Phillies Nation

Labor Day Road Trip to DC

Posted by Brian Michael, Tue, June 10, 2008 10:25 AM

Due to the success of our last trip to Washington, DC, as well as the completion of the new Nationals Park, Phillies Nation is organizing a trip down to our nation’s capital once again.

This season the Phillies play all weekday games when visiting the Nationals, but fortunately one of them is on Monday, September 1st, also known as Labor Day. It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend the day off work than at a 3:05 game in the new DC ballpark.

We’ll be leaving from Citizen’s Bank Park at 10am, which should give us plenty of time to tailgate with DC Phillies fans.

Tickets are $80 and include:

• A seat to and from DC on a comfy motorcoach showing classic Phillies videos
• Food and beverages on the bus and in the parking lot
• Phillies and Phillies Nation giveaways
• Tickets in Section 104, rows 4-9 - home run territory and close to Pat Burrell and the Phillies bullpen

Reserve your spot now by using the PayPal button below. Tickets choices will be first-come first served, so sign up now if you want the best seats.

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Phillies Nation goes to Denver

Posted by Brian Michael, Thu, April 17, 2008 04:20 PM

Not to look past the Mets series this weekend, but I figured we should provide a little advance notice of our trip to Denver next week. As you know, the Phillies tangle with the Rockies on Monday and Tuesday of next week and Phillies Nation will be there for both games.

The Phils and Rockies have turned into somewhat of rivals thanks to the 2007 season. First, there was the tarp incident in which the boys from Philly gallantly came to the rescue of the Coors Field grounds crew amidst monsoon-like conditions. Then came the playoffs; and this will be the Phils first return to Coors Field since that ignominious series last October. The Rockies have cooled off since their torrid run to the World Series, but there is no doubt next week will see two highly competitive games. Kyle Kendrick will face Mark Redman in the opener and Brett Myers takes on Jeff Francis in the second game.

So if you’re going to the game, send us an email and we can work out the tailgate situation or just look for the big Phillies Nation flag in the parking lot.

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Phillies Road Trips 2008

Posted by Brian Michael, Thu, January 17, 2008 10:03 AM

Listen up Phillies fans because we are planning at least three awesome road trips this year to see the Phils play.

Phillies Spring Training Trip

First up is the annual pilgrimage to Clearwater. Phillies Nation and friends will be down this year over St. Patrick’s Day weekend (March 14th-18th). During this stretch we will be partying inside and out of Bright House Networks Field for two games: Saturday, the 15th versus Minnesota and Monday the 17th versus Cleveland. If you’ve never been to Spring Training (or can’t stay away), this is the weekend to go. It’s a wonderful mixture of Spring Training, Spring Break, St. Patty’s Day, and March Madness all in comfortable 85-degree weather.

Phillies in Denver

The next event follows soon after Opening Day and will take place at the home of a new Phillies rival, Denver. We’ll be flying out to Colorado to see the Phils take on the Rockies on April 21st and 22nd - the only games the Phillies will play at Coors Field this year. It’s a bit of a hike from the East Coast but it’s certainly worth getting a peak at one of the stadiums Citizen’s Bank Park was modeled after. Plus, we all hate the Rockies for how they manhandled the Phils last October.

Bus Trip to DC

Finally, due to the success of our last trip to DC (pictures) as well as the completion of the new Nationals Park, we will be loading up the bus and heading down to our nation’s capital once again. This season the Phillies play all weekday games when visiting the Nationals, fortunately one of them is on Monday, September 1st, also known as Labor Day. So it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend the day off work than at a 3:05 game in the new DC ballpark. I’ve been monitoring its progress down along the soon-to-be-gentrified Anacostia Waterfront and it’s looking good - a DC favorite, Ben’s Chili Bowl, as been added to the ballpark concessions. So, save the date now and more details will follow.

If you are interested in going to any of these events - particularly the Bus Trip - leave a message or send us an email.

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Big Events

Posted by Brian Michael, Tue, August 14, 2007 12:03 PM

The Phils are opening a series with the Nationals in DC, so you know what that means, road trips and tailgate parties!  If anyone is coming down, let us know and you can join in the festivities.  Commenters have already hatched some plans last week, and below are the details for the official Phillies Nation tailgate party for Wednesday’s game.  For those that will be stuck in Philly this week, don’t worry, we have something in store for you too.

Wednesday Night - Tailgate Party at Phils-Nats game in DC

The Phillies meet up with the Nationals in the second game of the three game series on August 15 at 7:05 pm.  Rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick (5-2, 3.75) takes on Tim Redding (1-3, 2.86) and the rest of the Washington ballclub that is looking to move out of the NL East cellar.  We will be tailgate starting at 5:30 pm outside the stadium - looking at this map of the RFK parking lots, we are planning the party for Lot 3.  If you can’t find the swath of people having fun in Howard-Utley ‘08 shirts, call me for directions at 215-510-0704.  Booze and food will be provided as well a Phillies Nation gear for a lucky few.

Thursday Night - Phillies Nation on Radio 1360 AM

For the Philly and Jersey folks, Thursday night at 9:30 pm, mute the game and tune into 1360 AM for an interview with yours truly.  I’ll be talking with Mike from WNJC whose show runs Thursday nights from 9-10 pm.  Fans are encouraged to call into the program with questions and comments at (856) 227-1360.  For people outside the listening area, you can catch the interview at 1360 AM online.

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Lowered Expectations

Posted by Brian Michael, Mon, August 06, 2007 05:21 PM

Monday off days are great opportunities for taking stock of the season, looking ahead on the schedule and managing expectations.   That said, the Phils have 51 games remaining in the 2007 baseball season - 51 games to get back to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.  So what are the chances the Phillies will make this playoffs this year?  Some say 25%; but as Phillies fans, we all know we can’t rely on the percentages.

There are 29 games remaining at home and 22 on the road.  Fortunately, this season the Phillies have finally begun to improve their record in Philadelphia (29-23 thus far).  To make it to 90 wins, they’d have to go 32-19.  In other words, the Phillies would have to win at least two games in each of their remaining 16 series.  A much more likely feat would be to reach Charlie Manuel’s magic number of 85 wins and go 27-24 the rest of the season.  However, much of deciding how many games the Phillies can win revloves around the matchups they face.  We know how the Phils stack up any given day so let’s look at their opponents.

Nine games remain against the NL West teams, save the one with Barry Bonds.  Then there is a three game series with the defending World Champion St. Louis Cardinals.  There are also 3 games against the Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh which will involve a tailgate party with our friends from Philly Tailgate.  As always, the bulk of the schedule remains against the NL East with 35 games yet to play in the division.  Also as usual, the Phillies will wrap up September with some games against the Nationals.  Besides a DC tailgate party on September 22, we will have a group together for the games next week at RFK.  If any one from Washington, DC or the surrounding area is interested in going to the games August 14-17, let us know.  Although I’m not too worried about the 10 games left against the Nationals, the Phillies 18-19 record against the division does not bode well for reaching 90 wins.

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Howard is Back Back Back

Posted by Brian Michael, Wed, May 30, 2007 08:31 AM

Is it too early to say the Ryan Howard of last season has returned?  He is five games removed from the disabled list and already he is putting up better numbers that the start of the season.  Since returning to the lineup on Friday, Howard has gone 6-18, with 7 RBIs, 3 HRs, and 5 strikeouts.  Although it’s definitely a good sign to see Ryno accumulate more hits than strikeouts over a given period, it probably is too soon to say he has fully recovered.  Last night after he landed awkwardly on his injured leg, he was forced to leave the game with what he claims was only a cramp.  The Phillies slugger explained, "My hamstring cramped up when I tried to get up and make the play. That’s why I couldn’t make an accurate throw. A good play gone bad. My leg is fine."  Let’s hope so, Ryan, because if the Phillies are going to make a push for the playoffs, now is the time.

After sweeping the Braves over the weekend and crawling above .500, the Phils looked to have some momentum as the D’backs slithered into town.  Freddy Garcia - bucking earlier trends - pitched a solid eight innings in the opening game of the series but the Phillies were unable to hold on and lost 5-4 on Memorial Day.  Last night’s blowout saw two 5-run innings allowed on the heels of 3 errors as the Phils dropped back down to .500 - their favorite number as of late.  June is not going to get any easier for our hometown nine, with the Giants, Mets, Royals (whew!), White Sox, and Tigers all on the schedule in the first half of the month.

Hopefully the Phillies will be able to make a statement against the Giants this weekend and try to reclaim some of that momentum from earlier in the week.  As mentioned before, Phillies Nation will be there on Saturday supporting the Phils - first with an awesome tailgate party, then with some good old-fashioned rowdiness during the game.  Please join us for the big event, which is co-sponsored by PhillyTailgate.com and will feature booze, bbq, beverages, and a band!  There will also be plenty of Phillies giveaways, including some of those hot Howard-Utley shirts.  Tickets to the tailgate can be purchased here if you already have a ticket to the game ($20) or here if you still need both tickets ($42).  It’s gonna be a big day inside the park too: Bonds is in town, Howard is back, Hamels is pitching, and Greg Dobbs continues to impress.  See you Saturday.  Go Phils!

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Fantastic Game

Posted by Brian Michael, Thu, May 10, 2007 11:43 AM

What a great game last night.  The Phils were operating on all cylinders and the most notable sign was a game-winning pinch-hit grand slam by Ryan Howard.  Also on offer was another solid outing by Jamie Moyer, a two-inning close job by Brett Myers, and nine unanswered runs after being shut down most of the game by Randy Johnson.  The win saved the Phillies from their first sweep at the hands of the Diamondbacks in almost a decade.  But it did more than just than.  The Ryan Howard grand slam especially provided a healthy blip on the otherwise flat-lined Phillies pulse.  "It doesn’t just lift his spirits. It lifts the club’s spirits, too," observed starter Jamie Moyer.  Pat Burrell reiterated saying, "You can’t count on the pinch-hit grand slam.  We needed something like that to happen for us." 

The trouble is I feel too often that the Phillies - when just teetering on the brink of disaster suddenly - find a way to pull things together.  Maybe they will take the series this weekend against the Cubs, but then they face the Brewers - the best team in baseball currently.  That’s going to be a real test for the club.  Only if last night’s grand slam was an indication that the healthy Ryan Howard of last season has returned do the Phillies have a chance to turn the season around.  Otherwise it will be just another roller-coaster ride with the Phillies doing just enough to get by.  Along those lines, I could definitely see a return of everyone’s favorite Canadian reliever, Rheal Cormier who was released by Reds yesterday.

For those of us who nonetheless can’t stand turning away from the car wreck that is the Phillies, we here at Phillies Nation have two awesome events.  They both involve the Phillies-Giants game on Saturday, June 2nd, which starts at 7:05.  First off, we are planning another world famous tailgate party.   There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, beer, cheesesteaks, soda, water, other random food, beer, musical entertainment and dozens of friendly Phillies fans.  We also have group tickets reserved for people who need seats.  The party with 400 level tickets to the game will run you $42, or just $20 if you have your own tickets.  It also might be worth mentioning that it is my birthday weekend, so I am considering it a party in my honor (although no one else is obliged to).

If you don’t already have tickets and prefer fancier accommodations, then you should be aware of a raffle being run by Holy Family University.  They are offering luxury box tickets to the June 2nd game for you and 11 of your friends.  The prize includes admission to the game, the swanky seats, free food, free drinks, and free parking.  There will be only 20 entries accepted for this raffle and an entry will set you back $500, but participants will have a 20-to-1 chance of winning the grand prize.  There is also a second prize of a Chase Utley signed bat and ball, 2 Hall of Fame Club Seats and a $10 food voucher.  Even better, the remaining 18 participants will receive 2 Hall of Fame Club Seats and a $10 food voucher to a game.  Everybody wins, whoo-hooo!  Call Luci Sweeny at 267-341-3353 if you are interested and remember entries are available to the first 20 people only.

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Spring Training with Phillies Nation

Posted by Brian Michael, Fri, February 09, 2007 02:55 AM

In case you haven’t done the math, we are less than one week until pitchers and catchers report.  Spring Training is upon us and things are looking bright in Clearwater.  Away from the frigid weather gripping the east coast,  temperatures are in the low-70s and sun is expected all week down on the Gulf.  The Phillies’ first Grapefruit League game will be against Detroit, the reigning AL champs, on March 1st at 1:05pm.

Phillies Nation will be represented at Spring Training down at Bright House Networks Field on March 15th and 17th by myself and Jim.  The 15th features a Thursday night game against the Blue Jays.  On Saturday the 17th, the Phils will battle the Yankees in an afternoon match up that will hopefully feature green uniforms and hats.  Tentative plans are to have a small (or large) tailgate party before both games.  For the Yankees game we will be sitting on the lawn in centerfield, so that party will continue around our general vicinity for the entire game. 

Judging by the poll, it seems a number of our readers will be migrating south for March.  So if you’re planning on going to either of the aforementioned games, let us know, we’ll buy more beer.  If you’re just considering going, now you’ve got another good reason.  Get all the Phillies Spring Training info here and start packing! 

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Funeral Procession or Resurrection Party At The Ballpark Tonight

Posted by Brian Michael, Fri, September 29, 2006 08:03 AM

After last night’s loss the Phils fall 2 games behind the Dodgers after they won their game againsn’t Colorado by a touchdown and a 2-point converstion. With only 3 games to play the Phillies need to sweep the Marlins in Miami and pray for a miraculous Padres or Dodgers collapse. Yes, you may be sad about the Phillies coming up small in a series they needed to take. But, I have the solution for you!

Drown your sorrows with us at McFadden’s At The Ballpark tonight from 7 to 10 PM.

Tonight, September 29th at McFadden’s at The Ballpark we are asking all fans, young and old, to come out and help cheer on your team while they are battling it out in Miami against the Marlins.

There are two things you can count on at this event:

1. There will be more patrons in McFadden’s during the game than in actual attendance live at Dolphin Stadium.
2. 2 Dollars, yes $2.00, You Call Its  from 7PM to 10PM with ½ price appetizer to boot.

So what, it’s actually three things. It’s even more of a reason to get yourself in a barstool or chair in South Philly Friday night on the 29th.

If you have any questions, inquiries, comments or concerns about this event you can either contact:

Phillies Nation via our Contact Us Page or at MySpace

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College Night At The Ball Park

Posted by Brian Michael, Sun, August 27, 2006 11:17 PM

After brutal heat waves and dozens of days without rain it’s September again in Philadelphia. The temperature is a little cooler and the smell of autumn is filled within a stiff cool breeze.  Once again our Fightin’ Phils are in the thick of the Wild Card chase.  The Phils have only 13 home games in September and they need all the help they can get from their passionate and wild fan base.

On Tuesday September 5th, Philliesnation.com heeds the call to propel the Phils into the playoffs by declaring that we will be hosting a tailgate party for all Phillies fans prior to game time. The festivities begin at promptly 3 PM at the Lincoln Financial Field Parking Lot on the concrete median which separates section K and L. The party ends 30 minutes prior to game time.

Click Here For A Detailed Map Of Our Location

For any more information don’t hesitate to contact us through our Contact Page or through our MySpace Profile.

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