With the end of April just a few days away, the first calendar month of baseball is nearly in the books. With that, you have some contenders like the Houston Astros, as well as some pretenders such as the Toronto Blue Jays.

 

One team that is tough to put in either category is our beloved Philadelphia Phillies. While most of the city wanted to run manager Gabe Kapler after starting the season with a 1-3 record through the first four games, the Phillies have since gone on to win 13 out of their next 17. In this blog, we’re going to highlight the bright spots so far and what to look forward this season.

 

Gabe Kapler

 

Following the run of NL East titles, the Phillies felt like a ship out to sea with no captain. After the firing of Charlie Manuel, the organization looked toward Ryne Sandberg to usher in the new era. After just two seasons, Sandberg stepped down and was replaced by Pete Mackanin, who would also only last two seasons. Entering the 2017 offseason, the Phillies knew they had to find the next coach to take this young team to the next level. Gabe Kapler made a huge splash when he arrived in Philadelphia with a desire to create a fun locker room and enough analytics to remind us of Chip Kelly.

 

Jake Arrieta

 

The late spring training signing of Jake Arrieta made a lot of people question if the Phillies believe they are a year or two closer to contending than expected. The former Cy Young winner who parted ways with 2016 World Series winning Chicago Cubs, surprised many by choosing Philadelphia over the Washington Nationals. Through three starts, Arrieta looks like he did in his Windy City days and offers a lot of leadership for future ace, Aaron Nola.

 

Scott Kingery

 

Despite having an impressive Spring Training, the young elite middle infielder expected to start the season in AAA until the organization gained another year of control over him. However, days before the start of the season, Kingery inked himself a six-year, 24-million dollar contract. With club options that could turn into 66 million over nine seasons, the two sides struck up a deal that benefited both. The Phillies just locked down a promising young talent for the bulk of his prime for cheap, while Kingery was able to secure himself guaranteed money at a young age.

 

Could the Phillies take home the hardware in October? Probably not. But that can’t stop you from becoming a champion. Anyone looking for a leading trophy supplier in PA should look no further than Spike’s Trophies.

 

Give our team a call today to get your baseball team outfitted with athletic trophies in NJ, this spring.

With another March Madness in the books, head coach Jay Wright and the Villanova Wildcats are taking home hardware once again. No, not a trophy from Spike’s Trophies, the best place to buy a sports trophy in PA, but another NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship trophy. Capturing their second title in three years, the idea that Wright and the Wildcats may have stumbled into the dynasty discussion has started to heat up.

 

One and Not Done

The idea of selling the path to the NBA with not as much importance on success in college, ushered in by Kentucky head coach John Calipari, has made it a big impact on the “blue chips” of college basketball. With the likes of Duke, North Carolina, Louisville and many others following suit, the era of “One and Done” was created in college basketball.

While many have been very vocal against this new wave of college hoops, not all have turned heel. Wright has continued to recruit players who intend on graduating from their university. With two national titles and three Big East titles, maybe there is something to having experienced leadership on the court.

 

Jalen Brunson

 Although Jalen Brunson declared for the NBA draft this past April, there is so much that has to be said about this kid from New Jersey. The 6′3” guard from Stevenson High School, Brunson, the son of NBA journeyman Rick Brunson, was a vital part of the two recent national titles. It didn’t take long for Brunson to start racking up the accolades either, capturing a national title in a freshman season is something very few can do.

He later went on to win another national title, the Naismith Award, the Wooden Award and AP Player of the Year in his junior season has cemented Brunson in the conversation of the best college basketball player of all-time. The culture Wright has created in Philadelphia has convinced future NBAers to stay and earn their degree.

 

While we can’t wait for college basketball to return, there are more sports to be played, games to be win and trophies raised. Those in need of a quality athletic trophy in NJ have come to the right place. Give our team at Spike’s Trophies a call today by dialing 855-652-4030.