Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
Jesus Luzardo showed exactly why he was named an All-Star, delivering a dominant performance as the Phillies held on for a 1–0 victory. The Phillies continue their Midwest swing this weekend in Detroit. Over the years on July 10, Philly fans have witnessed some incredible slugging performances.
Knockout
On this day in 1911 the Phillies defeated the Cardinals 4–2 at the Baker Bowl behind a dominant performance from Grover Cleveland Alexander. Ol’ Pete tossed a complete game, striking out nine to earn the victory. As impressive as Alexander was, he wasn’t the biggest story of the day. In the bottom of the third inning, Phillies left fielder Sherry Magee was called out on strikes by home plate umpire Bill Finneran. After arguing the call, Magee was ejected. Enraged, he punched Finneran, knocking out the umpire. Magee was initially suspended for the remainder of the season before the punishment was reduced to 36 games. He was also fined $200. Can you imagine the reaction if something like that happened today?
Fourth Times the Charm
On this day in 1936 the Phillies appeared headed to a victory against the Pirates before surrendering two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, allowing Pittsburgh to tie the game and force extra innings. Leading off the top of the 10th was Chuck Klein, who had already homered three times. With a chance to make history while giving the Phils the lead, Klein wasted no time, crushing the first pitch he saw over the right-field wall. His fourth home run of the game gave the Phillies the lead and tied the Major League record for home runs in a single game. The Phillies added two more runs in the inning to secure a 9–6 victory. Klein finished an unforgettable afternoon 4-for-5 with four home runs and six RBIs.
Unser Does it Again
On this day in 1979, Mike Schmidt homered for the fifth consecutive game, tying Dick Allen’s Phillies record. Despite Schmidt’s blast, Philadelphia trailed the Cubs 5–1 entering the bottom of the ninth inning. The Phillies rallied to bring the tying runs aboard, setting the stage for Del Unser with two outs and two on. Unser crushed a pinch-hit, walk-off three-run home run to complete the comeback and give the Phillies an improbable victory. The home run was Unser’s third consecutive pinch-hit homer, tying Lee Lacy’s Major League record set the previous season. If you have a chance, look up Harry Kalas’ call of the home run. It’s one of his greatest.
The Big Piece
On this day in 2006, Ryan Howard outlasted David Wright to win the Home Run Derby at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. It marked the second consecutive year a Phillie captured the Home Run Derby crown. Howard was in the midst of an MVP season – smashing a franchise-record 58 home runs and driving in 149 runs during one of the greatest offensive seasons in Phillies history. Kyle Schwarber is in the midst of his own special season, could he make a run at Howard’s franchise record of 58 home runs?
Trivia – Which Phillies have participated in the MLB Home Run Derby? (Answer Below)
Three in a Row
On this day in 2010, Reds rookie Travis Wood had a perfect game through eight innings against the Phillies. Fortunately for the Phils, Roy Halladay was nearly as dominant, tossing nine scoreless innings to keep the game tied. The game remained scoreless into the bottom of the 11th inning before Jimmy Rollins delivered the game-winning hit, driving in Carlos Ruiz for a 1–0 walk-off victory. The win marked the Phillies’ third consecutive walk-off against the Reds at Citizens Bank Park.
Trivia Answer – Jim Thome, Bobby Abreu (winner), Ryan Howard (3 times and winner), Chase Utley, Rhys Hoskins, Kyle Schwarber and Alec Bohm have participated in the Home Run Derby. As of today, Bryce Harper has committed to participate this season while rumors swirl that Schwarber could join him.
Check back next week 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.
