Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
The Phillies blew a chance to get their magic number down to one last night. They’ll try again tonight, with the possibility of clinching on the table as well.
I was at a screening of Cold War in Philly: Flyers vs. Russia 1976 at the National Liberty Museum. I highly recommend the movie, and I still feel like the National Liberty Museum is one of the more underrated museums in the city.
September 24 has seen a defensive masterclass, a season-changing kick, and a home run explosion.
Pickoff Party
On this day in 1950, the defending champion Eagles beat the Cardinals 45-7 at Comiskey Park.
The Eagles defense was ferocious, forcing 12 turnovers—tying an NFL record that still stands today.
Those 12 turnovers included eight interceptions of Cardinals quarterback John Hardy, also an NFL record that still stands. Four of those interceptions came from halfback/defensive back Russ Kraft, tying another NFL record.
Kraft was one of just 18 players in NFL history to record four interceptions in a game. The last to do it was DeAngelo Hall in 2010.
And Hardy wasn’t exactly making up for it with his legs. He finished with just 24 rushing yards.
Ironically, the Eagles are on both sides of the 12-turnover record. They forced 12 turnovers in this game in 1950—and then turned the ball over 12 times themselves in a 1965 game against the Steelers
Trivia – Who holds the Eagles single season record for interceptions in a game? (Answer below)
Joe Cool
On this day in 1989, the Eagles and 49ers met at the Vet in a highly anticipated battle between two 2-0 teams.
The Eagles took a 21-10 lead in the fourth quarter after Luis Zendejas’ fourth field goal of the game.
The Eagles defense was all over Joe Montana, sacking him eight times—including one in the end zone for a safety—and forcing three turnovers.
And somehow, the Eagles still led 28-17 with about 8½ minutes left.
Then Joe went nuts.
Montana led three straight touchdown drives to give the 49ers a ridiculous 28-28 victory. He finished with 428 yards and five touchdowns, including four in the fourth quarter.
The Eagles had dominated for most of the game, but Montana turned the final eight minutes into one of the wildest comebacks in Vet history.
The over bettors rejoiced.
Elliott Changes the Season
On this day in 2017, the Eagles led the Giants 14-0 heading into the fourth quarter when a shootout suddenly broke out.
The Eagles tied the game at 24 with 56 seconds left on a Jake Elliott field goal.
The Eagles quickly forced a punt—which wasn’t exactly great—and took over at their own 38.
Carson Wentz hit Alshon Jeffery for 19 yards, setting up a potential 61-yard game-winning field goal.
Elliott nailed it as time expired.
The win moved the Eagles to 2-1, and they were rolling from there.
That kick didn’t win them the Super Bowl, but it was another big moment in a season that would ultimately end with the Eagles hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Homerfest
On this day in 2025, the Phillies offense exploded at Citizens Bank Park against the Marlins.
Edmundo Sosa hit three home runs, while Kyle Schwarber added two—five of the Phillies’ team-record eight homers on the day.
Jesús Luzardo pitched seven innings of three-hit ball while striking out 10 in the Phillies’ 11-1 win.
The Phillies looked like a team ready for the postseason. Looks though, were deceiving.
Trivia Answer – Bill Bradley had 11 interceptions during the 1971 season.
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