Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
The Phillies head into the All-Star Break after taking a series from the Tigers and sitting two games behind the Braves in the NL East. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper will represent Philadelphia in the Home Run Derby, adding another chapter to the Phillies’ long history in the event. Fittingly, July 13 has produced plenty of memorable All-Star moments for Philly fans.
Ed Delahanty Day
On this day in 1896, Ed Delahanty turned in one of the greatest offensive performances in Phillies history, going 5-for-5 with four home runs—including two inside-the-park—and driving in seven runs. It wasn’t enough as the Phillies still fell to the Cubs 9–8. Delahanty’s incredible day earned him a 10-minute standing ovation along with four boxes of chewing gum from the Chicago faithful. Then one year later he went 9-for-9 in a doubleheader sweep of the Louisville Colonels. He followed that by going 4-for-5 the next day, tying the Major League record for consecutive four-hit games with three. For those keeping score, the current Major League record is four consecutive four-hit games.
The Stars Come out at Night
On this day in 1943, Philadelphia hosted the MLB All-Star Game for the first time as Shibe Park welcomed the Midsummer Classic. The Athletics served as the host club and were represented by Dick Siebert, who started at first base, while the Phillies were represented by Babe Dahlgren. The American League defeated the National League 5–3, but the game’s significance extended well beyond the final score. World War II had dramatically reshaped both rosters, with 14 players from the previous year’s All-Star Game serving in the military. The game also made history as the first All-Star Game played under the lights, beginning at 9 p.m. It was broadcast overseas by the BBC, allowing American servicemen and women stationed abroad to follow the game while serving.
Bicentennial in Philly
The MLB All-Star Game returned to Philadelphia in 1976 as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebration. It was one of three major professional sports All-Star Games held in the city that year, joining the NBA and NHL in making the birthplace of our country the center of the sports world. The Phillies were well represented, with Greg Luzinski earning the start in left field. He was joined on the National League roster by Mike Schmidt, Dave Cash, Larry Bowa, and Bob Boone. The National League starting lineup was loaded with members of Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine,” a sight that didn’t sit well with the hometown crowd. Philadelphia fans made their feelings known, loudly booing many of the Reds players they believed had taken starting spots away from their beloved Phillies. President Gerald Ford threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a packed Veterans Stadium crowd. Although the Phillies struggled offensively, Dave Cash provided the lone highlight for the hometown club, collecting the only hit by a Phillies All-Star. Led by MVP George Foster, the National League defeated the American League 7–1. The game marked the third MLB All-Star Game played in Philadelphia and the first ever held at Veterans Stadium.
Tough Day for the 93 Phillies
The 1993 MLB All-Star Game was played at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Terry Mulholland got the start on the mound for the National League, pitching two innings while allowing one run. John Kruk started at first base, while Darren Daulton was behind the plate. Although both Phillies starters were held hitless, Kruk provided one of the game’s most memorable moments. Facing Randy Johnson, Kruk wanted no parts of the at-bat after Johnson unleashed a fast ball high and inside. The lighthearted exchange drew laughs from players and fans alike and has become one of the more iconic moments in All-Star Game history. Dave Hollins, the Phillies’ fourth representative, came off the bench and made the most of his lone at-bat, lining a double. The American League cruised to a 9–3 victory, continuing its All-Star Game dominance.
Trivia – Which Phillies have been starting pitchers in the All-Star Game? (Answer Below)
BCIB
The 2021 MLB All-Star Game was played at Coors Field in Denver, with J.T. Realmuto and Zack Wheeler representing the Phillies. Originally selected as a reserve, Realmuto was named the National League’s starting catcher after Buster Posey was unable to play due to injury. He made the most of the opportunity, going 1-for-2 with a solo home run that accounted for one of the National League’s two runs. Wheeler also made his presence felt, tossing one-third of a scoreless inning and striking out Matt Olson in his lone appearance. Despite the Phillies’ contributions, the American League claimed a 5–2 victory.
Trivia Answer – Robin Roberts (5 times), Curt Simmons (2 times), Terry Mulholland, Curt Schilling, and Roy Halladay. Cristopher Sanchez is scheduled to start tomorrow.
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