So there is a truly heartwarming story in today's Seattle Times. Mariners bullpen catcher and former Met Jason Phillips is getting married this Sunday, to a woman he saw in the stands. It's like The Natural's Woman in White come to life!
"It's my second chance," Phillips said of marrying Molly Ray. "She's gorgeous. She has a great job. She has great ambition. It's like a mulligan for me. I didn't know what I wanted before, but now I do. She's my best friend. I'm so lucky to have her in my life."
Phillips seems to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and making the most of his opportunities. When Mike Piazza was felled by injury back in 2003, Phillips stepped in to play first base. Though he'd never played the position before, he handled it quite well, and hit .298/.373/.442 in the process.
Though he never approached those numbers again, he continued to play in the major leagues for several more seasons. I had the chance to talk to Phillips in 2007 for a story, and he missed New York very much. For the fans, his trademark goggles made him a favorite, and his uplifting 2003 was a rare bit of sunshine in an otherwise cloudy season for the Mets.
And where does a former major leaguer register, you might ask? (Well, I was curious, anyway.) At Bed Bath and Beyond, of course!
Some of the best gifts are already fulfilled -- the Shower Radio with Fog Free Mirror and Digital Clock, for example -- but you can say thank you to a great former Met with a European Breakfast Pillow ($39.99), a Le Creuset seven-piece spatula set ($69.99), or if you are feeling really generous, the Twilight California King Comforter Set.
I'm afraid the Touch N' Brush Toothpaste Dispenser (chrome), however, is off the list. That's my way of saying thank you to Jason Phillips, for a terrific 2003 season, and a great 2007 interview.