Camden Courier Post - October 30, 1980

Right now, Philly No. 1 sports town

By Ralph Bernstein, Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA – Just nine days after the Phillies won the World Series, all of the city's other major sports franchises are in first place in their respective leagues.

As of today, the 76ers lead their division in the National Basketball Association; the Flyers are atop their division in the National Hockey League, and the Eagles have the best record in the National Football League.

Of course, the basketball and hockey seasons are young, and it's a long, long way to the playoffs. The Eagles als6 ha ve a rugged road to the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

BUT YOU can't help dreaming if you're a Philly sports buff. Can the 76ers win the NBA title, the Flyers the Stanley Cup, the Eagles the Super Bowl? Is it possible that Philadelphia, once a doormat among major sports teams, could win every major spots title in one year?

It's possible, although not likely.

The Eagles, under Coach Dick Vermeil, have a very impressive team. They've attained their position despite injuries to a number of key people. And experts said the Eagles had no depth.

Vermeil wastes few words. He claims his defense is one of the top three, if not the best, in the NFL. He rates his offense, especially when running star Wilbert Montgomery returns to action, as good enough to win a division and conference title.

VERMEIL SHYS from claiming the Super Bowl. If you know Vermeil, known fondly by his players and fans as "The Little General," he probably expects to bring that Super Bowl trophy home to William Penn's town.

The 76ers also feel they have the talent to win it all. They went to the finals last year, and any team with a Julius "Dr. J" Erving leading the way, can't be dismissed. Erving is surrounded with an excellent supporting cast, including the master of the dunk shot, Darryl Dawkins.

The Flyers are a blend of young talent and sturdy veterans, led by Bobby Clarke, Paul Holmgren, Bill Barber, Mel Bridgeman and Reggie Leach. Coach Pat Quinn is 'a recognized strategist, a coach who appears to have the knack for being a disciplinarian, but still able to maintain the respect of his players.

There is only one nightmare in this dream of a city of champions – three more parades.

Phils slice Vukovich, McCarver

By Rusty Pray of the Courier-Post

PHILADELPHIA – At least one member of the 1980 world championship Phillies will not be on the club's 40-man winter roster when spring training begins next March.

No, General Manager Paul Owens has not pulled a blockbuster trade out of the baseball officials meeting he is attending in Florida. The guy who will not be on the spring training roster is third baseman John Vukovich, who was assigned outright to Oklahoma City.

Pitcher Dan Larson, who helped the Phillies early in the year but was not on the roster during the post-season, also was assigned to Oklahoma City, the Phils' Triple-A minor-league affiliate.

IN ADDITION, the Phillies released catcher Tim McCarver and outfielder Mike Anderson. McCarver was activated in September to become the first catcher ever to play in four decades. Anderson spent last season in Oklahoma City.

The moves were made to make room on the 40-man squad for four minor-league prospects: Julio Franco, considered by many the future shortstop of the Phillies; outfielder Wil Culmer, Franco's teammate at Peninsula last season and another premier prospect; first baseman Len Matuszek, who played at Oklahoma City last season, and shortstop Ryne Sandberg of Reading.

Franco, 22, from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, hit .325 for Peninsula, which finished the season with a tidy 103-40 record. He led the Carolina League in RBIs with 99 and was the league's most valuable player.

In his three-year professional career, Franco has fashioned a .321 average.

"HE IS THE best all-around player I have ever seen at this level," said Peninsula Manager Bill Dancy. "He makes all the plays with no problem."

Culmer, 21, from Nassau, Bahamas, led the Carolina league in hitting (.369), runs, hits and total bases (Franco was second in runs, third in total bases and fifth in stolen bases with 44). Culmer was second in doubles and third in home runs.

"Culmer is the most improved player in the organization," said Dancy.

40-MAN ROSTER

PITCHERS: Warren Brusstar, Marty Bystrom, Steve Carlton, Larry Christenson, Mark Davis, Nino Espinosa, Randy Lerch, Sparky Lyle, Tug McGraw, Scott Munninghoff, Dickie Notes, Ron Reed, Dick Ruthven, Kevin Saucier, Bob Walk, Jim Wright.

CATCHERS: Bob Boone, Don McCormack, Keith Moreland, Ouie Virgil.

INFIELDERS: Luis Aguayo, Ramon Aviles, Larry Bowa, Julio Franco, Jay Loviglio, Len Matusek, Pete Rose, Ryne Sandberg, Mike Schmidt, Manny Trillo.

OUTFIELDERS: Wil Culmer, Bob Dernier, Greg Gross. Orlando Isales, Greg Luzinski, Garry Maddox, Bake McBride, Lonnie Smith, Del Unser, George Vukovich.