Dear Richie Ashburn

Yesterday, I found a letter my father wrote to Philadelphia Phillies great, Richie Ashburn. Below my father's letter is Ashburn's reply written this very day 42 years ago.

July 30, 1965

Hi Rich,

The Pirates pitcher who struck out 27 in the minors was Ron Necciai. I think it was a no hitter, and it may have been a perfect game. A pitcher with a future like that, who doesn't make, brings to mind a Phillies pitcher from the early '50s, Niles Jordan. Do you remember his first game? A two-hit shutout against the Reds.

When I think of those super-catches you used to make, the one I remember the best were against the Giants and Bucs. The first was one of those back-to-the-infield jobs on Ray Nobley. I think it was a Saturday afternoon. The other was a night game, and also with your back to the infield. Don't remember the batter though. Do you?

Hope I've stirred up a few memories for you, you always to for me.

Sincerely,
Don Altobell

Season Ticket Appreciation Night

At Citizens Bank Park

My friend Marty asked me to join him at Citizen's Bank Park for Philadelphia Phillies Season Ticket Appreciation Night. We were treated to dinner in the exclusive Diamond Club. Then there was a Q/A with Phillies GM Pat Gillick. Then we got to roam the field, run the bases, hang out in the Phillies club house, spit inthe dug out, and throw in the bull pen. Needless to say I really enjoyed myself. Thanks Marty.

Click the photo above to view all the photos.

Yankess Trips: Past and Present

07/29/06 - TB Devil Rays 19 - NY Yankees 6

07/30/05 - NY Yankees 8 - LA Angels 7

06/12/04 - NY Yankees 3 - SD Padres 2

06/30/03 - NY Yankees 13 - SL Cardinals 4

Happy 3rd Birthday, Michael

Blowing Out Candles with Authority!

Earlier today I took Michael to his very first Phillies game. Phillies beat the Marlins 11-5.

New club for baseball fans...

From the April 29, 2005 Philadelphia Business Journal print edition--better late than never
Peter Key, Staff Writer

When Paul Altobelli took his 11-year-old daughter Rachel to a Philadelphia Phillies game a few weeks ago, she was disappointed that she didn't get to meet any of the players. The following week, he got a chance to cure her disappointment.

Altobelli, a Cherry Hill resident, brought her to the first area event held by Players Choice Platinum Club, which gives baseball fans a chance to get up close and personal with members of their favorite team.

Rachel got to socialize and have her picture taken with Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, outfielder Jason Michaels and shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

"She just thought I was the greatest daddy ever," Altobelli said.

That's the type of reaction Ravi Kothare hopes the Platinum Club will evoke frequently in the years ahead.

Kothare, a New York financial planner who lives in Voorhees, N.J., launched the club earlier this year as the first venture of Affinity Club Network LLC, a Philadelphia business he heads.

The club, which is the only organization of its kind licensed by the Major League Baseball Players Association, charges members $19.95 a month, although Kothare said he's thinking of having annual memberships for less.

Members get to attend, for a fee, meet-and-greets, such as the one Altobelli went to with his daughter, and other events, including dinners, golf tournaments and baseball and softball clinics. They also can buy discounted merchandise at the club's online store. And they can earn points for discounts on events and special merchandise.

Players are paid to attend the events, but they get something out of them besides money.