Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
The Phillies bullpen is a problem. I think it’s time for Dave Dombrowski to go all in. There’s not much help coming from the farm system, so I’d use whatever prospect capital is necessary to add bullpen arms now—especially with the uncertainty surrounding the 2027 season. On July 9, Philly fans experienced All-Star moments, walk-off magic, and a pitching first in Phillies history.
All-Star Memories
The 1957 MLB All-Star Game was played at Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis, with the Phillies represented by pitchers Curt Simmons and Jack Sanford. Simmons earned the starting assignment for the National League, marking the seventh time in eight seasons that a Phillies pitcher started the All-Star Game. He retired the side in order in the first inning, but the second proved more challenging. After issuing two walks, allowing two singles, and surrendering a run, Simmons was lifted from the game and was ultimately charged with the loss. Sanford also appeared for the NL, pitching one inning and allowing a run. The American League held on for a 6–5 victory.
So Long Wilt
One year after leading the 76ers to an NBA championship, Wilt Chamberlain found himself at a crossroads in Philadelphia. Wilt had grown unhappy with owner Irv Kosloff, who refused to honor a handshake agreement made by the late co-owner Ike Richman that reportedly promised Chamberlain a future ownership stake in the franchise. With his contract expiring, Wilt sought a then-record $250,000 salary and even threatened to jump to the rival ABA. Meanwhile, new general manager Jack Ramsay envisioned a faster-paced offense and questioned whether the 31-year-old Chamberlain fit the team’s long-term plans. Rather than risk losing their superstar for nothing, the 76ers made one of the most significant trades in NBA history on this day, sending Chamberlain to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, Philadelphia received Darrall Imhoff, Archie Clark, Jerry Chambers, and cash. Chamberlain embraced the move. He had family on the West Coast and felt that L.A. better suited his lifestyle. For many Sixers fans, however, the trade remains one of the most painful in franchise history.
All Eyes on The Vet
The last time Philadelphia hosted the MLB All-Star Game was at Veterans Stadium. The Phillies were in the midst of a disappointing season, with reliever Ricky Bottalico serving as the club’s lone All-Star representative. Before the game, Phillies legends Jim Bunning, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Richie Ashburn, and Robin Roberts threw out the ceremonial first pitches. The game also marked the final All-Star appearance of Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. Future Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., in the midst of his record-setting consecutive games streak, suffered a broken nose during pregame warmups but still played. Another memorable moment came when Joe Carter returned to Veterans Stadium for the first time since his World Series-clinching home run in 1993, receiving a chorus of boos from the still-heartbroken Philly faithful. Bottalico pitched a scoreless inning and recorded a strikeout as the National League defeated the American League 6–0. Nearly 30 years later, the Midsummer Classic returns to Philly on Tuesday night.
Trivia – Who was the MVP of the 1996 All-Star Game? (Answer Below)
The Big Piece is Clutch
On this day in 2010, the Phillies appeared to be headed for defeat, trailing the Reds 7–1 entering the bottom of the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies mounted an incredible comeback as home runs by Greg Dobbs and Cody Ransom highlighted a six-run rally that tied the game and forced extra innings. In the bottom of the 10th, Ryan Howard delivered the knockout blow, launching a walk-off two-run home run to give the Phillies a thrilling 9–7 victory. The comeback marked the Phillies’ second consecutive walk-off win over Cincinnati. They walked off the Reds again the following night for their third straight dramatic victory over the club before completing a four-game sweep the day after.
A Phillies First
On this day in 2024, the Phillies continued their march toward a 95-win season with a 10–1 rout of the Dodgers. Trea Turner belted a grand slam, while Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh also homered to power the Phillies’ offense. Zack Wheeler earned his 10th victory of the season after allowing just three hits over five innings while striking out seven. With Wheeler joining Ranger Suárez and Aaron Nola in double-digit wins, the Phillies became the first team in franchise history to have three starting pitchers reach 10 victories before the All-Star break.
Trivia Answer – Norristown native Mike Piazza won the MVP award for the 1996 All-Star Game going 2-3 with a homer, a double and 2 RBI.
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