The 1980 edition of the Phillies may not have been the best team, talent-wise, in Phillies history. Both the 1976 and 1977 Phils won more games. The Phillies also won pennants in 1915, 1950, 1983, and 1993. In fact, it took a near miracle (and a six-game winning streak at the end of the year) for the Phillies to even win the division crown over the powerhouse Expos in 1980. Then the Phillies looked at baseball's version of the Grim Reaper against Houston, coming back in the 8th inning of games 4 and 5, winning both in extra innings to go to the World Series. And against the Royals, the Phillies just would not be denied, winning the FIRST World Championship in Phillies history in six games. Yes, other Phillies teams may have had more talent. Other Phillies teams may have won more games. But the 1980 Phillies won, with grit and determination, what no other Phillies team could achieve until 2008: The right to call themselves WORLD CHAMPIONS.

April 2024 Update:  As the season begins today, so does the 1980 season repeat itself, this time in the lines of the Press of Atlantic City.  We’ll see if I can fit the entire season in the limited space I have left, but will look for ways to shoehorn it in if it doesn’t fit naturally.  To this point, I finished spring training articles and am eager to jump into the regular season, just as the boys in Citizens Bank Park are ready to begin their quest for the World Series this year.

As Is:  The Phillies were not enticed by the delayed signings of pitchers Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery, and have elected to begin the season with a pitching rotation of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, Taijuan Walker (when he’s off the injured list) and Christopher Sanchez. For now, Spencer Turnbull will act as the fifth starter.

Opening Day:   While the loss to the Braves on Opening Day was not what the Phillies were looking for, it sure is nice that baseball is back!  Hopefully, the Phils iron out the wrinkles and begin this season fighting not just for a wild card spot, but the division title.

Still On the Lookout For:

• Pictures from the 1980 season.  Looking for digital copies of pictures that can be posted on the site.

• Articles from the Philadelphia Bulletin.  Richie Ashburn used to do a weekly article in that newspaper.  Online, scanned, clipped… most importantly free!

Future Updates:    Now that I have started, I will continue to put in articles from the  Atlantic City (NJ) Press.  While I am going through the season, I will also look for opportunities to free up space for future additions, possibly by combining the date and boxscore pages, but that change will come later.  Future possibilities include the Asbury Park (NJ) Press, Lancaster (PA) Intelligencer Journal, the Lancaster (PA) New Era,  and the Lebanon (PA) Daily News.  All of this is, of course, as space provides.