A site for sore eyes if I do say so myself.
Previously: The Mustache Rides On [2007]
>>Sal Fasano Clings To Role As Credit Card Viking [Big League Stew]
>>You Know It's Officially Spring Time When Sal Fasano's Mustache Is In Full Bloom [Deadspin]
There's been a Sal Fasano sighting in Florida. Not only that but he's competing for a job on the Blue Jays with, get this... Rod Barajas! Fasano didn't like the signing of Barajas one bit.
"I was really surprised and actually kind of heartbroken to be honest with you," Fasano said. "I really was looking forward to being on this team. I've got so many friends on the team you hate to leave.
"When they signed [Barajas], I said, 'I guess they don't want me any more.' So, I don't know. You just have to really explore your options in spring training and, hopefully, you'll have a good spring and somebody will see you and want to pick you up."
We're pulling for Sal, of course, but his prospects seem bleak.
Perhaps the best anecdote from the story: Sal named his recently born son Santino.
>>Fasano sings the backup blues [Globe and Mail]
In a shocking end to the brilliant run of one of the greatest catchers of the past decade, Sal Fasano's career went black on Wednesday. Fans of the 'stache don't have any idea what will happen next. Will he be back in the bigs in a week? Was his career whacked, never to show fans his manly 'stache ever again? Or worst case scenario, could Sal end up playing in the New Hampshire League eating "Johnny Cakes"? It's all a big mystery to the loyal group known as Sal's Pal's who have been following closely along with every move the catcher made.
One loyal member of Sal's Pals who has been following along since the early years was rather upset. Ralph from 10th and Tasker wanted more, "That's no way for one of the all time greats to go out. I don't even know what to think. I'm canceling my MLB package for sure."
Many fans will remember the early days, but it was the Philadelphia season and his trip up to the New York crew that will forever cement Sal Fasano among the all time greats.
Wherever you may land, Sal, we'll always remember the good times. Some will win, some will lose. Some were born to sing the blues. And some were born with glorious mustaches. Thanks, Sal.
>>Sal Fasano Archives [The 700 Level]
Get your faux fu manchus ready... Sal Fasano returns to Philly tonight for the first time since he was unceremoniously traded to the Yankees last year. Fasano has now caught on with the Blue Jays (he couldn't cut it in the Mexican League), who'll visit CBP to start the season's first inter-league series.
We don't care what uniform he's wearing. We want to see Sal's Pal's in full force this weekend. So get your beaters, your porno 'staches, and your mullet wigs, and get down Sal-stylee tonight.
Previously:
>>There Is Good in the World: Sal's Pals Live on in Canada [The 700 Level]
>>The Mustache Rides On [The 700 Level]
Roller Disco: We support Philadelphia sports of all sorts here at The 700 Level, so we were sad to hear that the Growl, Philly's own pro roller hockey team, won't be bringing home another championship this season. The Growl have won the PIHA title in each of the last two years, but this year they ran into a tough semifinal match up with the Connecticut Blaze. If you or your kids are into the roller game and hockey pants, check out the Growl site and maybe catch a home game over at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees next season.
Get Your Degenerate On: It's Kentucky Derby day, so head over to Harrah's Chester and put some of that disposable income on the stud with the best name. I'm looking forward to hearing the race announcer shout "I'm a Wild and Crazy Guy," but the smart (boring) money is on favorites like Street Sense (4-1) or Curlin (7-2). I wouldn't mind seeing Barbaro jockey Edgar Prado cross first with Scat Daddy (10-1), but then again, I think we could all do without the ensuing Barbaro-fest. Having never won on the ponies, I can't offer a pick, but I can point you in the direction of a good Mint Julep, the Derby drink of choice.
Lieber Vs. Lowry: Let's hope Jon Lieber can take down San Fran's Noah Lowry this afternoon. Lieber's the hotter of the two pitchers right now, despite giving up a career high in walks in his last turn, but Lowry is no slouch. The Derby is smack in the middle of the game, but it's over in blink, so you won't miss much. We're one day away from the nationally televised showdown between Cole Hamels and Tim Lincecum...
Fasano Goes Yard in Texas: The Rangers smoked the Blue Jays last night, but Sal put the only run on the board for Toronto with a solo shot in the 3rd. The RBI machine should be picked up in all fantasy formats, especially shallow keeper leagues.
Bloggers write about stuff they see on T.V. and then Blog Show does T.V. about stuff bloggers write. I write about Sal Fasano and I get on AOL radio and now Comcast Sportsnet. God bless that man and his 'stache.
>>Blog Show No. 6: 'That's What She Said' [Mister Irrelevant]
Once every couple decades there are events that bring the world together and we like to report on these events every couple of months. Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, the Beatles came to America, Bob Dylan plugged in at Newport, Michael Jackson gave us Black or White, Stallone gave the world Rocky V.
Today, the Sal's Pals phenomenon has reached the Great White North. Our cold, hockey-watching neighbors have shown us love today.
I woke up this morning thinking it was going to be just another gloomy Tuesday, then I found this email in my inbox.
Just wanted to send my regards and let you know that the dream that is "Sal's Pals" lives on in Toronto. Our numbers are growing faster than the "fu" itself and we are ready to cheer on our hero. In fact, we were there on Saturday for Sal's historic first appearance with the Blue Jays and he was great! He didn't hit a home run (all he ever did in Syracuse) but he did take one for the team and
eventually score (how utterly Sal of him).I've sent along some shots.
Thanks very much,
Phil
Sal's Pals Canada
They are certainly not up to the caliber of the original Sal's Pals, but a torch has been passed. It's a great day. The five o'clock shaddow on my face came in at about 9:00 am this morning and I'll be damned if the sun is not shining a bit brighter on the world.
A few more shots of Sal's Pals: Canadian Chapter after the jump.
Continue reading "There is Good in the World: Sal's Pals Live On in Canada" »
To be clear, I haven't seen Sal Fasano in a while, but we're assuming he has some nice facial hair going. Blue Jays catcher Greg Zaun has gotten banged up and Toronto has put in a call for backup.
Regardless of what type of DL stint is coming for Zaun, the Blue Jays plan on purchasing the contract of veteran catcher Sal Fasano from Triple-A Syracuse. Fasano, who signed a Minor League deal with the Jays this past winter, was hitting .297 with four home runs in 11 games for the Chiefs this year.
Mark your calenders people. The weekend of May 18th could be a triumphant return for the awesomest bad catcher in Phillies history.
>>Zaun injurs hand vs. Res Sox [MLB] hat tip to reader Andrew
>>Previously: So Long, Sal Fasano [The 700 Level]
>>Previously: Sal Fasano Doesn't Sleep, He Waits [The 700 Level]
>>Previously: Sal's Pals Speak [The 700 Level]
Unfortunately, the Sal Fasano sightings may be few and far between this season, as the former Phillies backup catcher has been assigned to AAA by the Blue Jays. Page 2/former City Paper columnist Jeff Pearlman eulogizes Sal as the greatest guy in the majors, sharing details of their eight-year friendship. Preserving Fasano's everyman rep, Pearlman describes his impressions of the journeyman catcher, including glowing words of praise and also some of the lower moments of his career, which led to his redemption.
I felt a kinship with Sal that rarely existed with other players. He was real and decent and honest. He privately swore off steroid users as cheaters taking away his livelihood, and never, ever blew off an autograph request. Without attempting to defend himself, Sal once told me how, after being selected by the Royals in the 37th round of the June 1993 draft, he came this close to drinking himself out of the game. "There aren't many places to go in minor league towns," he said. "So I'd be sitting around a bar, talking to people, and all of a sudden I'd look up and see it was 2 o'clock and I'd downed 30 beers." Within a few years, Sal had become a born-again Christian, trading in the booze for the Bible.
Something about Sal and Philadelphia just clicked. It's rare that fans in the Illadelph embrace a player with stats like his, but he was an immediate favorite here. Apparently, the feeling was mutual.
"I could play a long time [in Philly]," he said. "It's the best place I've ever been."
Hope he makes it back to the bigs. Two starting catchers are likely to hit the DL this weekend, so maybe Sal will join his 15th major league club sooner rather than later.
>>Extra: He also shaved his mustache again. [Fanhouse]
>>Sal Fasano Archives [The 700 Level]
Sal Fasano is headed north of the border, having signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays. He will be invited to try to win a roster spot with the club in spring training. I can’t remember a player as average as Fasano becoming so popular with Phillies fans, with the backup catcher even earning himself a fan group. I’m sure it had more to do with his throwback-Mario Brothers-porn star appearance than his ability to call a decent game, but I know I was sad to see him go (especially to the Yankees).
Previously: Sal Fasano Archive
Our boy Sal made his first appearance with the Yankees last night. Good to see his attitude hasn't changed much. NY Times, final item:
The quote of the day came from new catcher Sal Fasano, who joined his seventh major league team in six years: “You’re just an animal sometimes, and you go from zoo to zoo.”
If you can tell from the picture, Sal didn't shave his whole 'stache, just the Fu Manchu part.
Fasano, who started on Wednesday night for the Yanks in Texas, kept his mustache but had to shave the Fu Manchu part of it.
“You don't know how hard that was,'' Fasano said.“The Fu Manchu is easy to get used to. I liked it.”
Is it bad that I may now be pulling for the Evil Empire to get a ring this year? From the picture above, I'm glad Sal hasn't lost any of his grace and agility.
That may be a frown and not a Fu Manchu after this weekend.
It's a sad day for mustached men everywhere: Sal Fasano, one of the few uplifting stories of this sorry Phillies season, was designated for assignment over the weekend. Despite becoming a fan favorite, the hard working journeyman catcher's numbers just didn't impress the decision makers to keep on 3 catchers. There isn't much to say on the subject in my opinion. Sal was embraced for being a hard worker and a class act. I'd be surprised if he ever has to buy his own beer in Philadelphia.
So long, Sal, you will be missed.
-No Storybook ending for folk hero Fasano [Beerleaguer]
-In Gillick We Trust [BS&S]
-The origin of Sal's Pals [The700Level]
-Sal Fasano mentioned along side Alex Rodriguez [The700Level]
I was a guest last night on AOL Sports Bloggers Live, a weekly show put on by Jamie Mottram covering a wide variety of sports topics. I was asked to come on and talk about the upcoming series the Phillies have with the Mets. Also on the show were Matt Cerrone of MetsBlog.com, ESPN's Jason Sobel to talk some golf, and a few others.
I never really got into the upcoming series with the Mets, which seems like a potential season decider, but I did touch on a number of Phillies topics. For those of you who know me, as Vince Vaughn in Old School would say, I'm not a talker. My first foray into being on the radio went okay. I didn't say anything really stupid, but I sound a bit nervous and didn't have any answers prepared. I got my basic points across.
To recap:
Q: How good is Ryan Howard? My answer: Ryan Howard is legit. Reference to BS&S fact. What I really meant: Ryan Howard is a beast. I would have liked to touch on Charlie Manuel saying Howard is capable of being in the same league as Manny Ramirez and some of the other great hitters in baseball but you can't script radio like you can a blog post.
Q: Do the Phillies have the pieces in place in their rotation to make the playoffs? My answer: No. We don't even have a fifth starter at this point. Gavin Floyd has sucked and we may have to bring him back up. I don't know how to pronounce Eude Brito.
Q: Is Cole Hamels for real? My answer: I stumble slightly with this one, saying I haven't seen him pitch much, which I haven't. People are hesitant to jump the gun on Cole.. mumble, mumble. What I meant: Yes, I think Cole is for real. I just don't want to jinx it.
Q: What's the deal with the Sal Fasano love? My answer: It's really kind of uh, hm, really just kind of a running joke now. He has a Fu Manchu and he hustles so Philly embraces him. What I really meant: He has a Fu Manchu and he hustles so Philly embraces him.
They also mention Invincible featuring Vince Papale, Bobby Abreu's penchant for sweets, and note that I was quoted in the NY Daily News.
You can stream the whole hour long show here or download an mp3 of the show here. They make a few references to The 700 Level throughout the show, so I recommend listening to the whole show, but my interview comes in at about 39 minutes.
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