Trophy Time and an Elbow Update
I Saw The Trophy!
Finally, one of the stops of the Phillies World Series Trophy Tour was nearby and at an opportune time. On Monday, the Trophy made a visit to the 422 Sportsplex, an indoor sports facility about a 15-minute drive from my house. The public viewing was scheduled from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. Thankfully, the kids didn’t have much homework that night, and I was able to bribe them into it by promising dinner at Chick-fil-a afterwards.
I warned them that we might have to wait in line for a while, but it turned out not to be too bad. We got there a few minutes before 5:00, and as soon as the picture-taking commenced, the line moved fairly quickly.
Of course, my children can never be in each others’ company for more than a few minutes before they start poking, pushing, and picking at each other. My daughter then announced that she would not be in the same picture as her brother.
Since an official-looking person had already come through the line handing out numbered tickets to each group, and there would supposedly be only one photo per ticket, I told her she had no choice. I didn’t want to get to the front of the line, and then hold things up by requesting each kid get their own picture.
Her: “I don’t care, I don’t want to be in the same picture.”
Me: “Well, you are going to be.”
Her: “Then I’m not getting my picture taken.”
Me: “You can each stand on opposite sides, that way the trophy will be between you.”
I began to entertain hopes that this wasn’t the real trophy, and only a stunt double. Horrible visions of my offspring knocking the thing over and breaking it flashed through my mind. How would I explain that to my husband?
Fortunately none of that transpired and by the time it was our turn they were on speaking terms again. Here we are with the Trophy:
I realized afterward that even though I had been standing right next to it, and had actually had my hand resting on the back of the stand (the red velvet part, not the actual Trophy), that I never really got a good look at it! Well, from afar, but not up close and personal. Your time with the trophy is limited, since they obviously want as many fans as possible to get a photo op. But at least I have proof I was there!
The Rebuilding of Scott Mathieson
Scott Mathieson was at one time a top pitching prospect in the Phillies organization. Here he is in 2005 pitching for the single-A Clearwater Threshers:
and the following year pitching for the double-A Reading Phillies:
He also pitched for Team Canada in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, and made his major-league debut later that season.
Since then, he has had not one, but two Tommy John surgeries.
He is in Clearwater this spring, attempting to make a comeback. According to this story on the Phillies website, although he initially came through the minors as a starter, he would most likely find a home in the bullpen if his comeback is successful.
So Scott, here’s wishing you a successful rehab, and that you find a spot this year in the Phillies’ system!
(all photos mine)
Rants, Raves, and Random Thoughts 
Great picture with the trophy! And do I know the days of siblings not getting along!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Wow, that is so cool that you got to see the trophy! Ahh, someday, someday, I’ll be able to do that for my Padres! And I really hope that Matheison can come back and pitch well for you guys. That’s really tough to have to have TWO Tommy John surgeries!
http://kaybee.mlblogs.com
Julia – right now they’re 10 and 7; I’m not sure I’m looking forward to their teenage years!
Kaybee – I’m sure your Padres will eventually get a trophy too; I would think it’s hard enough to come back after one Tommy John, let alone two. A lot of hard work, I’m sure!
Sue
Sue, no we think you’re super exciting. Cool kids, too. I hope you enjoyed your time with the ultimate Tiffany-crafted valuable! It should be in a big robin egg blue box so people know it’s a Tiffany. The post was great. You were like 52 in the Latest Leaders…no worries, just keep commenting on other MLBlogs and tell everyone to come see the trophy. Have fun!
Mark/MLB.com
http://mlblogs.mlblogs.com
There you go.
Nice picture with the kids.
Did you try and pretend to steal it like I did in one of my American League trophy pictures.
I had a big burlap bag and the security guard knew me from the stadium, so he let me have a little leeway with the picture. I am not going to put it online, but it is a big 8 X 10 on my trophy wall.
Too cool that they are giving the fans a chance for the pictures. Like Mark said above, do not worry, people are starting to know your work, and it will blossom. I was in the low 20’s for a long time until I got a little more known, and now I like where I sit..no higher for me than 7th, but I also see a great amount of talent just around the bend beneath me.
Patience and the regular season might be your ticket. Just have fun with it and you will be up here in a nano second.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
Mark – Thanks for the kind words! A big blue box – that would be pretty funny. Or maybe make the velvet stand Tiffany blue instead of red.
Rays Renegade – Thanks to you too! Yeah, it is pretty cool that they are giving fans an opportunity to see the trophy. It has been all over southeastern PA and south Jersey, and a few stops in Clearwater as well. That trophy could rack up some frequent flyer miles! Didn’t pretend to steal it though – don’t want to set a bad example for the kids, you know!
Sue
Nice bling. I want one of those trophies. I always wanted something in a “blue box”. It might as well be a World Series Trophy. Seriously, it goes with everything.
-Kathy
http://redbirdchatter.mlblogs.com
Great trophy pic…think your team can do it again? I think it’s about time Milwaukee fans get to pose with one of those!
http://thehappyyoungster.mlblogs.com/
I am having flashes of my own house as I read this…that’s what sucks about have one boy and one girl close in age….OH the bickering! It never ends! So glad you got the see the trophy finally!
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
Great story about your kids not wanting to be in the same picture. Hilarious! And love that you got to see (and stand next to) the trophy.
– http://janeheller.mlblogs.com
haha That sounds exactly like me and my little brother. We used to do that all the time. Actually we still do. But not as much because he misses me. He will never admit it but he does. I miss him too though. Great picture though. I hope you enjoyed Chick Fil-A afterwards. Now I really want some but it closed about 20 minutes ago.
Melissa
http://clemsongirlbaseball.mlblogs.com
Kathy – gotta think that the trophy will be coming back to St. Louis one of these days!
Happy – I’d love to see the Phils repeat! But if not I’ll try not to be too upset. I’m sure the Milwaukee fans would love to get their chance!
Jenn – I’m always happy to know I’m not the only one being driven insane by my children!
Jane – Thanks! The trophy is pretty cool in person.
Melissa – I’m sure my brother and sister and I were the same way as kids, too! Funny how they will profess to hate each other, but then the next minute they’ll do something really nice. And yes, they were very happy to have dinner at Chick-fil-A.
Sue