That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies Spring Training Countdown: 14 days

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 13: Former Philadelphia Phillies Darren Daulton, Jim Bunning and Dallas Green are honored as their names and uniform numbers are displayed on flags over the stadium in the fourth inning during a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 13, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mets won 6-2. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 13: Former Philadelphia Phillies Darren Daulton, Jim Bunning and Dallas Green are honored as their names and uniform numbers are displayed on flags over the stadium in the fourth inning during a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 13, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mets won 6-2. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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Two weeks remain until pitchers and catchers report for Phillies spring training

Just 14 days remain until the pop of the mitt returns to Clearwater, Florida when Phillies pitchers and catchers report to manager Gabe Kapler for the first time in franchise history.

Typically on this 14th day until pitchers and catchers report we would highlight some of the greatest Phillies to ever don the number 14. However, there is really only one true number 14 in the Phillies organization.

Senator Jim Bunning pitched for the Phillies from 1964-67, and returned for the 70-71 seasons. Appearing in 226 games Bunning threw 65 complete games and 23 shutouts, including the franchise’s first perfect game on Fathers Day in 1964.

COOPERSTOWN, NY – JULY 27: Hall of Famer Jim Bunning is introduced during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center on July 27, 2014 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
COOPERSTOWN, NY – JULY 27: Hall of Famer Jim Bunning is introduced during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center on July 27, 2014 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Bunning earned enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996 with a Phillies cap on his plaque. He became only the second pitcher behind Cy Young to win 100 games and throw 1,000 strikeouts in both the American and National League.

After being enshrined into the Hall of Fame the organization retired Bunning’s number 14 in 2001, following in their tradition to only retire the numbers of Hall of Famers.

Nine players had worn the number between Bunning’s career and it’s retirement, including Pete Rose, Tom Hutton, and Gary Bennett, being the final player to wear the number during the 2000 season.

Bunning’s memory carries on in Ashburn Alley with his number pained on the outfield concourse bricks. After his death last season, the team flew his number along with the numbers of recently deceased greats Darren Daulton and Dallas Green.

Next: What defines success for the Phillies in 2018?

Now a new generation of Phillies enters into Clearwater, Florida carrying Bunning’s legacy. While none saw Bunning’s impact on the field, his stature in the organization rings as loud as the Liberty Bell.

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