Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
Philly shined bright this week as it hosted the MLB All-Star festivities. While the game itself wasn’t much fun for National League fans, the pageantry and atmosphere surrounding the event were second to none. From the Home Run Derby to the fan experience, Philadelphia set a new standard for hosting the All-Star Game. July 15 is another relatively light day in Philly sports history, but it still features barrier-breaking moments, a dubious Phillies record, and a few more memorable All-Star highlights.
Gender Barrier Broken
On this day in 1991, Sandra Ortiz-del Valle shattered a glass ceiling for women in professional sports. She became the first woman to referee a men’s professional basketball game when she worked the USBL contest between the Philadelphia Spirit and the New Haven Skyhawks at Holy Family College. Ortiz-del Valle’s wasn’t done. She later successfully sued the NBA for gender discrimination, opening the door for women to officiate at the league’s highest level and opening doors for future generations of female referees.
10,000 Losses
By this point in 2007, the Phillies were in the midst of chasing down the Mets in the NL East. However, on this day they fell to the Cardinals 10–2 at Citizens Bank Park, thanks in part to two home runs by Albert Pujols. The loss was the 10,000th in Phillies franchise history, making them the first professional sports franchise to reach the milestone. A major reason for that dubious distinction was the club’s prolonged struggles from 1918 through 1948, when the Phillies posted just one winning season in a 31-year span. They also endured 14 100-loss seasons during their history. While the milestone was an unwanted one, the Phillies no longer stand alone. Since that night, 10 other Major League Baseball franchises have also reached the 10,000-loss mark.
Trivia – Which MLB teams have joined the Phillies in having 10,000 losses? (Answer Below)
The Only Blemish
The 2008 MLB All-Star Game marked the final time it was played at the original Yankee Stadium. The marathon contest lasted 15 innings and featured two Phillies representatives: Chase Utley and Brad Lidge. Utley started at second base and went 1-for-3, while Lidge was tagged with the loss in the American League’s 4–3 victory. It was the only blemish on Lidge’s perfect 2008 season. It wasn’t 100% on him, however. Lidge was asked to begin warming up six different times before finally entering the game. Afterward, he admitted he was tired and Phillies manager Charlie Manuel even called the National League dugout during the game to complain about how his closer was being used. The victory secured home-field advantage in the World Series for the eventual American League champion Tampa Bay Rays. Ironically, it ultimately worked in the Phillies’ favor, as they clinched the 2008 World Series at Citizens Bank Park in front of their home fans.
Schwarbombs Win It
Last year’s MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta featured one of the most memorable finishes in the event’s history. The National League jumped out to a 6–0 lead, but the American League chipped away and eventually tied the game in the top of the ninth inning. The deadlock led to the first-ever Home Run Swing-Off in All-Star Game history. Kyle Schwarber was selected as the National League’s first Swing-Off hitter and delivered in dramatic fashion, launching all three of his swings over the fence to propel the National League to victory. Schwarber was named the game’s MVP, joining Johnny Callison as the only Phillies to earn All-Star Game Most Valuable Player honors.
Trivia Answer – The Braves, Pirates, Reds, Cubs, Cardinals, Orioles, Dodgers, Giants, Twins and A’s have all reached the 10,000 loss mark.
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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