Atlantic City Press - May 9, 1980

Phillies Getting Relief

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – The Philadelphia Phillies have won five of their last six games and a lot of credit for their success is due to their pinchhitters. 

The last 19 times that Phillies’ manager Dallas Green has called for a pinch batter, the utility player has delivered a hit on 11 occasions. That’s an average of .579. 

Del Unser, the 35-year-old veteran of 12 years, is one of Green’s best when the Phillies need someone off the bench to swing in a key situation. Unser has three hits in five pinch appearances, good for two RBI, one a game winner. 

Other productive pinch contributors are rookie Keith Moreland, one for two with two RBI, one a game winner; John Vukovich, a hit in his only try, good for two runs; Greg Gross, two hits; and George Vukovich, a pair. 

The high average of the pinchhitting crew is more eye-catching when you note that in their first 10 tries this season they were hitless. 

Unser is the guy Green has ready when he needs a lefthand pinch swinger. Last year, for example, Unser slammed three consecutive pinch home runs, a major league record. He was signed in the spring of 1979 as a free agent. He also can play all three outfield positions and first base, if necessary.