Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
Not the best weekend for the Phillies, as the fifth starter spot remains a huge issue. With the call-up of Alex McFarlane, help is on the way. They now get ready for a huge series against the Dodgers this week. Is this the week the LeBron James decision finally happens? July 20 has seen Sherry Magee complete a first—and only—feat in Phillies history, some PGA Tour history, a man walk on the moon, and some long-ball history.
Twice is Nice
On this day in 1912, the Phillies defeated the Cubs 14–2 in Chicago. Two of the Phillies’ runs came when Sherry Magee stole home. It remains the first and only time in franchise history that a Phillies player has stolen home more than once in the same game.
Dow Gets It Done
On this day in 1958, Sam Snead led the PGA Championship at 3-under par. Billy Casper was 2-under, and Dow Finsterwald was 1-under, making them the only three players under par heading into the final round. The championship was played at Llanerch Country Club in Delaware County. Finsterwald closed with a 3-under-par round to win his first—and only—major championship.
Trivia – Which Philly area courses have hosted PGA Major Championships? (Answer Below)
One Small Step for Man…
On this day in 1969, the Phillies lost both games of a doubleheader to the Cubs at Connie Mack Stadium, 1–0 and 6–1. During the top of the third inning of the nightcap, play was stopped momentarily to celebrate a historic achievement in American history. The crowd was informed that Neil Armstrong had relayed the message, “The Eagle has landed,” to Mission Control, meaning that man had landed on the moon. Following the announcement, Kate Smith’s “God Bless America” played over the loudspeakers, and a prayer was offered for the astronauts.
The I’s Have it
On this day in 2009, the Phillies beat the Cubs 10–1 at Citizens Bank Park. Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, and Raúl Ibañez each homered. Ibañez’s was a three-run blast in the first inning, giving him 25 on the season. It was also the 207th home run of his career, breaking a tie with Pete Incaviglia for the most home runs by a player whose last name begins with the letter I. The only other Phillie to hold or share the record for the most home runs by the first letter of his last name is Ryan Howard, who is tied with Frank Howard for the letter H.
Trivia Answer– Philadelphia Cricket Club (U.S. Open – 1907 & 1910); Merion Golf Club (U.S. Open – 1934, 1950, 1971, 1981 & 2013); Philadelphia Country Club (U.S. Open – 1939); Llanerch Country Club (PGA Championship – 1958); and Aronimink Golf Club (PGA Championship – 1962 & 2026)
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