Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
What a show at the ballpark last night! The crowd was electric and showcased the very best of Philly fans. While Kyle Schwarber came up just short, it was one of the most entertaining Home Run Derbies in recent memory. July 14 is a relatively light day in Philly sports history thanks to the All-Star break, but it has still produced its share of memorable moments, including some All-Star highlights and a few Mike Schmidt milestones.
Phillies Take Two in NY
On this day in 1968, the Phillies swept a doubleheader from the Mets, winning 5–3 and 9–2. Dick Allen powered the offense, belting a home run and driving in three runs in each game. John Briggs added two home runs in the nightcap, while pitchers Rick Wise and Grant Jackson each tossed a complete game to cap off the sweep.
Schmidt Goes Deep Again
On this day in 1979, the Phillies defeated the Dodgers 10–7 at The Vet. Bake McBride and Mike Schmidt each homered and drove in three runs to lead the offense. Schmidt’s blast was his 31st home run of the season, making him the first player in Phillies history to reach the 30-home run mark before the All-Star break. Kyle Schwarber is the only other Phillie to accomplish the feat.
Trivia – Which Phillies pitchers have been credited with a win in the All-Star Game? (Answer Below)
Move Over Mickey
On this day in 1988, the Phillies fell to the Astros 7–5 at The Vet. Juan Samuel and Mike Schmidt each homered in the loss. Schmidt’s shot was the 537th home run of his career, breaking a tie with Mickey Mantle and moving him into seventh place on Major League Baseball’s all-time home run list. Schmidt would finish his Hall of Fame career with 548 home runs. Since then, several sluggers have passed him, and he currently ranks 16th on the all-time list.
The Flyin’ Hawaiian Makes His Mark
The 2009 MLB All-Star Game was played at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel skippered the National League squad, which featured Chase Utley, Raúl Ibañez, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth. Utley and Ibañez were voted into the starting lineup, while Victorino was elevated to a starting role after Carlos Beltrán was unable to play because of an injury. Beltrán’s absence also opened the door for Werth to earn his first All-Star selection. Although the American League came away with a 4–3 victory, Victorino contributed with a hit and a run scored. The Phillies’ five All-Star representatives tied a franchise record.
Trivia Answer – Ken Raffensberger (1944), Doug Jones (1994), and Heathcliff Slocumb (1995).
Please note that there may be a delay in posting the blog over the next few days while I’m on vacation.
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