Phillies Phestival

http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/community/phillies_phestival.jsp


"The Phillies went to bat tonight all for a good cause.
Over 6,800 fans -- the most in Phillies Phestival history -- turned out at the ballpark to help raise a grand total of $801,615 to help strike out ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Since the Phillies adopted ALS as their primary charity in 1984, they have raised over $11.8 million for the fight against the disease, an always-fatal progressive neuromuscular disorder. This year marks the 21st Phillies Phestival and the 26th anniversary of the partnership between the ALS Association and the Phillies.

A set of six World Series baseballs signed by the 1950, 1980, 1983, 1993, 2008 and 2009 teams received the top bid of $4,100 in the live auction, followed by a bid of $3,900 for a Phillies suite for 30 with a World Series trophy visit.

Contributing to the cause was Grand Slam Sponsor Barroway Topaz Kessler Meltzer & Check LLP. Once again, All-Star Sponsor Comcast SportsNet was at the ballpark for live shots during Daily News Live, and the following Ballpark Partners contributed a portion of their proceeds to the night's grand total: ARAMARK, Turkey Hill Ice Cream, Tony Luke's, Planet Hoagie, Campo's Deli, Seasons Pizza and McNally's Schmitter.

The 2010 Phillies squad and coaching staff, as well as the broadcast crew, the players' and coaches' wives, and the Phillies front office were on hand to lend their support. Over 30 ALS patients and their families were also at the ballpark to enjoy the festivities.

In addition to autograph stations, there were three photo booths featuring Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and manager Charlie Manuel. Fans could also participate in games like Every Roll's a Winner and the Wheel of Phun, or purchase Grab Bags filled with a variety of memorabilia.

The live auction raised $66,950, and the silent auction raised $37,690. Thirty-five items were up for bid in the live auction, while 140 items were available in the silent auction. The Honorary Bat Boy/Girl Experience, including a game ticket, received the top silent auction bid of $2,000, followed by a bid of $1,200 for a Chase Utley autographed 2009 St. Patrick's Day jersey.

The money raised is used by the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association for research and patient services.

Top Live Auction Items

1. Set of World Series balls autographed by the '50, '80, '83, '93, '08 and '09 teams: $4,100
2. Suite for 30 with World Series trophy visit: $3,900
3. Autographed, game-used alternate Halladay home jersey, from May 1, 2010, game: $3,800
4. 2009 World Series game-used autographed base: $3,600
5. 2009 Phillies framed National League champions celebration autographed photo: $3,500"

From Phillies.com

This was the first Phillies Phestival that I went to since 96',97',98'. I have not gone since because it's really only for season tix holders, plus it's very hard to get tickets in the first place. I had to wake up at six in the morning and call super early to get my tickets, but I did! I manage to get these Phillie autos!

- Joe Blanton
- J.C. Romero
- Brad Lidge
- Kyle Kendrick
- Ben Francisco
- Brian Schneider
- Juan Castro
- Chad Durbin
- Ross Gload
- Mick Billmeyer
- Milt Thompson

Plus I also did the dice roll and got the rare wins of Shane Victorino bobble-head (which was Phestival Edition), Legends of the Fall DVD, and 2 Phillies T-Shirts. The rolls were $5 a piece and I basically got $45 bucks in merch. Very cool!

Overall even though I didn't get any big names, (I miss Chase by one stinking booth!) I had a lot of fun, and Brad Lidge was super nice. Hopefully I can get tixs next year before it sells out, and now that I know how the system works, I should be able to get the big names next year.

Opening Day!

Yesterday was Opening Day for most ball clubs (the O's vs Rays have theirs tonight) but I'm going to be honest, this was one of the best Opening Days that I can remember in recent years. I got to watch most of the games through MLB Extra Innings, this extra package that Comcast and Major League Baseball include to fans who are out of market for other ballclubs. I got to watch many good games, and I also got to watch the late west coast games. Another huge bonus of MLB Extra Innings is that I will be able to watch all Orioles games now, and even the game tonight. Granted I believe I will get the TB TV stream, but still Harry the K's son does their play-by-play.

I also had a nice little fantasy day from David Wright, Chase Utley, Mark Reynolds, and Nyjer Morgan. My pitching also did well with Johan Santana and Ulbaldo Jimenez, it's always a good sign when you get good pitching.

I also had to check out how I was doing in the MASN Fantasy Contest, which is fun too. If you didn't know about it, here's the link!

http://masnfantasy.stats.com/login.asp

I'm ranked number #30.

Also "Beat the Streak" is going good thus far. I pick Curtis Granderson on Sunday, Chase Utley yesterday, and tonight I'm going with my dude, Nick the Stick.

Hopefully the good times keep rolling in!


Also today at nine in the morning, the Phillies put up their ALS Fez/Auto Party tixs. I was very luckily and got three admission tickets, however it was $78 dollars in total. However all the money goes towards finding a cure for ALS, which is always a good cause. Now when I go in May, I wonder what Phillies I will get on my ticket? Can't hurt to get Doc Halladay, Ryan Howard, or Chase Utley!