In the first big league game he ever attends, Richie Ashburn makes his major league debut, going 1-for-5 in the Phillies’ Opening Day victory over Boston at Shibe Park. The 21 year-old rookie left fielder replaces holdout Harry Walker, last year’s National League batting champ, batting leadoff in the Phillies’ lineup.
The Phillies trade infielder Ralph LaPointe and give the Cardinals $30,000 to obtain first baseman Dick Sisler. The son of Hall of Famer George Sisler will hit .287 during his four-year tenure in Philadelphia, playing a pivotal role in the team’s 1950 National League championship.
1948 – The Philadelphia Phillies acquire veteran shortstop Eddie Miller from the Boston Braves, sending outfielder Johnny Wyrostek in exchange.
1948 – Pitcher Herb Pennock collapses and dies from a heart attack. Pennock, who was 53, had been serving as the general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1944. His untimely demise will be a catalyst for his election to the Hall of Fame later this year.
June 25, 1947, Curt Simmons, 18 years old, signs a contract with Philadelphia Phillies as General Manager Herb Pennock looks on. Curt had a 20-year career as a left-handed Pitcher. Starting with the Philadelphia Phillies 1947 ~1960, St. Louis Cardinals 1960-66, Chicago Cubs 1966-67 and the California Angels. Curt ended his career with…
On May 24 1947, at Ebbets Field Carl Furillo pinch hits for Gene Hermanski in the first inning and hits a three-run homer as a pinch-hitter in the first inning. Skeeter Newsome’s third career homer in 5 years ties the game in the 8th and the Phils win it in 10 innings‚ 4 – 3….
On Opening Day, Mel Ott hits his 511th and final home run of his career in the Giants’ 8-4 victory over Philadelphia at the Polo Grounds, a ballpark in which he has hit 63% of his round-trippers. The 37 year-old player-manager, who has two hundred more homers than any other National Leaguer, will retire third on the all-time list, trailing only Babe Ruth (714) and Jimmie Foxx (534).
On April 15, 1946, Mel Ott hits the 511th – and final – home run of his career. The 37-year-old slugger connects against Oscar Judd of the Philadelphia Phillies. Ott’s milestone blast lifts the New York Giants to an 8-4 victory at the Polo Grounds…
Leo “The Lip” Durocher, manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1939-1946 (as well as a brief stint in 1948), was known as a man who did not easily accept defeat. Throughout his career, Durocher had countless run-ins with his team, opposing players, management, commissioners, umpires, and fans. On June 8, 1945, while hosting the Philadelphia…
1945 – Slugger Jimmie Foxx signs with the National League’s Philadelphia Phillies.
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