Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
We have a big Philly sports weekend on tap. The main course is the Phillies and Braves for a four-game set. We also have some good appetizers, as college football has a full slate, including Temple’s opener at the Linc and Villanova looking to bounce back. The Union also look to keep their post-World Cup unbeaten streak intact.
September 4 has seen Buddy Ryan doing Buddy Ryan things, some Phillies milestones, and a banner raising.
Buddy Ball
On this day in 1988, the Eagles opened the season down in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers. They jumped out to an early 21-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to two Randall Cunningham touchdown passes to Mike Quick and Keith Jackson. Randall added a rushing touchdown in the second as the Eagles built a 34-0 halftime lead.
Buddy treated the second half like an extra preseason game, resting 15 of his 22 starters. But Buddy only had one speed: full throttle. He didn’t let up, calling for a fake punt that led to a Terry Hoage touchdown.
The defense was outstanding, forcing Vinny Testaverde into five interceptions as the Eagles cruised to a 41-14 win.
The game set the tone for the season as the Eagles went on to win the NFC and looked like a legitimate threat to win the Super Bowl—until the fog rolled in off Lake Michigan in the Fog Bowl.
Good Game for the Rook
On this day in 1997, the Phillies beat the Expos 6-4 in Montreal. Rookie catcher Bobby Estalella became the first rookie in Phillies history to hit three home runs in a game, with two of them coming off future Hall of Famer and former Phillie Pedro Martinez.
Rico Brogna added a home run of his own as the Phillies picked up the win.
J-Roll Joins Elite Company
On this day in 2012, the Phillies lost to the Reds 2-1. Jimmy Rollins gave Phillies fans something to celebrate when he hit a fifth-inning double for the 2,000th hit of his Phillies career.
Rollins would go on to become the Phillies’ all-time hits leader, finishing his career with 2,455 hits.
Trivia – Which Phillies have 2,000 hits for the Phillies? (Answer below)
Schwarbombs From the Start
On this day in 2024, Kyle Schwarber led off with a home run for the 14th time, setting the MLB record for leadoff home runs in a season.
J.T. Realmuto and Kody Clemens also homered as the Phillies beat the Blue Jays 4-2.
A Banner Night
On this day in 2025, the Eagles raised their Super Bowl LIX banner before opening the season against the Cowboys – the fireworks started before the game even kicked off.
During pregame warmups, Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting in the direction of Dak Prescott. I still say Dak spat first.
The Eagles jumped out to a 21-20 halftime lead, with two rushing touchdowns and another from Saquon Barkley. The game then featured a 65-minute weather delay, but the Eagles held on for a 24-20 victory.
Trivia Answer – Jimmy Rollins, Mike Schimdt, Richie Asburn, and Ed Delahanty all have 2,000 hits for the Phillies.
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