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The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their most common nicknames include: The Phils, The Phightin' Phils or simply, The Phightin's. Although the Phillies are currently the only major league baseball franchise operating in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Athletics (now the Oakland Athletics) were once the club's crosstown rivals in the first half of the 20th century (1901-1954). Since the divisional realignment of 1969, the Phillies have played in the Eastern Division of the National League. They are the oldest continuous one-name, one-city franchise in all of American professional sports (although the team has used alternate nicknames throughout its history). The Phillies at one time held the record for the longest World Series championship drought in baseball history at 97 years (1883-1980). This unfortunate record was broken by the Chicago Cubs (1908-present) in 2005. The club has had its fair share of talent, and currently claims 31 Hall of Famers. [1]
Franchise historyOrigins
Early 1900sBy the turn of the century, the Phillies had not seen much of a rebound from years of low standings and sub-par records. The team continued to struggle through a series of misfortunes not only on but off the field as well. Most notably, many of the team's star players began defecting to the more popular and lucrative American League, with most landing contracts with the newly-formed, crosstown Athletics. The depleted talent left a noticeable mark on the club and in 1902, the Phillies ended their season with a 56-91 record and an incredible 46 games out of first place. Moreover, a tragic accident that killed 12 and injured hundreds after a balcony collapsed at their home stadium, Baker Bowl, led Reach and Rogers to sell the team.Image:Baker Bowl aerial1.JPG Baker Bowl-Home of the Phillies from 1887–1938 In 1915, their 33rd season, the Phillies finally won their first pennant. The win was due in large part to a bullpen boost led by star pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander, who won an impressive 31 games while pitching four one-hit games. Offensively, Gavvy Cravath (who set a Major League single season home run record with 24 for five seasons before Babe Ruth claimed it), topped the league in RBI and runs scored. This would not prove enough, however, as the Phillies ultimately lost Game 7 of the World Series to the Boston Red Sox on a Harry Hooper home run in the top of the ninth. The following year, in 1916, the Phillies battled the Brooklyn Dodgers (now the Los Angeles Dodgers) down to the wire for a chance at their second straight pennant title but fell back by two-and-a-half games with a 91-62 record. In 1917, Grover Cleveland won another 30 games for a third straight season but was dealt to the Chicago Cubs—just one of a number of star players to be unwisely traded by the team's seventh president, William Baker. The Alexander trade only marked the beginning of a decades-long slump that would plummet the team into last place more than once. A few remarkable players nonetheless emerged during what was otherwise a bleak period for the franchise. In the 1920s, outfielder Cy Williams became the Phillies' new slugger, winning three consecutive NL Home Run Crowns. In the 1930s, a young Chuck Klein impressed all, batting alongside Lefty O'Doul and winning the NL MVP in 1932 and the NL Triple Crown a year later. (Klein was the top hitter in Phillies' history prior to the arrival of Mike Schmidt.) During the 1940s, the teams name was changed to the Blue Jays. It was changed back several seasons later. The Whiz KidsImage:Shibepark1.jpg Shibe Park / Connie Mack Stadium - Home of the Phillies from 1938–1970 "Phold" of 1964From 1919 through 1947, the Phillies finished last a total of 17 times and next to last seven times. A 1962 cartoon in a baseball magazine depicted a ballplayer arriving at a French Foreign Legion outpost, his explanation: "I was released by the Phillies!" However, by the early 1960s, the Phillies had begun to climb back to respectability and throughout the 1964 season, they seemed destined to make it to the World Series with star performances from many players including rookie Richie Allen, starter Jim Bunning (obtained from the Detroit Tigers at the start of the season to shore up the pitching staff), starter Chris Short, and star right fielder Johnny Callison. With 12 games remaining in the season, and the Phillies with a 6.5 game lead on the Cincinnati Reds, they collapsed in a 10-game losing streak (the first seven played at home) to finish in a tie for second place. The crucial series came when the now second-place Phillies traveled to St. Louis after the losing homestand, and lost their eighth in a row, 5-1, to Bob Gibson and dropped to third place. The Cardinals went on to sweep the series and take over first place. During that losing streak, there was a reference to "ghost(?) of 1950", recalling that the 1950 Phillies had barely hung on to win the pennant. The 1964 Phillies managed to win their last two and held on to the hope for a tie with the Cardinals and Reds, had the Cardinals lost their final game. The resulting three-way tie would have forced an unprecedented "round-robin" playoff for first place, but failed to materialize because the Cardinals won their last regular-season game to take the pennant (their first National League Championship since 1946) with no playoff. The legendary choke would vilify manager Gene Mauch and haunt Philadelphia fans for years to come. The "Phold", as it is known, is one of the most notable collapses in sports history, surmounted only by the Brooklyn Dodgers' memorable fall to the New York Giants in 1951, and by the Boston Red Sox, who blew a 14-game lead to the New York Yankees in 1978. The Phillies' recent failures have contributed to a resurgence in the belief of the Curse of Billy Penn. 1971-73Image:Veteransfirstgame.JPG A ticket stub from the first game at Veterans' Stadium, played April 10, 1971. 1976-79After years of misses, the Phillies got it together in the 1970s. With players like pitcher Steve Carlton, third baseman Mike Schmidt, shortstop Larry Bowa, and outfielder Greg Luzinski, the Phillies won 3 straight division titles (1976-78). However, they would fall short in the NLCS (against the Reds in 1976 and the Dodgers in 1977-78). In 1979, the Phillies would acquire Pete Rose. 1980
The Phils would win the NL East in 1980. But in order to win the pennant, they would have to go through the Astros. It would be a memorable NLCS as 4 of the 5 games went into extra innings. They fell behind 2-1 in the best-of-five series but battled back. The Phillies would squeeze past Houston on a tenth inning, game winning hit by center fielder Gary Maddox and faced Kansas City in the 1980 World Series. The Phillies won the first two games at home, and the Royals evened the score in games three and four in Kansas City. With the series tied at 2 games each, Del Unser drove in Mike Schmidt with a pinch-hit triple off the Royals closer, submarineballer Dan Quinnsberry, to tie the game. Unser scored the winning run later in the innng to give the Phils a 3-2 series lead. Schmidt's two-run single started the Phillies off when they got home for game six, and reliever Tug McGraw would strike out Willie Wilson for the series-winning out for the Phillies first (and so far only) World Series Championship in franchise history. 1981-92The 1981 Season was strike-shortened. But the Phillies would lose to Montreal in a special pre-LCS playoff series. Two years later, the "Wheeze Kids" would win another pennant, only to lose the 1983 World Series to Baltimore in 5 games. After years of futility, the Phils would have a last hurrah in 1986 finishing 2nd to the Mets. Following their 1983 World Series loss to the Baltimore Orioles, the team failed to post back-to-back winning seasons until 2003 and 2004, and followed it up with a third winning season in 2005 and a fourth in 2006; the 2004 team also was second in the NL East, only the third time the Phillies have finished that high since the 1994 realignment (including a joint second-place finish with the New York Mets in 1995). Since the 1980s, team management has been consistently criticized as being cheap and uninterested in winning. A series of terrible managers and general managers was briefly interrupted by 1993's magical run, which ended in a World Series defeat to the defending champions, the Toronto Blue Jays. Neither the Phillies nor the Jays have returned to the postseason since. 1993
After Mike Schmidt retired in 1989, the Phillies had a decade of losing seasons, save for a World Series berth in 1993. Beloved by their fans, this team, which included such names as Darren Daulton, John Kruk, Lenny Dykstra, and Curt Schilling, surprised the city and the nation with their achievements. Losing to the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series, for their second consecutive World Series title, was nonetheless disappointing. The team was often described as "shaggy," "unkempt," and "dirty." The previous year, noting the presence of the clean-cut Dale Murphy, Kruk himself described the team as "24 morons and one Mormon." Their character endeared them to fans, and attendance reached a record high the following season. As a play on the legendary 1927 Yankees Murderer's Row, the team's dirty, mullet-wearing look was dubbed Macho Row. Large player cards were issued after the 1993 season with all the players on them. 1994-2005But with that season's (1994) players' strike, most of the Phillies' fan base was greatly offended, and since then the team has had little success either on the field or at the gate—the realignment of the Atlanta Braves into the National League East in 1994 having had a negative effect on both, as the Braves won the division every year until 2006, often by lopsided margins. The opening of the new ballpark brought hope to fans, but the hope has quickly faded as the team has failed to meet expectations in the '00 decade. On October 10, 2005, general manager Ed Wade was fired after his eighth season. Soon after, the Phillies hired Pat Gillick, who, ironically, was the general manager of the 1992 and 1993 Toronto Blue Jays' Championship teams. 2006As the non-waiver trade deadline of July 31 approached, many analysts considered the Phillies to be out of playoff contention.[citation needed] Continuing what he had begun in the off-season, general manager Pat Gillick engaged in a flurry of trades in an effort to transform the character of the team and to obtain financial flexibility for what he termed "retooling." On July 26, 2006, the Phillies traded popular backup catcher Sal Fasano to the New York Yankees for minor league infielder Hector Made. Two days later, the Phillies traded third baseman David Bell, who was due to become a free agent during the off-season, to the Milwaukee Brewers for minor league pitcher Wilfrido Laureano. With the trade deadline looming, on July 30, Gillick traded star outfielder Bobby Abreu and pitcher Cory Lidle to the Yankees for several minor league players. As Gillick later explained, the Phillies were limited in finding a trade partner for Abreu because of a no-trade clause written into his contract, allowing him to veto any trades to small market teams. In any case, few teams could afford his expensive contract. Unloading Abreu therefore proved to be more important to the Phillies than obtaining him was for the Yankees, and as such, the Phillies were unable to demand a top prospect or a major league ready player in exchange. His on-base percentage notwithstanding, Abreu's batting average and home run numbers stood well below his career averages, thus hindering Gillick's negotiating power. Nonetheless, the Abreu trade is expected to save the Phillies organization $15.5 million in 2007.
The season teased and frustrated fans yet again, just one among many disappointing seasons in which the Phillies fought their way into contention only to fall just short of postseason play. Having been shut out of the playoffs by such a slim margin, pundits speculated that the shortcomings of the 2006 team were a reflection of Charlie Manuel's managerial ability.[citation needed] The consensus among Phillies fans seemed to suggest that Manuel should be fired to allow the team to move in a new direction.[citation needed] The Phillies front office has since announced that Manuel will return to manage in 2007. However, three of his coaches were fired: Gary Varsho (bench coach), Marc Bombard (first base coach) and Bill Dancy (third base coach). Just over a week after the announcement regarding Manuel's staff, it was announced that Jimy Williams would be the team's new bench coach, Art Howe would be the team's third base coach and infield instructor, and Davey Lopes would be the new first base coach. In an unorthodox maneuver, Howe was then allowed to pursue a job with the Texas Rangers, where he was hired as a bench coach. Steve Smith was hired as the Phillies' new third base coach. Ryan Howard was named the NL MVP, and became only the second player in major league history (along with Cal Ripken) to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in consecutive seasons. Following the end of the 2006 season, the Phillies announced that they intend to move the team's AAA affiliate to Allentown, Pennsylvania beginning in April 2008, where they will assume a new name, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and play in a newly-constructed Allentown stadium, Coca-Cola Park. Allentown is a core Phillies fan base area and the anticipated move has been greeted very positively in the Allentown and Lehigh Valley areas. The Phillies made their first big acquisition of the 2006 off-season on Dec. 6 by acquiring pitcher Freddy Garcia from the Chicago White Sox for minor league pitchers Gavin Floyd (AAA in 2006) and Gio Gonzalez (AA in 2006). Wes Helms was also acquired as a free agent, having played for the Florida Marlins in the 2006 season during which he hit .329 and had 10 home runs in 240 at bats. He is expected to start at 3rd base, but is able to fill in at 1st if necessary. The other off-season acquisitions include: Adam Eaton (RHP), free agent with the Padres in 2006; Jayson Werth (OF), free agent, with the Dodgers in 2006; Rod Barajas (C), free agent, with the Rangers in 2006; and through rule 5 draft, Alfredo Simon (RHP), James Warden (RHP), and Ryan Budde (C). The Phillies also had several players depart in the 2006 off-season. Mike Lieberthal (C), Randy Wolf (LHP), David Dellucci (OF), Aaron Fultz (RHP), Arthur Rhodes (LHP), and Jose Hernandez (INF) all left as free agents. As mentioned above, Floyd (RHP) and Gonzales (LHP) were traded, and Julio Santana (RHP) was released. Mike Lieberthal left after 13 seasons in Philadelphia, the last 10 of which he was the opening day starting catcher. He and Wolf will play in 2007 with the Dodgers. 2007The Phillies began the 2007 season with a home-opening 5-3 loss on April 2 to the Atlanta Braves after 10 innings. During the off-season, All-Star second baseman Chase Utley signed a 7-year, $85 million contract extension that will keep him in Philadelphia through 2013. [2] Also signed to a long term contract was starting pitcher Brett Myers. He was signed to a three-year, $25.75 million deal which bought out his remaining two-years of arbitration and one year of free agency. [3] In addition, the Phillies renewed the contract of first baseman Ryan Howard to a deal of one year, $900,000. The most ever offered to a player not eligible for salary arbitration. [4] The Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup for the 2007 season is likely to be as follows: Rod Barajas (C), Ryan Howard (1B), Chase Utley (2B), Wes Helms (3B), Jimmy Rollins (SS), Pat Burrell (LF), Aaron Rowand (CF), Shane Victorino (RF), Freddy Garcia (SP), Brett Myers (SP), Cole Hamels (SP), Adam Eaton (SP), Jamie Moyer (SP), and Tom Gordon (CL). Jon Lieber (RP), is also expected to add much needed relief in the bullpen. For the current team, see 2007 Philadelphia Phillies season. Team uniformAppearance and designThe current team colors, uniform, and logo date to 1992, but are themselves a 'throwback' design originating in 1944, albeit in a slightly bolder style. The main team colors are red and white, with blue serving as a prominent accent. The team name is written in red (or in white if on a red background), with a blue star serving as the dot over the "i"s, and blue piping is often found in Phillies branded apparel and materials. The team's home uniform is white with red pinstripes, lettering and numbering. The road uniform is traditional grey with red lettering/numbering. Both bear the script-lettered "Phillies" logo, with the aforementioned star dotting the "i"s across the chest, and the player name and number on the back. Hats are red with a single stylized "P", though for interleague play the cap sports a blue visor with a blue star in the middle of the letter "P". Image:Maroon P.png Former Phillies Logo In a brief episode in 1979, the Phillies front office modified this popular Phillies uniform motif into an all-burgundy version with white trimmings, to be worn for Saturday games. They were called "Saturday Night Specials". The immediate reaction of the media, fans, and players alike was negative, with many describing the despised uniforms as pajama-like. As such, the idea was hastily abandoned. [5] Another uniform controversy occurred in 1994. That year, the Phillies introduced blue caps on Opening Day which were to be worn for home day games only. The blue caps were very unpopular with the players, who considered them bad luck after two losses. The caps were dumped from being used on the field within a month. Presently, during spring training (except for the 1992 to 1996 seasons, when they were still wearing leftover 70-91 inspired gear) the Phillies wear solid red practice jerseys with pinstriped pants for Grapefruit League home games, and solid blue batting practice jerseys with grey pants for away games. The Phillies are the only major professional sports team in Philadelphia that does not have a so-called third or "Sunday jersey" for regular season play; the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Flyers, and Philadelphia 76ers all currently have alternative jerseys/uniforms for home game play. Fan supportImage:Veterans Stadium.jpg Veterans Stadium & the 700 Level In some instances, their reputation precedes them, perpetuating legendary tales of the ones who booed a man dressed as Santa Claus and pelted him with snowballs which occurred at an Eagles game, or the time when former first baseman Dick Allen was booed so much that he scrawled the word "Boo!" in large letters with his spikes at first base. One memorable incident of "phanatic" harassment occurred in 1999, when J.D. Drew—who had been the Phillies' No. 1 overall draft pick in 1997 but had refused to sign in a well-publicized contract squabble—faced a barrage of boos during his first appearance in Philadelphia as a Cardinal. The game was subsequently delayed and risked a potential forfeit during the eighth inning after two fans began throwing large batteries and other miscellaneous debris targeted at Drew in center field. The particularly harsh reception was compared to Game 3 of the 1977 NL Championship series when Dodgers pitcher Burt Hooton was driven out by the second inning when he became wild and was unable to throw a strike the more the crowd rattled him. [7] Many sports writers have noted the passionate presence of Phillies fans, including Allen Barra, who wrote: "The biggest roar I ever heard out of Philadelphia fans was in 1980 when Tug McGraw, in the victory parade after the World Series, told New York fans they could 'take this championship and shove it.' The main point of winning the Phillies' only World Series trophy seemed to be as leverage for sticking it to New York." [8]Most recently, in January 2005, an irate Phillies fan was convicted of 79 charges related to fraud, identity theft, and computer hacking. According to the F.B.I., the fan hacked into computers in seven states, collected e-mail addresses and fired off rants that were supposedly sent from local sportswriters. In court, the fan’s lawyer said his client was obsessive, perhaps even psychotic, but not an intentional lawbreaker. He meant only to say that the Phillies stunk. [9] Phan PhavoritesMany Phillies players who have played near the end of Veterans Stadium before its destruction and now at Citizens Bank Park, have had a fan group named "Phan Phavorites". Some players and their groupies included were Randy Wolf with his "Wolfpack" and Vicente Padilla with his "Padilla Flotilla". More recent groups have included "Burrell's Squirrels" for much maligned outfielder Pat Burrell, "Chase's Chicks", a female fan club for Chase Utley (who married during the 2006 off season) and "Flash's Followers," a group dressed in super hero costumes for relief pitcher Tom "Flash" Gordon. Celebrity fansThe Phillies have enjoyed a solid celebrity fanbase, many of which are Philadelphia or Pennsylvania natives, including: rapper/actor Will Smith, singer-songwriter Art Garfunkel, [10] Pulitzer Prize winning author James Michener, [11] rapper Beanie Sigel, musician Jerry Garcia, actor Kevin Bacon, award winning journalist John Kopp, Emmy Award winning comedian and actor Bill Cosby, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, [12] [13] musicians Daryl Hall and John Oates of musical duo Hall & Oates, country singer and former Phillies reliever Tug McGraw's son Tim McGraw, [14] Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, actor/comedian Jamie Kennedy, actress/comedian Tina Fey, boxer Bernard Hopkins, and actor Ryan Phillippe. Trivia
Season-by-Season Records
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