Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
Trea Turner had a ridiculous night last night against the Dodgers. He hit two home runs and drove in five runs, although he was also charged with one error and probably could have been credited with at least two more. The Phillies held on to win it, 10-7. Weather permitting, they’ll look to take the series tonight. July 21 has seen an all-time home run hitter reach a milestone, a fan favorite get traded, walk-off heroics, and an honor for a former Phillie.
Babe, You Have Company
On this day in 1973, the Phillies beat the Braves, 8-4, in Atlanta. Bill Robinson and Bob Boone homered for the Phillies, but it was another slugger who made the headlines. Ken Brett pitched seven innings for the Phillies, giving up four runs—including a two-run home run to Hank Aaron. That blast was the 700th home run of Aaron’s career, making him just the second player in MLB history at the time to reach the 700-home-run plateau, joining Babe Ruth.
So Long Dutch
On the field this day in 1997, the Phillies lost to the Pirates, 3-2. Curt Schilling gave up just three runs—all on home runs—but the Phillies blew a 2-0 lead to take the loss. Before the game, longtime Phillies fan favorite Darren Daulton waived his no-trade clause to be sent to the Marlins in exchange for minor league outfielder Billy McMillon. After an emotional press conference, Dutch was on his way to South Florida, where he would win a World Series before calling it a career. A little piece of Philly trivia, the general manager of the Marlins at the time was a young Dave Dombrowski.
Extra Inning Dramatics
On this day in 2009, the Phillies and Cubs squared off at Citizens Bank Park. After Jimmy Rollins gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead with a solo home run in the third inning, the Cubs answered back to tie the game. Joe Blanton pitched well, going seven innings and giving up just the one run. The game remained tied until the bottom of the 13th, when Jayson Werth provided the fireworks, launching a walk-off three-run home run to give the Phillies a 4-1 victory. Chan Ho Park was stellar out of the bullpen, pitching three scoreless innings while striking out five.
Flyin’ Hawaiian
On this day in 2012, former Phillie Tim McCarver was honored with the Ford C. Frick Award at the Baseball Hall of Fame Awards Presentation. Best known for his work on Fox, McCarver got his broadcasting start on Channel 17, calling Phillies games alongside Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn. On the field, the Phillies lost to the Giants, 6-5, in 10 innings. Shane Victorino went 1-for-4, collecting his 1,000th career hit and becoming the first native Hawaiian to reach the milestone.
Nola Debuts
On this day in 2015, Aaron Nola made his MLB debut, pitching six innings and allowing just one run on five hits while striking out six. The only run came on a home run by the Rays’ pitcher—the only run the Phillies would allow in a 1-0 loss.
Trivia – Who are the top five pitchers in career home runs given up in Phillies history? (Answer Below)
Trivia Answer– Robin Roberts (402), Steve Carlton (286), Aaron Nola (240), Cole Hamels (212), and Brett Myers (178)
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