BBTF's Newsblog Discussion :: Mariners bullpen catcher marrying woman he spotted in stands

Baseball Primer Newsblog
— The Best News Links from the Baseball Newsstand

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Mariners bullpen catcher marrying woman he spotted in stands

He shared a few stares with the woman, who was entertaining business clients. Then he made a promise to the fellas in the ‘pen.

“If we go extra innings, I’m gonna make a move,” Jason Phillips said. “If we go to extra innings, that’s gotta be a sign.”

The game with the Oakland A’s went into extra innings. Phillips grabbed a baseball, scribbled his number on it, got the woman’s attention and tossed it to her. And for the rest of the game, he was left to wonder how she’d respond. He couldn’t wait to return to the clubhouse and check his messages. Naturally, the game would drag for 15 excruciating innings.

But by then, she had sent him a text message: “My name is Molly. Nice to meet you.”

And that’s how a bullpen catcher fell in love.

On Sunday, Jason Phillips and Molly Ray will get married, and their wedding guests will attend the ceremony in the only logical place to celebrate their serendipitous romance.

The bullpen.

Repoz Posted: June 17, 2010 at 03:58 AM | 80 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: mariners, special topics

Reader Comments and Retorts

Go to end of page

Statements posted here are those of our readers and do not represent the BaseballThinkFactory. Names are provided by the poster and are not verified. We ask that posters follow our submission policy. Please report any inappropriate comments.

1. mrslappy Posted: June 17, 2010 at 04:16 AM (#3561559)

Candlesticks make a nice gift. /obvious

2. JJ1986 Posted: June 17, 2010 at 04:17 AM (#3561560)

This article is weird. Phillips is a former major leaguer (and a cult favorite), but that's not mentioned at all.

3. sister cristian guzman Posted: June 17, 2010 at 04:20 AM (#3561561)

Is this the best thing to come out of the Mariners' bullpen this year? I think so.

4. devo Posted: June 17, 2010 at 04:21 AM (#3561562)

D'awwwwwwwwww.

5. McCoy Posted: June 17, 2010 at 04:46 AM (#3561571)

slut.

6. Gonfalon Bubble Posted: June 17, 2010 at 04:50 AM (#3561573)

You don't want to know what Billy Ripken got in exchange for his note written on a baseball.

7. Crispix Attacksel Rios Posted: June 17, 2010 at 04:53 AM (#3561574)

Is this the guy who wore the goggles?

8. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:10 AM (#3561578)

Jason Phillips, Professional Hitter?
(Jim Tracy - I still h8 u.)

9. JMPH Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:11 AM (#3561579)

Wow, that is strange. I figured it was just a coincidence, not the real Jason Phillips.

10. bobm Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:16 AM (#3561582)

From TFA:

He also says he's fortunate to be with the Mariners. They've made planning this wedding easier. Of course, as he mentions this, Phillips acknowledges that Ray has been stuck with finalizing most of the particulars, but he's happy that she is in partnership with an organization that feels like family.

"It's nice to be able to share this opportunity with them," said Phillips, 33, who added that a large portion of the team will be in attendance. "Jack (Zduriencik) was the second person to RSVP, after my sister."

This is why the Mariners are obviously the 6th best organization in baseball.

11. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past

Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:42 AM (#3561589)

Great story. About time something good happened this season in Seattle.

Yeah, the story last year was that Phillips was looking for a place to play, and they offered him this gig instead.

Edit: Per his Wikipedia page- "Phillips signed another minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners on February 16, 2009, and was invited to spring training. On April 1, 2009, Phillips accepted the Mariners' bullpen catcher position, after his services as a player were no longer required."

12. Zipperholes Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:53 AM (#3561593)

#6 wins the thread.

13. Walt Davis Posted: June 17, 2010 at 09:15 AM (#3561605)

I hope somebody videotapes Milton Bradley doing the hokey pokey at the reception.

14. Gamingboy Posted: June 17, 2010 at 10:46 AM (#3561613)

D'awwwwwwwwww.

slut.

You don't want to know what Billy Ripken got in exchange for his note written on a baseball.

I love BBTF.

15. Eraser-X is emphatically dominating teh site!!! Posted: June 17, 2010 at 11:00 AM (#3561616)

I thought this read, "Mariners catcher bullied into marrying woman he saw in the stands"

16. Susan Posted: June 17, 2010 at 01:03 PM (#3561656)

You cynical primates, this is sweet.

17. Edmundo got dem ol' Kozma blues again mama

Posted: June 17, 2010 at 01:04 PM (#3561658)

I was going to comment that this article was no good without pictures but it does have a picture of Phillips in it. Not quite what I was looking for...

18. My name is Votto, and I love to get Moppo Posted: June 17, 2010 at 01:20 PM (#3561673)

It's like the last scene in "Major League"!!

19. HowardMegdal

Posted: June 17, 2010 at 01:29 PM (#3561679)

Wait, why isn't he wearing his goggles in the picture? This is great to see, though.

20. NJ in NJ Posted: June 17, 2010 at 01:38 PM (#3561685)

I don't get 14. Probably because I don't get 4, 5, or 6.

21. Levi Stahl Posted: June 17, 2010 at 01:42 PM (#3561689)

I sat next to the wife of a Cubs bullpen catcher once when I was flying to New York. She was going there to hang out in New york while the Cubs were playing the Mets. I asked her how a person becomes a bullpen catcher, and she said that her husband was offered the job through one of his coaches in the minors after he suffered a knee injury that made it likely he couldn't actually play for much longer.

The way she described it, he and she both essentially looked at the job as a way to stay around the game a few more years because it was what he loved to do.

22. hokieneer Posted: June 17, 2010 at 01:48 PM (#3561694)

#21, when it became apparent that I was done playing baseball my freshman year of college, my new dream in life was to be a bullpen catcher.

If you're not good enough to play in the majors, then it has to be a great back up plan. Hang with the players, possibly get some autos for your kids. Set in the bullpen for the first 5-6 innings and do nothing but watch/talk baseball. Then put on the gear and help a few guys get warm. Job done.

Wonder what they get paid?

23. The importance of being Ernest Riles Posted: June 17, 2010 at 02:06 PM (#3561701)

I hope somebody videotapes Milton Bradley doing the hokey pokey at the reception.

Why, you like watching people tear their ACL?

24. Never Give an Inge (Dave) Posted: June 17, 2010 at 02:14 PM (#3561707)

I was wondering if this was the same guy who played first base for the Mets for a year (115 OPS+). Apparently it is. Nice story, and good for him.

25. God can’t be all that impressed with Charles S. Posted: June 17, 2010 at 02:41 PM (#3561742)

Hokieneer, can being a bullpen catcher get you on a coaching track? Bullpen catcher -> bullpen coach -> pitching coach? Or are BP catchers not even looked at that way?

26. ERROR---Jolly Old St. Nick

Posted: June 17, 2010 at 02:41 PM (#3561743)

Wonder what they get paid?

Depends on the team. The Giants ($9.79 an hour plus swimming privileges after the game) pay the highest, and the Nats pay $8.25, but most teams only pay around $7.25 an hour plus an autographed baseball or two. Obviously nobody's in it for the money.

27. HowardMegdal

Posted: June 17, 2010 at 02:46 PM (#3561759)

Where is Jason Phillips registered? At Bed Bath and Beyond.

28. I Left Tim Raines Down In Africa Posted: June 17, 2010 at 03:01 PM (#3561781)

Jim Bouton's putting this in Ball Seven.

29. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: June 17, 2010 at 03:01 PM (#3561784)

As long as her name isn't Harriet Bird.

30. Guapo Posted: June 17, 2010 at 03:33 PM (#3561840)

Oh sure, Albert Belle throws a ball at a fan and he gets suspended, but Jason Phillips does it and he gets married. THAT'S RACIST

31. Who Swished In Your Cornflakes? Posted: June 17, 2010 at 03:56 PM (#3561880)

Wow, Jason Phillips is only 33.

32. O Tempura, O Morays ('Spos) Posted: June 17, 2010 at 04:39 PM (#3561925)

...can being a bullpen catcher get you on a coaching track?

Didn't John Gibbons go straight to managing the Blue Jays?

[edit]

He was first base coach for a couple of years before managing.

33. Crispix Attacksel Rios Posted: June 17, 2010 at 04:43 PM (#3561931)

I'll always remember that someone at BTF said that the Mets' Phillips-Piazza catching tandem should be called "Goggles Paisano".

34. hokieneer Posted: June 17, 2010 at 04:56 PM (#3561948)

can being a bullpen catcher get you on a coaching track?

Seems logical, esp for someone who has no prior professional playing experience. Getting a coaching/manager job is as much about luck & opportunity as it is skill. Bullpen catchers have a better chance at getting the attention of other coaches than me or you do.

The Giants ($9.79 an hour plus swimming privileges after the game) pay the highest, and the Nats pay $8.25, but most teams only pay around $7.25 an hour plus an autographed baseball or two. Obviously nobody's in it for the money.

I was expecting more, but it's not about the money. Hard to make a living as the bullpen catcher if that's your primary source of income.

35. McCoy Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:02 PM (#3561952)

When do you clock in? I take it they bring the bullpen catchers with them on the road so how does that work? Do they sit in on the pitchers and catchers meetings and if so do they get paid for that? When do they clock out? I can kind of see how the job could require a catcher to clock in 60 or more hours a week a lot of weeks of the baseball season. It ain't great money but that is a lot of overtime.

36. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:09 PM (#3561959)

I think Andy was joking - my understanding (could be wrong) is that they tend to make in the 20s (salary - it's not a per hour job). [EDIT: plus per diem and playoff shares, if applicable]

I can't imagine many bullpen catchers get the job without extensive minor league experience - less accomplished John Orton / Matt Sinatro types, if you will.

37. Steve Phillips' Hot Cougar (DrStankus) Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:11 PM (#3561962)

Didn't John Gibbons go straight to managing the Blue Jays?

[edit]

He was first base coach for a couple of years before managing.

And that stint in 'Nam.

Wait, am I thinking of someone else?

38. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:14 PM (#3561966)

You know, that guy (Tim Johnson) has been pretty successful in his post-MLB managing career. I'd take him (even w/ his credibility issue) over Pete Runnells anyday.

39. Shooty would run in but these bone spurs hurt!

Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:14 PM (#3561967)

And that stint in 'Nam.

I think you may be snarking the wrong Blue Jays manager.

40. McCoy Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:15 PM (#3561969)

The internet says it is about 40,000 to 50,000 a year plus they usually get tipped by the pitchers and can get playoff shares as well.

41. Steve Phillips' Hot Cougar (DrStankus) Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:16 PM (#3561971)

I think you may be snarking the wrong Blue Jays manager.

Yeah...what was that guy's name?

42. hokieneer Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:19 PM (#3561972)

Could not find a definitive answer from google, but this answer on wikianswers seems to be the most logical

EDIT, my link isn't working, BBTF is not encoding the * ' * character correctly.

43. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:20 PM (#3561975)

I don't think I get a Coke, but this's at least worth - I dunno - a Fresca or something.

44. bond1 Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:24 PM (#3561981)

Funny her title is Molly Ray, Manager, Sustainable Partnerships, Pan Pacific Hotel. I hope they last.

45. Shooty would run in but these bone spurs hurt!

Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:28 PM (#3561988)

I don't think I get a Coke, but this's at least worth - I dunno - a Fresca or something.

I got some liquid refreshment for you!

Naw, I kid. Coke to Der Kommmink-sar even though his handle gets that damn song in my head all the time.

46. Steve Phillips' Hot Cougar (DrStankus) Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:32 PM (#3561996)

Coke to Der Kommmink-sar even though his handle gets that damn song in my head all the time.

Oh-OH!

47. O Tempura, O Morays ('Spos) Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:38 PM (#3562005)

Yeah...what was that guy's name?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Johnson_(baseball)

48. Sam M. Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:39 PM (#3562006)

OK, trivia buffs. What National League record does Jason Phillips hold?

49. Crispix Attacksel Rios Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:43 PM (#3562010)

Most at-bats with no triples and no steals? Most...something-or-other with no triples and no steals? Slowest runner for a non-fat guy?

50. Sam M. Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:45 PM (#3562011)

# 49 is not correct, but thanks for playing! (The correct answer is, however, lack-of-speed related.)

51. More Dewey is Always Good Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:53 PM (#3562017)

Is Jason Phillips the guy who complained a few years ago about how he was living "paycheck to paycheck" on his $300K salary, or am I thinking of someone else?

EDIT: I remembered correctly!

52. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: June 17, 2010 at 05:53 PM (#3562018)

Sorry about that - I actually was thirsty; remedied now.
I'm not big on that song, fwiw, and don't know his other stuff. I just like Brad Komminsk (and the way I sorta snuck my actual name into the user name).
***
That's not correct? That was my guess (and, in fact, he did have no steals or triples).

Ummm, most CS without an SB?
***
51: I don't remember. Sal Fasano was the guy who didn't take COBRA insurance, holding out hope for a big league gig.

53. Sam M. Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:07 PM (#3562037)

Another hint: Phillips' record is a single-season record.

54. More Dewey is Always Good Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:09 PM (#3562041)

Most catchers' interferences in a season?

55. Maxwn Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:11 PM (#3562046)

Fewest runs scored per times on base? or something like that? Not exactly sure how you would word a record like that.

56. smileyy Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:13 PM (#3562054)

Lined into most 9-3 putouts? :D

57. Maxwn Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:15 PM (#3562056)

Least hated Phillips associated with the '03 Mets?

58. Crispix Attacksel Rios Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:15 PM (#3562059)

It's not greatest combined GIDP and HBP in a season, is it?

59. PerroX Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:16 PM (#3562061)

Reckon Simers will get an invite?

60. aberg Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:17 PM (#3562062)

Cameron says the Mariners are the 6th most supportive franchise for staff planning weddings, but it's based largely on how many bachelors the team has and the support they are likely to get down the road.

61. Maxwn Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:18 PM (#3562066)

It's not greatest combined GIDP and HBP in a season, is it?

No, I checked. Jim Rice can win that record over Phillips in a couple of seasons with just GIDP alone.

Edit: Also, Biggio has more than Phillips in one season with just HBP.

62. Sam M. Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:19 PM (#3562067)

It's not greatest combined GIDP and HBP in a season, is it?

This is very close. Kind of.

The correct answer is: most GIDP by a rookie in NL history (21, 2003).

63. Maxwn Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:24 PM (#3562073)

Damn it, should have known it was some kind of rookie record. He never played enough outside his rookie year to really get any other kind.

64. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:24 PM (#3562074)

So, who has the record for most AB/PA w/o a steal or triple? I think that might be Phillips too (or thought I'd read that before).
EDIT: He's second. I don't know who is #1.

65. Who's ever heard of a snozzberry? Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:29 PM (#3562077)

So Frank Francisco's method of getting women's attention in the bullpen isnt the proper ediquette then?

66. Maxwn Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:30 PM (#3562078)

Johnny Estrada has 2244 PAs without a triple or a sb. He's a strong contender. Unlike Phillips, Estrada seems to have never even considered stealing a base, as he has no CS as well.

67. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:32 PM (#3562080)

Well, there you go; thanks!
EDIT: Six players have more CS than Phillips without a steal - the record is eight (Oscar Robles).

Ladies and gentlemen, that's some elite non-productive baserunning from Mr. Phillips.

68. NJ in NJ Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:35 PM (#3562083)

69. Athletic Supporter's aunt's sorry like Aziz Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:36 PM (#3562085)

Wow, Megdal has already struck on updating Phillips' B-R page to reflect his impending marital status. That guy should be GM of the Mets or something.

70. Tom Nawrocki Posted: June 17, 2010 at 06:55 PM (#3562107)

Is Jason Phillips the guy who complained a few years ago about how he was living "paycheck to paycheck" on his $300K salary, or am I thinking of someone else?

Part of his complaint was that he had a hard time supporting his family. Wonder if they'll be at his upcoming wedding.

71. More Dewey is Always Good Posted: June 17, 2010 at 07:01 PM (#3562110)

Part of his complaint was that he had a hard time supporting his family. Wonder if they'll be at his upcoming wedding.

RDF.

72. Crispix Attacksel Rios Posted: June 17, 2010 at 07:01 PM (#3562111)

Phillips is second behind Estrada in career appearances with no 3B or SB (NL).

73. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: June 17, 2010 at 07:11 PM (#3562126)

And majors.

74. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: June 17, 2010 at 07:12 PM (#3562128)

This reminds...there is a woman who works on the 1B side of the Yankee Stadium rich section...I assume she takes orders or brings food or something...the point is, thanks to HD television, I've fallen in love with her. If any of you are ever so privileged as to sit in that section, please send her my regards.

Yeah, that won't come across as creepy...

75. Philippe Posted: June 17, 2010 at 07:18 PM (#3562136)

Pierre Arsenault got a job as a bullpen catcher for the Expos after a very short minor league career (he never made it out of extended spring training with the White Sox). He turned that into a long-term gig as a bullpen coach with the Expos and Marlins and even collected a World Series check with the Fish.

He's the exception, though.

76. I Left Tim Raines Down In Africa Posted: June 17, 2010 at 07:31 PM (#3562149)

Meanwhile, Todd Hundley sits alone somewhere wondering why he can't get a job as the visiting bullpen catcher in Chicago.

77. Walt Davis Posted: June 17, 2010 at 09:04 PM (#3562262)

This reminds...there is a woman who works on the 1B side of the Yankee Stadium rich section...I assume she takes orders or brings food or something...the point is, thanks to HD television, I've fallen in love with her. If any of you are ever so privileged as to sit in that section, please send her my regards.

Write your number on a baseball and throw it at the TV.

78. Justin T's pasta pass was not revoked Posted: June 17, 2010 at 10:57 PM (#3562330)

This reminds...there is a woman who works on the 1B side of the Yankee Stadium rich section...I assume she takes orders or brings food or something...the point is, thanks to HD television, I've fallen in love with her. If any of you are ever so privileged as to sit in that section, please send her my regards.

Is she African-American? I don't watch the Yankees that much, but I've taken note of a woman I've seen in that area doing that job a couple times. Very nice.

79. WillYoung Posted: June 17, 2010 at 11:05 PM (#3562335)

I can't imagine many bullpen catchers get the job without extensive minor league experience - less accomplished John Orton

I made an incredible John Orton once in Baseball Stars.

80. Lassus Posted: June 17, 2010 at 11:07 PM (#3562338)

#77 had me actually laughing - thanks, Walt.

You must be Registered and Logged In to post comments.

<< Back to main

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Mariners bullpen catcher marrying woman he spotted in stands

Reader Comments and Retorts

BBTF Partner

Support BBTF

Hot Topics