Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies were active at the trade deadline, but was it enough to get to the postseason and make a deep run? Time will tell. Derrick Hill was a beast last night as the Phillies opened their series with the Nationals with a win. August 4 has seen a lightweight grudge match, an impressive shutout feat, and a Phillies legend return home.
This is Personal
On this day in 1947, Trenton’s Ike Williams took on Philadelphia’s Bob Montgomery to unify the world lightweight title at Municipal Stadium. It was the second meeting between the two fighters. In their first bout, Montgomery won by 12th-round TKO after knocking Williams through the ropes. Montgomery admitted he had revenge on his mind after Williams had brutally knocked out Johnny Hutchinson in an earlier fight, while Williams accused Montgomery of fighting dirty.
With each man holding a version of the lightweight championship, they were on a collision course for a unification bout. Fighting in front of more than 30,000 fans, Williams came out as the aggressor from the opening bell and dominated the action until the referee stopped the fight in the sixth round. Williams got his revenge and went on to successfully defend his title multiple times, cementing his place as one of the greatest lightweights of all time. Montgomery, meanwhile, absorbed a tremendous amount of punishment and retired just a few months later.
Cliff Lee
On this day in 2011, the Phillies beat the Giants 3–0 thanks to home runs by John Mayberry Jr. and Hunter Pence. Cliff Lee scattered seven hits over nine innings, striking out eight and walking none to record his fifth shutout of the season. He would finish the year with six shutouts.
Trivia – Since 1960, who is the Phillies single season leader in shutouts? (answer below)
It’s Just Weird
On this day in 2015, Jimmy Rollins returned to Citizens Bank Park after being traded to the Dodgers. Even though J-Roll looked a little strange in Dodger blue, he received a rousing standing ovation from the Phillies faithful. He went 2-for-5 with a double, but it was the Phillies who had the last laugh. Maikel Franco hit a grand slam, becoming the first Phillies rookie to hit one since Ryan Howard, as the Phillies won 6–2.
Standing O for Trea
On this day in 2023, Trea Turner was mired in a season-long slump. The Phillies faithful decided to take matters into their own hands—literally. Turner received a rousing standing ovation that showed the fans’ unwavering support in the hopes it would help him relax. The Phillies lost to the Royals 7–5, but Trea went 1-for-4, beginning a 20-game hitting streak during which he batted .425 with eight home runs and 25 RBIs.
Trivia Answer – Steve Carlton pitched 8 shutouts during his 1972 Cy Young season.
Check back tomorrow for another edition of This Day in Philly Sports History
For more Philly Sports History, tune in every weekday to This Day in Philly Sports History
Stop by the improved Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame YouTube page for more Philly Sports content. Be sure to subscribe.
