April 4, 2014

11th CBP Opener

Weekend in Chicago and then the 11th Citizens Bank Park opener on Monday afternoon (3:05) against the Milwaukee Brewers. Standing room tickets for the Modell’s Sporting Goods Opening Day go on sale at 12 noon on Monday at the Ticket Office.

Lots of festivities planned for the home opener. Arrive early and enjoy the excitement. A surprise Alumnus it throwing out the first ball.

Do you know who was the first batter in the CBP opener 10 years ago? I’ll give you a clue: Cincinnati Reds. For the answer and many other CBP firsts, check out http://www.phillies.com/alumni.

All PA Start
Cubs began the season with 3 games in Pittsburgh, now have 3 vs. the Phillies and then face the Pirates again in another 3-game set starting Tuesday at Wrigley.

Well-traveled Emilio Bonifacio is off to a torrid start, hitting .668. He’s had 4 hits, 5 and 2 hits.

Minor League Report
Lehigh Valley shut out Pawtucket, 4-0, a combined 2-hitter by 4 IronPigs pitchers. WP: Dave Buchanan, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 SO, 6 IP (89 pitches, 52 strikes); LH Jeremy Horst, struck out the side in the 8th. 1B Jim Murphy, 1B, 2B, 3B, RBI. CF Clete Thomas, 2 2B. C Cameron Rupp hit the first homer among Phillies minor leaguers, a solo shot in the top of the 4th.

Reading was hitless in a 5-0 loss called after 6 ½ innings by rain. Portland beat Jesse Biddle, 3.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 5 SO.

Clearwater was blanked on 7 singles in Dunedin, 7-0. LP Colin Kleven, 6 R, 4 IP.

Lakewood began season with a 6-3 win in Savannah behind RHP Mark Leiter Jr., 0 R, 5 IP. LF Larry Greene, 3B, 4 RBI. 2B Andrew Pullin, 3 hits.

Released: OF Dave Sappelt

Comment Corner
Raised question yesterday when was the last time the Phillies had a catcher hit in the 2nd position. Bob answered it: Chooch, 3 times last year, the last being 8/20. Thanks, Bob.

Book Time
If These Walls Could Talk is my book which will be available starting May 1. Triumph Books is the publisher. Book will be available in paperback and kindle.

Chapter 2: Cooperstown Parade, featuring Roberts, Carlton, Schmidt, Ashburn, Bunning, Kalas and Gillick.

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