baseball.

That passion was also expressed through his tireless dedication to helping his own children and so many others learn to love and respect the game of baseball. He was an amazing coach for many youth teams, always showing patience and encouragement while reminding each child that they all had a role to play, a way to contribute and add value to their team. His love for the game had no boundaries as we often saw him instructing and encouraging the players on opposing teams. Roy was selfless in every aspect of his life.

While we mourn the loss of the core of our family, we choose to celebrate him and remember the man we knew privately on and off the field. We hope that he serves as an example of professionalism, integrity and hard work for all who knew him. For us, we will forever remember his unconditional love, humility and the sacrifices he made to provide for the family that meant the world to him.

On behalf of our family we thank you for respecting our privacy during this time of overwhelming grief. We also ask that you respect the privacy of our extended family as well as the families and children who Roy has coached, taught or worked with. We are so fortunate and thankful for the outpouring of love and support we've received from across the world. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. The service will be open to the public.

The Halladay Family

Doc was one of my favorite Phillies after Chase and I have missed seeing him pitch since his retirement.  I had always hoped that he would one day be a coach in the Phillies organization.  I hope the Phils name him to the Wall of Fame this year.  Rest in Peace, Doc!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (10-4-17)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a cool promotional pic of what I believe is the 2010 Phillies.  That was Doc's first year with the Phils and the season he pitched both a complete game and a no-hitter in the playoffs.  I really miss seeing Chase, J-Roll, Big Piece, Doc and Cole in Phils uniforms.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (1-11-17)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a shot of Chase just before the start of the 2011 or 2012 season answering questions from the fans with Cole Hamels and Roy Halladay.  I'm sure the fans had some great questions and Chase provided excellent answers.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (9-14-16)

Hi everybody,

Even while on vacation I still must post the weekly Chase Utley photo. This week's pic is a shot of Chase and Roy Halladay.  Halliday has said that Chase is his favorite ballplayer and I would never disagree with Doc...so he's my favorite as well.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Carlos Ruiz Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers

Hi everybody,

Another sad time in Philadelphia because long-time Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (and cash) was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday (August 25th) for catcher A.J. Ellis, Class A right-handed pitcher Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named later.  Ruiz has been on the team for his entire career and was very popular with the players and organization.  The fans also loved Ruiz and chanted his nickname Chooch every time he was up to bat.

Ruiz enters a pennant race by going to the Dodgers and reunites with Chase Utley (my hero) as well as Joe Blanton from the 2008 World Series Championship team.  That leaves Ryan Howard as the last remaining Phillie from that 2008 team.

Here are Ruiz's final stats for the 2016 season (48 games played):

Batting Average:   .261 (43 for 165)
OPS:   .719
RBIs:   12
Runs Scored:   18
Home Runs:   3
Singles:   34
Doubles:   6
Triples:   0
Stolen Bases:   3
Walks:   24
Strike Outs:  28

Ruiz left a farewell message to his former teammates before leaving for Los Angeles:

I will miss all of you guys," the 37-year-old wrote. "Good luck the rest of the season. Love you all, Chooch! Gracias.

I want to thank Ruiz for everything he has done here in Philly.  I wish him the best of luck in LA.  He will always be a Phillie to me.  Good luck Chooch and Thank You!

Doc No-Hitter

2008 World Champs

Doc No-Hitter

Hamels No-Hitter

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Ruben Amaro Jr No Longer Phillies General Manager

Hi everybody,

Ruben Amaro Jr. was fired from his position as Phillies General Manager yesterday afternoon.  RAJ has been the Phillies GM since the start of the 2009 season as he has led the Phils to three straight NL East Titles (2009-2011) and one NL Pennant (2009).  He has also failed to make the postseason the past four seasons.  The Phils are expected to announce their new GM by the end of October.

I am glad that RAJ is finally gone as he has made some questionable decisions the last few seasons...including trading Hunter Pence to the Giants for nothing in 2012 and sending my hero Chase Utley to the Dodgers last month.  I also have to give him credit where it is due for the Four Aces (Halliday, Lee, Oswalt and Hamels) as well as getting Pence in 2011.

Pick a winner...

I wish RAJ well in his future endeavors but I think it's time to celebrate.

Party time....woohooo!!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Congrats to Carlos Ruiz for Tying MLB Mark for Catching No-Hitters

Hi everybody,

I also wanted to congratulate Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz for also making history during Cole Hamels No-Hitter against the Chicago Cubs yesterday (July 25th) by catching his fourth No-Hitter.  This achievement ties the MLB record of four (also held by former Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek) as well as becoming the National League record holder.

Ruiz has caught both of Roy Halliday's No-Hitters in 2010 as well as the combined No-Hitter (Cole Hamels, Jake Diekman, Ken Giles & Jonathan Papelbon) last September.  Congrats again to Chooch for his historic achievement.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (4-8-15)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a pic of Chase and former Phillies starting pitcher Roy Halladay.  It's good to see Doc again.  I miss watching him pitch and I'm sure Chase misses him as a teammate.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Alumni Weekend - Charlie Manuel Wall of Fame Ceremony

Hi everybody,

It is Alumni Weekend down at the ballpark and former Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel was added to the Phillies Wall of Fame in a ceremony last night (August 9th) before the ballgame. Charlie managed the Phillies from 2005-2013. Among his accomplishments were 780-636 record as manager, most wins ever for a Phillies manager, best regular season record in Phillies history of 102-60 in 2011, five straight NL East division titles from 2007-2011, two straight NL Championships in 2008-2009 and the 2008 World Series. Manuel also managed two MVPs (Ryan Howard in 2006 and Jimmy Rollins in 2007) and one CY Young Award Winner (Roy Halladay in 2010).  Congrats Charlie for a well deserved honor!

Charlie greets his old team

Viewing highlights of his career

Doc has his Wall of Fame plaque

Doc greets Charlie

Jim Thome unveils Charlie's plaque on the Wall of Fame

Charlie addresses the fans

Congrats Charlie

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase