FanSided

3 Big moments on this day in Phillies history

By Rylie Smith |
PITTSBURGH, PA - 1978: Greg Luzinski of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the Pittsburgh Pirates during a Major League Baseball game at Three Rivers Stadium in 1978 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - 1978: Greg Luzinski of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the Pittsburgh Pirates during a Major League Baseball game at Three Rivers Stadium in 1978 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
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What happened on this day in Phillies history?

The Philadelphia Phillies franchise has had many talented players and memorable moments over the years. As one of the oldest franchises in MLB history their players have produced some of the most incredible plays.

On this day, the Phillies showcased a variety of talent from some of their best players. Though each event happened several years apart, each was important and memorable to the franchise. All moments shared a similar trait; they started at home plate and ended in an array of different ways.

What happened on this day in Phillies history?

Greg Luzinski rang the Liberty Bell replica

On this day in 1972, former Phillies left-fielder Greg Luzinski stepped up to bat at Veterans Stadium, likely without intention to strike the Liberty Bell replica hanging above the stadium. He produced the only run of the game in one of the most amazing ways.

Luzinski produced a 500-foot home run that struck and rang the Liberty Bell replica near the luxury boxes at the stadium. Exactly 50 years later, Phillies fans and franchise members recall this moment and remember the powerhouse hitter’s most exciting home run.

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Luzinski’s immense strength was demonstrated by his frequent home runs which helped him earn his nickname, “The Bull.” He stood out as a strong hitter in his early days with MiLB and MLB and had a breakthrough during Spring Training in 1972. According to Chris Landers at MLB.com, “In 1972, he finally broke Spring Training on the Major League roster, and Philly couldn’t wait to see its can’t-miss prospect — the one who had already hit at least 30 homers at every stop in the Minor Leagues, and who had led the Pacific Coast League in total bases in 1971.”

He retired nearly 40 years ago but remains one of the best hitters in Phillies’ history. During his 11-year career with the Phillies, Luzinski was named to four All-Star teams and produced 223 home runs. After leaving Philadelphia, he played four more seasons in MLB and hit a career total of 307 home runs.

Though Veterans Stadium has since been demolished, you can see the Liberty Bell replica that Luzinski struck at the main entrance of the Phillies’ new home field, Citizens Bank Park.

PITTSBURGH, PA – CIRCA 1981: Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on from the field during batting practice before a Major League Baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium in 1981 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Pete Rose
PITTSBURGH, PA – CIRCA 1981: Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on from the field during batting practice before a Major League Baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium in 1981 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Pete Rose /

Pete Rose passed Mickey Mantle’s record of most runs scored by a switch-hitter

On this day in 1978, Pete Rose crossed home plate for the 1677th time in his career which officially passed Mickey Mantle’s record of 1676 runs scored by a switch-hitter. After a 24-year career that ended in 1986, Rose remains the switch-hitter leader in MLB with a total of 2165 runs scored.

Rose, to this day, is one of the best batters in MLB history. He still holds multiple records despite retiring several decades ago and set the bar high for current and future players. He currently remains the career-hit leader with 4256 hits. He worked hard toward these high achievements and, according to ESPN, wasn’t a natural talent.

“In his first pro season, 1960, Rose batted .277 and led his Class D league in errors. He lifted weights, gaining bulk and strength, and blossomed the next year. In 1963, the player who was known as “Hollywood” in the minors became the Reds’ second baseman and hit .273, winning Rookie of the Year honors.” -Bob Carter, via ESPN

Most of Rose’s MLB career was with the Cincinnati Reds, but he made a mark on every team he joined. He quickly became an asset and a valuable team player in the league and was likely on his way to a Hall of Fame induction before facing a lifetime ban from MLB.

WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 27: Jayson Werth #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two run double in sixth inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals on September 27, 2010 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 27: Jayson Werth #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two run double in sixth inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals on September 27, 2010 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Jayson Werth tied the Phillies’ single-game RBI record

On this day in 2008, Jayson Werth tied the Phillies’ single-game RBI record by driving eight runs total against the Toronto Blue Jays. He hit three home runs and brought the Phillies to a 10-3 victory. He’s currently named to the record as the last person to tie with nobody surpassing it yet.

Werth only played four seasons with the Phillies, but those four seasons were some of the best in his 15-year career. He scored 106 of his 883 career total runs within one season in 2009 with the Phillies. In the same season produced 164 total hits which is the most he has produced in a single season.

The Phillies noticed his talent and named him to the 2009 All-Star team, which became the only All-Star team he was named to in his MLB career. He set records in the franchise and helped bring the team to the playoffs during every season he played. Werth made a large impact in his short time with the team.

“The Phillies made the playoffs in all four of Werth’s seasons with the team, and his 11 postseason home runs are the most in franchise history. Werth made an All-Star team with the Phillies in 2009, when he homered 36 times and drove in 99 runs. A season later, Werth led baseball with 46 doubles in what turned out to be his final season with the Phillies.” -Tim Kelly, via Phillies Nation

Next. What if the Phillies had signed Tom Seaver in 1966?. dark

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