Major League Baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies have been around since 1883 and have provided some of the most dramatic, memorable moments in the sport.
The Phillies have won a World Series, come back from a deficit, and given fans lots to cheer about.
In this article, we take a look at 7 of the most legendary games that helped define the franchise’s storied history.
Before that, though, let’s quickly review the origins and growth of American football.
A Brief History of Football: Expanding the Reach
Football’s American roots go back to the late 19th century when the NFL was formed in 1920. Founded in Philadelphia, the Eagles were founded in 1933, and over the years, they were an important part of the city’s sports identity, winning the Super Bowl in 2018.
The United States was beginning to grow a love for football, and it was starting to catch on internationally. In Germany, Japan, and Mexico, fans of the sport developed fanbases that all created their own leagues. However, Dubai became an American football power in recent times through the Emirates American Football League (EAFL) with teams like Dubai Barracudas. It is also broadening its sports culture with big steps in soccer, such as hosting big tournaments and expanding its reach.
Dubai is also looking into other methods of economic expansion, such allowing casinos to operate within the city. It could be a game changer for football betting in Dubai and for sporting development in Dubai as a whole.
7 Legendary Phillies Games That Shaped Franchise History
With the rich backdrop of football’s rise in Philadelphia and its global expansion, it’s time to shift the focus to one of the city’s most iconic teams: the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies have played some amazing games—come-from-behind wins, World Series victories—seven legendary games that have since left their indelible mark on the franchise.
1) August 8, 1903: Tragedy at Baker Bowl
In the worst of the worst in Phillies history, disaster befell a game against the Boston Braves at Baker Bowl. It collapsed a section of the stands, killing 12 fans and injuring hundreds more. The Phillies won, but the tragedy overshadowed the event and made stadium safety a big issue. This game reminds us how the sport and the venues have changed over the years.
2) October 10, 1915: First World Series Win for the Phillies.
In 1915, the Phillies made their first World Series appearance and faced the Boston Red Sox. Game 1 was historic, and while the team lost the series, it was a historic series. Phillies ace Grover Cleveland Alexander pitched a complete game, and the Phillies won 3-1.
It was the first time the team had won a World Series game, and it would be the first of many wins.
3) September 27, 1964: The Collapse
For the Phillies, the 1964 season is one of the most painful in team history. The Phillies were 6 1/2 games ahead of the National League but went on a 10-game losing streak. The most devastating punch came on September 27, when the Milwaukee Braves beat the Phillies 14-8, ending their hopes for the pennant. This is still one of the most infamous collapses in MLB history.
4) April 17, 1976: Mike Schmidt’s Four Homer Game
Mike Schmidt had one of the greatest individual feats in baseball history in a regular season game against the Chicago Cubs. Schmidt then led a remarkable comeback as the Phillies trailed 13-2 before Schmidt hit four straight home runs.
They went on to win 18-16 in extra innings. Schmidt’s performance cemented his reputation as one of the best power hitters in the game.
5) October 12, 1980: Clinching the Pennant (NLCS Game 5)
In the National League Championship Series in 1980, the Phillies started the first World Series title with an amazing victory over the Houston Astros in Game 5. The Phillies pulled off a thrilling comeback, with the Phillies winning 8-7 in extra innings and down 5-2 in the eighth. They went to their first World Series since 1950 and won their first title.
6) October 21, 1980: First World Championship – World Series Game 6
On October 21, 1980, the Phillies’ long wait for a World Series title ended. The Phillies took a 4-1 lead into the ninth inning in Game 6 against the Kansas City Royals. The Royals made a threat in the final frame, but Tug McGraw struck out Willie Wilson with the bases loaded to give the Royals the 4-1 victory.
The Phillies’ win gave the city its first-ever World Series championship, a feeling that had been in the air for decades.
7) October 11, 1993: Dykstra’s Heroics – NLCS Game 5
The Phillies, in Game 5 of the 1993 NLCS, were facing the Atlanta Braves in a tense matchup. The Braves tied the game in the ninth inning, and Curt Schilling pitched brilliantly. The Phillies took advantage of a 4-3 win in the 10th as Lenny Dykstra stepped up and hit a solo home run. The Phillies went on to win the series, taking it 4–1 to reach the World Series.
A Legacy of Unforgettable Moments
The Philadelphia Phillies have provided some of the most thrilling and unforgettable moments in baseball history from the early 1900s to today.
These are not just the culmination of the franchise but of the sport itself, the resilience, talent, and heart of one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball.
PHOTO: Steshka Willems/Pexels
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