For some reason, I thought today would be a good day to take a look at some memorabilia of mine and tell a story or two about it. It also provides a moment for me to use my alliterative skills fusing Monday and memorabilia all into one.
Today’s memorabilia includes a Darren Daulton signed baseball, and Larry Bowa/Tommy Greene signed placards.
The Phillies held an “on-deck” series a few years ago where the last few days of Spring Training are actually held in a team’s home city. These on-deck series usually feature two teams playing each other from close proximity and count as a exhibition preview of the upcoming year’s team. It gives them a chance for a final tune-up before the grueling regular season.
I was able to attend one of these series after running the Phillies Charities 5K. You got vouchers to go to one of the games, and I was pumped to know that the Phillies were going to have autographs from former and current team greats. I was able to get these three autographs at the game and have an extended conversation with the late Darren Daulton.
The thing that struck me about Darren was how soft-spoken he was. It was almost as if he was aware of his mortality and how gentle he wanted to be at the end of his lifetime. Darren Daulton had fought, but ultimately died from brain cancer on August 6th, 2017, aged only 55 years old.
I love Larry’s stance in his card, almost as if he’s saying “c’mon man, take the dang photo”. It’s a look into his no-nonsense character traits.
Tommy Greene was a favorite of mine growing up, mainly because he was a young pitcher who showed promise on teams that were pretty much dead. He didn’t have a hall-of-fame career, but he did throw a no-hitter on May 23rd, 1991, a game my brother and I watched from start to finish.
The very next year was different in how the Phillies marketed themselves, changing their logo, uniform, and going after a different manager in Jim Fregosi. Looking back at it, it certainly is a stark contrast to today’s game.
In other news, I went 8-8 against the spread in my NFL Pick ‘Em from yesterday, my one and only chance for regular season picks. I am happy to say I will return with Playoff Pick ‘Em this weekend, so smash that subscribe link so you don’t miss it!
Oh if only I had a 1986 Fleer Jordan.
…and this from Jessica Hagy:
Well, back to the grind as they say. I’m currently waiting on hold to get some medical billing straightened out with a Covid-19 test. Stay safe out there!