Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
In case you missed it in all of the LeBron James excitement, the Phillies lost two of three to the Yankees. There wasn’t much offense on Friday or Saturday, but the bats broke out in a big way last night. Now, the Phillies head to Miami for a three-game series against the Marlins. July 27 has seen some big offensive performances in Phillies history, along with a championship moment that may have opened the floodgates for the city of Philadelphia.
Ennis, Has a Day
On this day in 1950, the Phillies beat the Cubs, 13-3, and Del Ennis had himself a day. Ennis went 2-for-5 with seven RBIs, including a three-run double and a grand slam. It was part of a monster season for Ennis, who would go on to lead the National League with 126 RBIs in 1950.
Trivia: Who holds the Phillies single game record for RBI? (Answer below.)
Move Over Ty
On this day in 1984, former Phillie Pete Rose – now playing for the Expos – went 1-2 in the Expos 6-1 win over the Phillies at the Vet. For Rose the hit was a single giving him 3,053 for his career, moving past Ty Cobb for the most all-time. Rose was released from the Phillies after the 1983 season and signed a 1 year deal with the Expos.
John Kruk’s 5-Hit Game
On this day in 1993, the Phillies beat the Cardinals, 10-7, to extend their lead in the NL East to five games. Dave Hollins homered, but it was John Kruk who stole the show. Kruk went 5-for-5 with a double, three RBIs, and three runs scored as the Phillies continued their march toward the postseason.
Proof the Curse is Over
On this day in 2008, the Philadelphia Soul won ArenaBowl XXII, defeating the San Jose SaberCats, 59-56, in New Orleans. The championship was the Soul’s first and made them the first Philadelphia professional sports team to win a championship since the 1983 Sixers. The Soul would go on to win ArenaBowl championships again in 2016 and 2017. But the 2008 championship meant more than just another title. It seemed to prove that the Curse of Billy Penn was finally over. A few months later, the Phillies would follow suit, winning the World Series and bringing a major professional sports championship back to Philadelphia for the first time in 25 years. Maybe the Soul really did open the floodgates.
Trivia Answer: Kyle Schwarber had nine RBIs on August 28, 2025, when he hit four home runs in a game against the Braves.
Check back tomorrow for another edition of This Day in Philly Sports History
For more Philly Sports History, tune in every weekday to This Day in Philly Sports History
Stop by the improved Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame YouTube page for more Philly Sports content. Be sure to subscribe.
