Kratz Love: Letters to Phillies Minor-Leaguer Erik Kratz

Posted by Mike Frohwirth, reporting from Clearwater

(The following letters were recently made available by the Clearwater Police Department.)

11-12-2010

Erik,

I just wanted to say how excited I am that you are on the Phillies now. I have always been a Pirates fan, but I am you're biggest fan so I am switching my loyalty. Your a roll model to my son because you didn't give up even after all those years in minors. Our favorite play was when Prince tried to barrell you over at the plate, and you stood up to him! Also I found out you do construction in the offseason and I work in construction too! Well, not really anymore because there were some problems, but if you need anyone to join your crew let me know! Ok I have to go now but I am coming to Spring Training, so maybe you can meet my son for an autograph and we can grab a bite at Lenny's.

Your biggest fan,

(name redacted)

3-3-11

Erik,

Hey its (name redacted), your biggest fan. You probably forgot that you were supposed to meet me at Lenny's for breakfast. I've been waiting every day for you, but you must be practicing. I wanted to my son to meet you, but he wasn't allowed to come down because of the agreement so maybe I could get a picture with you to send to him. I'll be at Lenny's in the morning. If you could stop by in the AM it would be great.

Thanks,

(name redacted)

3-11-10

Erik,

I guess we got our signals crossed because I haven't seen you yet. Anyways, I don't know what the Phillies are thinking not letting you play more. Haven't they realized your the best catcher? Oh and I ran into Brian Schneider today. I wished him luck with the Iron Pigs. He laughed. I guess he didn't realize I was serious. I had to explain to him about you were the best Phillies catcher. Even better than Ruiz! That Schneider is a weird cat. I think he is afraid you will take his job. He seemed really afraid after he got done talking to me. He looked at me strange when I pulled out my wrench. Obviously he's not a construction guy like us because he didn't know to put down the wrench whenever your in the restroom! I'll see you later in the week!

Best wishes,

(name redacted)

3-17-11

Erik,

We still haven't been able to meet up but it's Ok because I know you are busy getting ready for the season. The MLB season! I'm not mad or anything. I know you'll find some time for me soon. I'm writing to say I saw your homerun today!! I WAS SO PROUD!! Well, I'll probably bump into you tomorrow. Take care.

Your pal,

Mike

3-19-10

Erik,

Another homerun today!!! It's Ok that you aren't taking my calls I know your busy getting that POWER SWING ready. Anyways, cool story. Who did I bump into tonight? Ruben Amaro!! I don't know what he was doing out so late. He should be trying to find someone to trade for Schneider! Well I argued your case, but I don't think he was really listening. Smug bastard, isn't he? Then he took off running down the alley, he still has pretty good wheels! I don't know what he was running for. I had my sidearm with me, and I took it out so I didn't have waste time pulling it from my holster if I needed it, so if anybody jumped us in the alley, we were all set. But I guess Ruben didn't trust my aim or something. Talk to you later!

Your pal,

(name redacted)

3-22-10

Erik,

Tough game today. A .176 average isn't that good, but it's early, and your defense is great! Anyways, that's not why I'm writing. I talked to Charlie Manuel tonight! First of all, why are all your managers out so late? I fell asleep right on the bed! I told Charlie that he should keep you on the roster, but he was all like "what are you doing in my room" and whatnot. THEN HE TOLD ME HE WAS GOING TO PUT YOU ON THE TEAM! Then he was calling the police to talk to me or whatever, but I don't need to deal with those guys again so I left. I almost left my gun on the bed- wouldn't that have been a faux pas! OK, I've gotta go, but don't worry because YOUR ON THE TEAM! CONGRATS! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!

Your pal,

(name redacted)

3-23-10

Erik,

Today was awesome!! An RBI single, a great catch on a popup, a caught stealing!! I was so proud!! I know that you have not been getting my letters because I know you would write back if you did. Well I am sure that we'll be great friends. Our relationship will be a home run! I checked out of my room because those police guys have been snoopin' around. Wherever I go, they are always snoopin'. Anyways, I thought it would be really great if we were roomies! We have so many things we can talk about! It would be so great to have a catch!! See you VERY soon!

Your best pal,

(name redacted)