Card of the Day: The Phillie Phanatic 2000 Sports Illustrated for Kids #896

Celeb Rookie: Phillie Phanatic

He is the mascot of all mascots.  He is the Great Green Goliath from the Galápagos Islands.  Since 1978 the Phillie Phanatic has been at the center of all kinds of antics all to entertain Phillies fans.  Whether he’s dancing on top of the dugout, riding his ATV, or shooting hot dogs into the crowd, people can’t take their eyes off of him.

The Phillie Phanatic’s first pack-inserted card comes from 1992 Donruss Triple Play Baseball #133.  But if were’re going to be specific, his official rookie card arrived almost ten years earlier.

Some Phillies fans who sent-away for autographs in 1983 received team-issued postcards sponsored by Tastykake in return.  Within that set you will find the Phillie Phanatic’s very first trading card.  Not only does he have one card, but for you die-hard OCD set collectors he’s got at least three.

The most common version you’ll find features the Phillie Phanatic riding his classic ATV.  Two versions of this card exist.  Both feature the same photograph.  Its the back that can differ.  One back says “Dear Fan: Thanks for your letter.  The Phillies and I appreciate your interest.  Unfortunately, we can not always answer each letter we receive individually so these photo cards have been prepared for your enjoyment.  Thanks again for writing and hope to see you at the ballpark.  Best Wishes, Phillie Phanatic”

The other back reads “Tell your parents to fasten their seat belts when driving.  Phillie Phanatic”

Another version pictures the Phillie Phanatic stirring up trouble on the field.  The back reads “Family fire drills and smoke detectors save lives.  Phillie Phanatic”  Of the three types, this one is more difficult to find.

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Card of the Day: Phillie Phanatic 2012 Topps Opening Day #M-14

Flashback Product of the Week: 1987 Acme Phillie Phanatic Figurines

Coming to your local ACME grocery store starting June 28th 1987 are these awesome Phillie Phanatic figures!!!

Ok.  If you have an ACME grocery store where you live I highly doubt you’ll find any of these little dudes floating around.  You’ed only be twenty-eight years late.  But on 6/28/87 that’s when they began to surface.  The Phillies and ACME came together for this promotion.  These could only be purchased at ACME grocery stores, and a new figure was released every week.  There are eight figures to the whole set.  Each figure features the Phanatic in a different animated pose, and only cost $0.99 at the time.  With the Phanatic being one of the most recognizable mascots in all of sports, this promotion was a huge success.

Unlike most products from this time period, these actually increased in price.  Individual figures today can run around $5.00.  Complete sets have been known to sell for up to $50.00.  Condition plays a big factor when it comes to these guys.  The paint can easily fade and chip over time.  You have to remember that these were a kids toy that cost less than a dollar.  I’m sure many took heavy play damage.

“Pin-Up” of the Week: 2015 Philadelphia Phillies – Phillie Phanatic Opening Day Pin

Its becoming more and more difficult to watch the Phillies.  And I’m a big Phillies fan.  They’re experts at getting hits with two outs, and leaving men in scoring position.  They do it all the time.  Their starting pitchers constantly give up home runs early in the game.  Sometimes they do this with the very first pitch.  And Ryan Howard.  Don’t even get me started on him.  I can see why no team wanted to snatch him up.  I could very easily stand at the plate and do what he does.  He should be in the A.L. as a DH.  The Phillies have been in a steady decline ever since winning the 2008 World Series.  Signing these older players to such long contracts is one of the main reasons why the Phillies are in their current state.  I hate to tell you this Ruben, but players don’t get better with age.  We need this rebuilding phase to be over with ASAP.

As for this pin.  The Phillies had these for sale in the Majestic Clubhouse Store on Opening Day.  From what I’ve read, it was a Citizens Bank Park exclusive only made for Opening Day.  One pin sold for $33.00.

Crosscutters Host 8th Annual Hot Stove Banquet

The Crosscutters held their 8th annual Hot Stove Banquet at the Genetti Hotel last evening.  It was a night filled with old friends, new friends, great food, stories, giveaways, and autographs.  Some of the guests included Philadelphia Phillies Manager Ryne Sandberg, Phillies third baseman Cody Asche, and Phillies broadcaster Greg Murphy.  Returning for a second year in a row was Montoursville native and former major league third baseman Tom O’Malley.

Whoever made the decision to hold the Chinese Auction out in the lobby is a genius.  This allowed for more tables in the ballroom and a lot more room to eat at your seat.  In the past things have been a bit cramped.  The only drawback to the evening was that everyone wasn’t able to get autographs from all the guests.  After obtaining signatures from Cody Asche and Greg Murphy, I went to get in line to see Ryne Sandberg.  Unfortunately they cut the line off for Sandberg right in front of me.  That’s alright.  I had never attempted to get three autographs during this sold out event before.  On a positive note though, when I returned to the table I discovered I had won a prize pack from the Chinese Auction.

Phillies Manager Ryne Sandberg

Phillies 3B Cody Asche

Phillies broadcaster Greg Murphy

The prize pack I won was donated by the State College Spikes.  It included a T-shirt, signed baseball, signed program, and a Stan Belinda mini bobblehead the Spikes gave away last year.