TTM Success - Tyler Phillips

My next Spring Training TTM success to come in was this signed 2025 Topps from former Wood Duck, Tyler Phillips.

Phillips (b. 1997) has played in the majors since last season for the Phillies and Marlins.  He currently has a career record of 5-1 with 48 strike outs and a 5.63 ERA.

He was a Wood Duck in 2018 and 2019.  I really thought he was there at the end of the 2017 season, but it must have been 2018.

I mailed to Phillips via Phillies Spring Training on February 14 and got the card back on March 3 for a 17-day TAT. 

2020 Wood Ducks Hot Stove Event Graphing Recap

The annual Down East Wood Ducks Hot Stove Event has come and gone.  This year, former Woodies manager, Corey Ragsdale; new manager, Joshua Johnson; Rangers pitcher, Jeffrey Springs and Rangers prospect, Tyler Phillips were on hand to share some BBQ and talk baseball in Kinston for a couple of hours.

I had to get on Ebay to get most of the cards that I brought to the event, since someone in Texas lost my Phillips team set cards, and I was out of stuff for Corey Ragsdale.  I had a couple Hickory team set cards for Johnson; and a couple Jeffrey Springs cards.  I also took a 50/50 for my friend, Gerard, and my friend, Drake, sent me his only Springs to get signed for him.

I had to get some help to finish all of the Springs cards, since I found so many.  I was able to finish my 2019 Heritage card alreay signed by Jose Trevino.  The Gypsy Queens turned out really well, also.

I found out that Rags will be in the dugout during Rangers games this season, which is really awesome.  I'll have to keep an eye out while watching their games and see if I can see him.

We had a really good time.  I didn't spend any money this year, as I got to talking and wasn't paying attention to the silent auction bids that I had laid out.  Oh, well, that might be for the best anyway.

The roundtable discussions were great.  Chris and I sat at a table with our friend, Billy, and also Jordan, a guy who writes for the Kinston newspaper.  We all were able to fire off a few questions for the panel, such as MLBs proposal to cut 42 MILB teams, who Phillips and Springs veteran influences were on the Rangers, etc.  That might be what I enjoy the most about the event.

Now, I'm ready for the 2020 season to begin!

Graphing Recap - Mudcats at Wood Ducks

Another Wood Ducks season is under way, and I have gotten off to a great start with my and Chris's graphing.  I knocked out some of the new Leody Taveras cards that I picked up in the offseason.  He is still really tough, but so far, I have been pleased with what I have been able to get signed.

He had quite a bit of stuff in 2018 Heritage Minors, so those cards have been working their way into my graphing book to get signed.  I have expedited my efforts by having folks that I know around me try to get him as well.  I don't think he will be here for very long, so it is a race against the clock to get my stuff done and help some others with their cards.

Noah Bremer has been really cool,  He even commented that he's sure we can't wait to get an action shot to replace the 2017 Bowman Draft portrait.

I am learning all of the new faces, and am try to meet the players when I am able.  A few of the new pitchers look alike, so it has been tough getting them.  Clay Middleton also resembles one of them, so I had to get him once I realized it was him (the catcher's gear helped).

Yohel Pozo was in all of the Hickory sets I had recently picked up, so I was glad to get these done.

I also finished off the coaches from the Hickory and Spokane sets that I grabbed.  At least, I finished off the coaches that moved up to the Wood Ducks.

Tyler Phillips is easy to recognize.  He is a pretty big guy with long hair.  He is also really nice.  He started Opening Day.

I also got Phillips's Spokane card done.

The only Mudcat that I had cards of was Tristen Lutz.  I got everything of him done right away, which was nice.  I'll end up with a Mudcats team set, but that's something I will tackle at a later date.

The biggest takeaway was that I now have season tickets for the Wood Ducks.  I can also use tickets for the games that I miss as free vouchers to get folks in to later games.  So, come on down and catch a game with me!