And though he isn't keeping a diary either, Biddle loves to write.
"In school I was always able to do it," he said. "If I struggled with reading comprehension or something like that, I knew if there was a short story the next week, I'd be able to do really well in that."
As he spoke to a reporter in the busy room where generations of Phillies have lockered, Biddle was very aware of his teammates' whereabouts. When one would pass, his eyes would be diverted and he would either lower his voice or briefly cease talking.
He clearly is trying to fit in on a team of mostly older players. And Biddle, who on at least one occasion in high school struck out every batter he faced, has learned to rely on them in the field.
"Once I threw a pretty good inside fastball and the guy got jammed and just fisted it out there. As soon as he hit it, I was like, 'Oh, no, that's going to be a base hit.' But my shortstop is fast. He got back and made a nice little play. I was like, 'Wow!' In high school ball, that's a base hit."
So Biddle's summer adventure drags on.
His family and friends are coming down soon to visit. Ideally, he will be able to take them somewhere other than Target and Lenny's. In the meantime, wearing around his neck the thunderbird amulet his father gave him - "it's for inner strength" - he will continue to learn.
"This is just the beginning. I've only been here a few weeks," Biddle said. "But it feels like I've been here a lot longer."
Contact staff writer Frank Fitzpatrick at 215-854-5068 or Ffitzpatrick@phillynews.com.
