Introduction

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.

Most Recent Update

February 2024 Update:  This month I was able to complete the full year of articles from the Allentown Morning Call!  It was fun reliving the World Series once more.  I did note a fair amount of… anger? from the writers in the Morning Call against the players and their rectitude in interviews.  More so than in the other papers.  There just seemed to be a bit more snippiness from these writers than most others, outside of Bill Conlin, of course.  As Mike Schmidt once said, “Philadelphia is the only city, where you can experience the thrill of victory and the agony of reading about it the next day.”

 

Nothing?    Since the re-signing of Aaron Nola, the Phils have been largely silent during the annual free agent rush.  While other contenders are making moves to improve their teams, the Phils have seemed content to stand pat and perhaps see what bargains shake out at the end of the winter.

 

Florida Bound!    Just a few weeks remain for those sweet words to be said once more:  Pitchers and Catchers Report!  On February 14, the Phils’ hurlers and receivers will begin spring training at the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Florida.  The rest of the team will arrive a few days later, on February 19.

   

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:    In the near future, I’ll begin the process anew with articles from a new source. Right now, I am leaning towards beginning the Atlantic City (NJ) Press.  Other possibilities include the Asbury Park (NJ) Press, Lancaster (PA) Intelligencer Journal, the Lancaster (PA) New Era,  and the Lebanon (PA) Daily News.  In the meantime, I’ll look to do a bit of housecleaning to clear some space, as my free account with Jimdo is quickly approaching its limit of pages.