Philadelphia Phillies: The Greatest Performances In Franchise History
Amid the heartbreaking 2023 NLCS defeat to the Arizona Diamondbacks and 2022’s World Series loss, spirits amongst Philadelphia MLB fans are low. After taking a 2-0 series lead, the Philly faithful could picture a third World Series title coming home after a 15-year drought, but the D’Backs fought back and broke the hearts of The Fightin Phils last week.
Now, after a week of pondering on ‘what if,’ we will remember the good times. It’s been a great season, but this team owns a storied history, and we will celebrate it today.
Founded in 1883, the Philadelphia Phillies have been involved in countless memorable games, and we’ve singled out some positive performances to remind the City of Brotherly Love that last week’s MLB playoff defeat isn’t the end of the world.
Phillies vs. Braves
September 29, 1915
The Philadelphia Phillies secured their very first pennant in franchise history with the help of two outstanding players, slugger Gavvy Cravath and pitcher Pete Alexander.
Facing off against the defending National League champion Boston Braves, the Phillies quickly gained an advantage thanks to Cravath’s impressive performance. In the first inning, he smashed a three-run homer, adding to his remarkable season total of 24 home runs—the highest by any player in the century preceding Babe Ruth’s era.
Alexander then took control of the game, allowing only one hit, a single by former Phillies star Sherry Magee in the fourth inning. Although Boston managed to have two other baserunners on board, one from a walk and another from an error, Alexander effectively shut down the Braves offense.
This victory marked Alexander’s 31st win, his 12th shutout, and a career-best season-ending ERA of 1.22. Alexander contributed to the offense with a double, his fourth extra-base hit of the year.
Interestingly, the (then) Boston Braves, despite not having the luxuries of today’s Massachusetts sports betting, were still the favorites to win by local bookmakers as the Phillies were given a low probability chance of success. Much hasn’t changed, and going against the odds can sometimes become lucrative.
80’s World Series vs. Royals
World Series 1980
This image is likely the most famous in the history of the Phillies and a moment that will be remembered forever.
This was if there was an appropriate way to conclude the 1980 World Series for the Phillies. They were playing at home in a packed Veterans Stadium, ready for an explosion of excitement.
Steve Carlton was chosen to start the game. Closing out the final two innings on the pitcher’s mound was Tug McGraw, and he faced a tough battle. The Kansas City Royals managed to load the bases against him not once but twice. However, McGraw persevered each time, culminating in a strikeout of Willie Wilson.
As McGraw leaped for joy, an entire city joined in the celebration. For the first time in their history, the Phillies became World Champions.
Revenge vs. Dodgers
1983 NLCS
Prior to the Phillies experiencing their first taste of championship success in 1980, the Los Angeles Dodgers had previously inflicted a bitter defeat upon them in the 1977 National League Championship Series. Despite initially leading in Game 3 of that series, the Dodgers ultimately secured a comeback victory, ultimately winning the series. This memorable event would later be referred to as “Black Friday.”
A few seasons later, in ‘83, the Phillies successfully sought revenge. Equipped with a formidable lineup of accomplished players, the Phils made a triumphant comeback in Game 3 of the 1983 NLCS, primarily due to the exceptional performance of Gary Matthews. This reversal of fortunes served as a satisfying form of retribution for the Phillies, leaving a sweet and enduring impression.
Phillies vs. Padres
2022 NLCS, Game 5
Late in the game, the Phillies desperately hoped to avoid a long journey back to San Diego. Morale at Citizens Bank Park was low as the bullpen allowed the Padres to regain the lead, with Seranthony Domínguez throwing three wild pitches in the seventh inning alone.
However, in the bottom of the eighth inning, the hero stepped up to the plate and delivered the most crucial home run in the team’s history. This game-changing homer would secure their spot in the World Series.
Bryce Harper, playing in his first postseason with the Phillies, smashed Robert Suarez’s seventh pitch into the seats in left-center field, granting them yet another remarkable comeback victory.
Phillies vs. Rays
World Series 2008
The long-awaited moment for Philly sports fans finally arrived after a twenty-five year wait, only to be delayed even further.
During Game 5, adverse weather conditions, including wind and rain, caused a pause in the middle of the sixth inning. The game was tied at 2-2.
Two days later, on a cold October night, the Phillies ended the city’s hunger for a championship. In the bottom of the seventh inning, the decisive run that secured the victory and series came from a Ruiz single, driving Bruntlett home.
Lidge and Romero then successfully closed out the game, as Lidge struck out Hinske while the tying run on second base. This led to a joyous celebration from Lidge’s teammates and sparked citywide festivities.
