5. A Strong Showing for First-Round Picks
With just 12 games remaining in the 2020 season and a postseason berth on the line, the Phillies rolled out a unique lineup in a September 17 home contest against the New York Mets.
Aaron Nola was the team’s starting pitcher; Adam Haseley and Mickey Moniak their starting center fielder and left fielder, respectively; and Alec Bohm their starting third baseman. All four players were former Phillies first-round draft picks. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first time their lineup featured as many such players since September 26, 2006 — with pitcher Brett Myers, outfielder Pat Burrell, catcher Mike Lieberthal, and infielder Chase Utley. Three of those players won a World Series with the team just more than two years later.
Also, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber notes that the September 17, 2020, game was the first time in seven years that any former No. 1 overall picks were in the same outfield for a Major League team since the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013 — with Delmon Young (2003) and Tim Beckham (2008).
Moniak (2016) joined Bryce Harper (2010, Washington Nationals) in the rare feat.
4. Homer-happy Phillies
The Phillies scored 10 runs or more in seven games this past season. In four of the games, they scored 12 runs or more, and in two they scored 13 runs.
The Joe Girardi-led team got off to a fast start in their 13-8 home win against the Atlanta Braves, in particular. Through the first four innings of the game, five different players hit a home run — Harper, Roman Quinn, Didi Gregorius, Jean Segura, and J.T. Realmuto.
According to Ryan Spaeder, it was the first time they accomplished the feat since April 27, 1965 — when Dick Allen, Wes Convington, Tony Gonzalez, Clay Dalrymple, and Johnny Callison homered more than 55 years prior.