Reading Eagle - October 30, 1980

Phils Add Franco, Sandberg

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – The Philadelphia Phillies have added Julio and Wil Culmer to their 40-man roster.

Franco was the most valuable player in the Carolina League and Culmer was its batting champion.

Also added Wednesday were first baseman Len Matuszek of the Phillies’ Oklahoma City AAA farm club and Reading shortstop Ryne Sandberg.

The Phillies released outfielder Mike Anderson and veteran Tim McCarver, who moved from the broadcast booth to the dugout in September to become the first catcher to play four decades in the major leagues.

The team also assigned infielder John Vukovich and pitcher Dan Larson to Oklahoma City in the American Association.

Franco, a 22-year-old shortstop from the Dominican Republic, hit .325 for the championship Peninsula farm team, which finished with a 103-40 record.  He drove in 99 RBI to lead the Carolina League and was runner-up in runs and hits to teammate Culmer.

Sandberg, 21, hit .312 with 71 RBI and 31 stolen bases with Reading.