Friendly Phillies calendar says no game for this date.  That is correct, except this evening is the annual Phillies Phestival at Citizens Bank Park.

The fun-filled autograph and auction party for all ages is held to try and strike out ALS, the devastating neuromuscular condition for which there is no known cause or cure.

This year’s goal is to raise over $800,000 which would put the grand total raised to over $10 million.  Proceeds go toward research at ALS association Centers in Pennsylvania Hospital and the Hershey Medical Center, along with much-needed patient care services.

All the players, their wives, broadcasters, ball girls and entire Phillies staff will participate.  Hopefully some day, we can strike out ALS.

Following the event, the Phillies board an AMRAK train for a trip to Washington, DC, and three night games with the Nationals starting tomorrow.  Then, a weekend in St. Louis.

Weekend Totals
We had a knock-down series with the Braves and came out with two wins which was vital.
The series featured three five-run innings, two seven-run innings and a nine-run inning. 

By the numbers:
Triples   1
Doubles   12
Home runs  12
Number pitchers 33
Left on base  39
Runs   51
Hits   67
Rain delay  117 minutes
Pitches thrown  932
Fans   135,317

Don’t know who had the most trips to the mound, Rich Dubee or Roger McDowell.

Who is Osborn?
Wrote yesterday about Doc Miller, whose pinch-hit record of 20 has been tied by Greg Dobbs.  Miller had that number in 1913.  The year before, he had 7, which tied the club record set in 1907 by Wilfred Pearl (Ossie) Osborn, also known as Fred.

A left-handed hitting outfielder, Osborn played three years in the majors, 1907-09, all with the Phillies.  The seven pinch-hits were among his 45 for the season.

Now, you can sleep better tonight knowing this piece of Phillies history.  If you still can’t sleep, see your doctor!