Site News - 2008
Note: Site news before 2009 concerns the old Geocities site totally, and before August 2009 partially. The news archive is shown here to give a short history of the website from May 2005. Site news before May 2005 was not archived.
December Update: I hope that everyone is having a very happy holiday season. This month, with a little extra time off from work, I was able to transcribe eleven articles from two newspapers (Syracuse Herald Journal and Monessen Valley Independent) from October 15, 1980 into the site database. Most articles cover Game 1, but a few also look forward to Game 2 of the 1980 World Series. You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages).
WORLD Champions!: I just can't take this blurb off yet. Too beautiful!
- FINAL Standings: 92-70, first place, 3 games ahead of the New York Mets.
- NLDS: Phils beat the Milwaukee Brewers, 3 games to 1.
- NLCS: Phils beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4 games to 1.
- World Series: Phils beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 4 games to 1.
Happy New Year! I hope that everyone has had a termendous holiday season. My Christmas was definitely Phillies-themed. I received the World Series collector's DVD set, a World Champion Phillies T-shirt, and assorted Phillies books and DVD sets. Needless to say, I am a very happy Phillies fan!
Phils Sign Ibanez: The Phils have decided to move on from the Pat Burrell Era, signing 36-year-old Raul Ibanez to a four-year deal. Ibanez, who played for the Seattle Mariners the past five seasons, hit .293 with 23 homers and 110 RBI last season in pitcher-friendly Safeco Park. He should provide a more consistent but less powerful bat, and also makes the Phils lineup even more lefty-dominated.
Phils Re-sign Moyer: The Phillies have re-signed Jamie Moyer to a two-year deal to keep him on the World Champion's pitching rotation. Moyer, who just turned 46 years of age, won 16 games for the Phils in 2008.
Other Transactions: The Phillies selected Robert Mosebach from the Los Angeles Angels in the Rule V Draft. They also signed RHPs Dave Borkowski, Justin Lehr, Blaine Neal, INFs Mike Cervenak, Ozzie Chavez, J.J. Furmaniak, Terry Tiffee, Andy Tracy and OF Christopher Walker to Minor League contracts with invitations to Spring Training. The team also acquired Pittsburgh catcher Ronny Paulino in exchange for minor league catcher Jason Jaramillo.
MLB Network To Launch: The new 24-hour baseball channel, the MLB Network, is scheduled to launch on New Year's Day at 6pm. First day schedule will have a Hot-Stove Show as well as a program on Don Larsen's World Series perfect game in 1956.
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
New E-Mail: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail. The e-mail has changed, and is embedded in the graphic below for security purposes. (Note: For new website, click on “contact.”
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: Now that school is back in session, the updates will continue to be about 5 or so articles per month. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add articles from the actual Game 2 of the World Series.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers
November Update: The holiday season has arrived in full force! Because of the time crunch, I was able to only upload articles from two newspapers today, totaling six articles (and some barely qualifying as articles): the Gettysburg Times and the Syracuse Post-Standard. They are generally on Game One of the World Series. Hopefully with the December update I can finally finish the newspapers on Game One and move on to Game Two! You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages).
WORLD Champions!: I know this isn't really "news" anymore. But doesn't it still look beautiful! Can't take my eyes off those words.
- FINAL Standings: 92-70, first place, 3 games ahead of the New York Mets.
- NLDS: Phils beat the Milwaukee Brewers, 3 games to 1.
- NLCS: Phils beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4 games to 1.
- World Series: Phils beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 4 games to 1.
Burrell, Moyer offered arbitration: Phils outfielder Pat Burrell and ageless lefthanded pitcher Jamie Moyer have both been offered arbitration. For Burrell, it is likely just a move to protect extra draft picks for his departure, since it does not seem likely that he will be resigned. Burrell has spent his entire career in Philadelphia, and is the longest-tenured Phillie. Moyer, who won 15 games at age 45, is looking for a (cough) three-year deal, but the Phils are looking for something a tad shorter. Hopefully they can meet somewhere in the middle.
Phils Sign Koplove: The Phillies, trying to further strengthen what some called the best bullpen in the league last year, signed Mike Koplove to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. Koplove, who has pitched in the majors with the Diamondbacks (but not regularly since 2005) is probably a longshot to make the roster.
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
New E-Mail: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail. The e-mail has changed, and is embedded in the graphic below for security purposes. (Note: For new website, click on “contact.”)
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: Now that school is back in session, the updates will continue to be about 5 or so articles per month. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add articles from the actual Game 2 of the World Series.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers
October Update: Happily, I'm going to have to do an update of this front page. Part of the premise is that the 1980 team was the only Phillies team to win the right to call themselves World Champions. As you know by now, they are no longer alone! In between all the playoff games, I did manage to add a few aticles to the site database, still working on the first game of the World Series. You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages).
WORLD Champions!: The Phillies won 24 of their last 30 games to tear through the playoffs to become the second Phillies team to win the World Series. Even though the team is known for their offense, it was really their pitching staff that lifted them to the top. Here is a short summary of their trip through the playoffs. And someone else can do the website dedicated to 2008!
FINAL Standings: 92-70, first place, 3 games ahead of the New York Mets.
NLDS: Phils beat the Milwaukee Brewers, 3 games to 1.
NLCS: Phils beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4 games to 1.
World Series: Phils beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 4 games to 1.
Hamels Double Playoff MVP: Phils ace Cole Hamels became a juggernaut in the playoffs, tearing through his three opponents for a 4-0 record with a 1.80 ERA. He won a game in the division series, two in the NLCS and one more in the World Series. He also pitched well in Game 5, which the Phils would win, but did not receive the decision. For his work, he was named the MVP of both the NLCS and the World Series (the NLDS does not name an MVP).
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
New E-Mail: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail. The e-mail has changed, and is embedded in the graphic below for security purposes. (Note: For new website, click on “contact.”)
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: Now that school is back in session, the updates will continue to be about 5 or so articles per month. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add articles from the actual Game 2 of the World Series.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers
September Update: Lots of baseball was on my television this month. With the extra innings package, I can see nearly all the Phillies games, and manage to get in a lot of other interesting games, much to my wife's chagrin. I was able to get eleven new articles transcribed this month, based on Game One of the World Series, while watching some of them. You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages).
Phils Repeat As Division Champions!: The Phillies were able to get hot at the right time... again. The Phils won 6 of their last 8 games, and 9 of 12, to overtake the New York Mets once more and repeat as National League East champions.
FINAL Standings: 92-70, first place, 3 games ahead of the Mets.
Phils to Face Brewers: The Milwaukee Brewers were also able to overtake the Mets to earn the last spot in the playoffs. Because the Brewers are in the same division as the Cubs, they will play the Phillies in the National League Divisional Series, more than likely beginning on Wednesday.
Howard MVP?: Phils burly first baseman Ryan Howard had a monster September to lead the Phils into the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1980-1981. In September, Howard hit .345 (compared to a seasonal average of .250), hit 11 homers and batted in 32 runs. Some believe that his charge into the playoff may be enough to steal away MVP honors from St. Louis' Albert Pujols, whose team failed to make the playoff in spite of his great season.
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
New E-Mail: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail. The e-mail has changed, and is embedded in the graphic below for security purposes. (Note: For new website, click on “contact.”)
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: Now that school is back in session, the updates will continue to be about 5 or so articles per month. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add articles from the actual Game 2 of the World Series.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers
August Update: The beginning of the school year combined with several technical issues (including a fried hard drive) let to this month being a bit lean. I still did manage to get seven new articles in the site data base. All seven are on Game One of the 1980 World Series. You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages).
Phils Fall Out of First - AGAIN: The same heading as last month (almost), but a new occurance. After climbing back atop the National League East, the Phils once more fell behind the Mets.
Current Standings: As of game time today, the Phils were in 2nd place, 1 game behind the New York Mets.
Myers On Fire: Since returning from exile to the minor leagues, Brett Myers has been nearly a different pitcher for the Phils. In August, Myers is 4-1 with a 1.65 ERA.
Jenkins to DL: Phils outfielder Geoff Jenkins was put on the disabled list on August 23 with a strained hip flexor. Jenkins had rebounded in August after struggling mightily in June (.133), and less so in July (.256), but his power had dwindled in the month (zero homers). That lead to...
Welcome To Stairs: The Phils looked to replace Jenkins on the roster with former Blue Jay Matt Stairs. Stairs, who had been designated for assignment, will add some left-handed power off the bench in Jenkins' absence. Stairs was hitting .250 with 11 homers and 44 RBI for the Blue Jays.
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
New E-Mail: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail. The e-mail has changed, and is embedded in the graphic below for security purposes. (Note: For new website, click on “contact.”)
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: Now that school is back in session, the updates will continue to be about 5 or so articles per month. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add articles from the actual Game 2 of the World Series.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers
July Update: Somehow in all the summer traveling this month, I managed to get a few articles transcribed for the site library this month. The majority are still from the pre-game coverage of World Series Game 1. However, I also did put in a season preview from Sports Illustrated. You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages).
Phils Fall Out of First: As the offensive woes continue for the Phillies, they lost two out of three to the Mets last week, falling out of first place for the first time since the early part of the season, as the resurgent Mets overtook them in that series.
Current Standings: As of game time tonight, the Phils were in 2nd place, ½ game behind the New York Mets and ½ game ahead of the Florida Marlins.
Myers' Demoted, Returns: Phils pitcher Brett Myers' season of woe continued as the opening day starter was temporarily sent to the minor leagues in July. Myers, coming into tonight, is 3-9 with a 5.82 ERA.
Eaton Demoted, Happ Promoted: Another pitcher who has struggled since re-signing with the Phillies last season was Adam Eaton. This week, Eaton was demoted to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, being replaced on the roster by pitcher J.A. Happ. Eaton was 4-8 with a 5.80 ERA. Happ, who had started in Brett Myers' place durnig his demotion, had no decision but a 3.27 ERA in two starts.
Welcome To Blanton: The Phils took steps to sure their pitching corps by trading minor leaguers Adrian Cardenas, Josh Outman, and Matthew Spencer. Blanton has struggled this year (5-12, 5.13 coming into tonight), but won 30 games in 2006-2007 with the Oakland A's.
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
New E-Mail: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail. The e-mail has changed, and is embedded in the graphic below for security purposes. (Note: For new website, please click on “contact.”)
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: I've been able to maintain my momentum of adding at least 3-5 (and usually more) articles a month to the site database. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add articles from the actual Game 1 of the World Series.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers
June Update: I can remember when Summer Vacation meant time off! Seems like I've been busier than ever this month. I did manage to get eight new articles added to the database. I still haven't even started the World Series yet, but we're getting close! This month's additions come from the October 14, 1980 editions of The Gettysburg Times and The Syracuse Post-Standard. You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages).
Hard Times in Philly: The Phils offense, which seemed so explosive just a few short weeks ago, has suddenly fallen into a major, team-wide slump. That, along with continuing difficulties in starting pitching, has put the Phils into a skid. As of tonight, they are still in first place, but just one thin game separates them and the Florida Marlins.
Current Standings: The Phillies are sitting in 1st place, 1 game ahead of the Florida Marlins, 3 ahead of the New York Mets, and 4 ahead of the Atlanta Braves.
Myers' Difficulties: Phils pitcher Brett Myers has been mired in a season-long funk. Myers, who did not want to return to the starting rotation after finding success as a closer, has struggled in his new role, going 3-9 with a 5.84 ERA after losing to the Texas Rangers on Friday night.
Utley Out of Slump?: After an MVP-like performance in April and early May, Chase Utley had come back to earth in May, and seemed to bottom out in June, including a 0-for-24 slump that saw his batting average drop from .317 to .290. Since June 25, Utley has been 8-for-18, pushing his average back up to .298.
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
New E-Mail: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail. The e-mail has changed, and is embedded in the graphic below for security purposes. (Note: For new website, click on “contact.”)
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: I've been able to maintain my momentum of adding at least 3-5 (and usually more) articles a month to the site database. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add more articles on Game 1 of the World Series.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers
May Update: On this memorial day, I have a baseball game (OK, it's the Braves, but it's still baseball!) on the television, and am wrapping this up before going to a picnic with my family. Only a few articles this month - maybe my busiest time of the year - but we're still setting up game 1 of the National League Championship Series. You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages).
Rollins, Victorino Back, Werth on DL: The Phils were glad to see reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins return to the team after a lengthy absence. Rollins, who missed time with a sprained ankle that took time to heal, is currently hitting .321. The Phils also got back Shane Victorino, who has been hitting better since his return from the DL and it up to a .270 pace. The Phils lost OF Jayson Werth to the DL after straining an oblique muscle while batting. Werth, who had a 3-homer game against the Blue Jays, his hitting .260 on the year.
Current Standings: The Phillies are sitting in 3rd place, 2½ game behind the Florida Marlins and .002 behind the Atlanta Braves, at 28-24.
MLB Returns: Due to injuries, the Phils' T.J. Bohn has retuned to the major leagues to take Jayson Werth's spot on the roster. Bohn, who is being used primarily as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement, has appeared in a total of nine games, but has only four at-bats to show for it, getting one hit.
Hamels Scoreless Streak Ends: Not nearly a record-setter, but Phils pitcher Cole Hamels had a nice scoreless streak of 20 straight innings. Of course, it was broken in a big way - a three-run bomb by Houston outfielder Carlos Lee. Hamels finished yesterday's game with a rare bad outing - 6 runs in 4 innings - but the Phils roared back to pick up its ace and take the game 15-6.
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
New E-Mail: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail. The e-mail has changed, and is embedded in the graphic below for security purposes (Note: For new website, use “contact.”)
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: I've been able to maintain my momentum of adding at least 3-5 (and usually more) articles a month to the site database. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add more articles on Game 1 of the World Series.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers
April Update: A very busy month (as usual in the early spring), but I did manage to squeeze in seven new article, all from the October 14, 1980 edition of the Doylestown Daily Intelligencer. Preparing for Game One of the World Series, there are several article on the Kansas City Royals, as well as the Phillies. You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages).
Phils Out of the Gate: Well... I wouldn't exactly say "charging," but at least the team isn't the compelte disaster they have been the past few Aprils. Including today's loss to the Pirates, the Phils currently stand14-12. Last April, the Phils finished 11-14.
Rollins, Victorino Injured: The Phils' April has been hindered by injuries to the top two men in the order. Jimmy Rollins tried for several weeks to play on a sprained ankle before finally going on the disabled list on April 20. Shane Victorino has been on the DL since April 13 with a strained right calf.
Current Standings: The Phillies are sititng in 3rd place, 1 game behind the Florida Marlins, at 14-12.
MLB Debut: Due to injuries, the Phils' Brad Harmon made his major league debut on April 22 against the Colorado Rockies, pinch-hitting for Ryan Madson. He made his first start at second base on April 25 againts the Pittsburgh Pirates, going 1-for-3. Harmon is a 22-year-old infielder from Australia. Also due to injury, T.J. Bohn made his return to the major leauges as a fifth outfielder. Bohn, who enjoyed a cup of coffee with the Mariners in 2006, made his Phillies debut on April 20 against the Mets. He has appeared in 7 games, mostly as a pinch-runner and a defensive replacement for Pat Burrell, and has gone 1-for-3.
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
New E-Mail: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail. The e-mail has changed, and is embedded in the graphic below for security purposes (Note: use "contact" section of new website).
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: I've been able to maintain my momentum of adding at least 3-5 (and usually more) articles a month to the site database. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add more articles on Game 1 of the World Series.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers
March Update: As we prepare for the beginning of baseball season (and those of us up early enough have already seen some), there is a large update for this month. A total of 13 articles from various sources were added to the site library. Most deal with Game 5 of the NLCS, but a few preview the upcoming World Series. You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages). Also, I finally did a long-overdue update of the links page. All links on that page were working as of today, and a few new ones were added.
Phils Add Depth: Rounding out the pitching staff as they prepare to head north, the Phillies claimed Tim Lahey off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. Lahey, a fireballing righthander, will be making his major league debut as the long man out of the Phils' bullpen.
Lidge Starts on DL: Brad Lidge, perhaps the biggest acquisition for the Phillies in the offseason, will begin the season on the disabled list as he tries to come back from a knee injury. Lidge, who gave up a long home run to Albert Pujols in the 2005 playoffs, Lidge was acquired along with Eric Bruntlett for Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary and minor leaguer Mike Costanzo. Last year, he came back from a disastrous 2006 season to record 19 saves after re-acquiring the closer role during the season, along with a 3.36 ERA.
Opening Day Countdown: The Phillies will begin the season on Monday, March 31 against the Washington Nationals - tomorrow night!
The Race Begins: The Phils are now the hunted in the NL East. With the beginning of the season, the Phils now try to defend their National League Eastern Division title, the team's first since 1993. With a powerful lineup of 2007 MVP Jimmy Rollins, 2006 MVP Ryan Howard, and potential MVP Chase Utley, the Phils should score a lot of runs. They hope that a pitching staff including potential ace Cole Hamels, re-converted starter Brett Myers and a triumvirate of Kyle Kendrick, Jamie Moyer, and perhaps Adam Eaton will be enough to fend off the renewed New York Mets and a resurgent Atlanta Braves.
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
Problems?: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail me at 1980phillies@ swfla.rr.com (address obsolete). As of right now, there should be pages for every link on the site.
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: I've been able to maintain my momentum of adding at least 3-5 (and usually more) articles a month to the site database. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add more articles on Game 1 of the World Series.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers
February Update: Signs of spring: baseball has begun! In the last month I've included seven articles, all from the October 13, 1980 edition of the Doylestown Daily Intelligencer. The articles cover the Phils' win over the Houston Astros in the deciding Game Five of the 1980 NLCS. You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages).
Howard Wins Arbitration?: Ryan Howard won his arbitration hearing against the Phillies this week. Howard, who has hit 129 homers in his 410-game-long major league career, had asked for $10 million, with the Phils countering at $7 million. In 2007, Howard hit .268 with 47 home runs and 139 RBI.
Lidge Hurt: One of the Phils' big acquisitions of the winter was closer Brad Lidge. The trade for him allowed Brett Myers to be returned to the rotation... unfortunately, Lidge hurt his knee in spring training drills. He had surgery on the knee previously, and it is not presently known how badly the knee is hurt.
Opening Day Countdown: The Phillies will begin the season on Monday, March 31 against the Washington Nationals - a mere 37 days away!
Smack Talk: The Phils and Mets picked off where the left off last year. Carlos Beltran of the Mets, who bolstered their chances by acquiring Johan Santana from the Twins, said that the Mets were the team to beat, taking a line Jimmy Rollins used last year. As for the reigning MVP, Rollins has his goal set higher for the Phillies... 100 wins.
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
Problems?: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail me at 1980phillies @swfla.rr.com (address obsolete). As of right now, there should be pages for every link on the site.
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: I've been able to maintain my momentum of adding at least 3-5 (and usually more) articles a month to the site database. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add more articles on Game 5 of the NLCS.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers
January Update: Somehow I managed to add a whopping 11 new articles to the site database. Most deal with the controversial fourth game of the 1980 NLCS, but I also found an additional few on game three as well. You can find the articles by title (the old article page), by month, the new articles page, and by game (the day-by-day boxscore pages).
Howard to Arbitration?: Ryan Howard, the remarkable young Phils slugger, appears to be headed towards arbitration after the exchange of numbers left the two sides far apart. Howard, who has hit 129 homers in his 410-game-long major league career, has asked for $10 million, with the Phils countering at $7 million. In 2007, Howard hit .268 with 47 home runs and 139 RBI.
Other Signings: The Phils have avoided arbitration hearings with several other players. Relief pitcher Brad Lidge was signed to a one-year, $6.35 million contract, while relief pitcher Ryan Madsen was signed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract.
Spring Training Countdown: The Phillies will have pitchers and catchers report to their spring training complex in Clearwater, Florida, on February 14, just 19 days away!
Coste Writes Book: Phils back-up catcher Chris Coste will release a book about his long journey to the major leagues. Coste, who made his rookie debut with the Phils in 2006 at the age of 33. "The 33-Year Old Rookie" will be released through Random House on March 18.
Newspaper Archive: The articles added to the website database this month come from newspaperarchive.com. This website has a large archive or newspapers from a variety of newspapers from around the world. I have found it helpful to work on this site. It is a pay site (just shy of $10 per month), but it does have some free features if you'd like to check it out.
Problems?: If there are any problems getting to a page on the site, please e-mail me at 1980phillies @swfla.rr.com (address obsolete). As of right now, there should be pages for every link on the site.
Wanted: Any and all articles that pertain to the 1980 Phillies, or any players on the roster from that year. If you have some to donate/lend/sell/steal please e-mail me. Copies are wonderful! I am particularly interested in getting articles during the season from the Philadelphia newspapers (unfortunately, newspaperarchive.com do not have any Philadelphia newspapers). Anyone that has copies of the Inquirer or the Daily News please contact me.
Future Updates: I've been able to maintain my momentum of adding at least 3-5 (and usually more) articles a month to the site database. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the website, please e-mail me. For next month I will probably work to add articles on Game 5 of the NLCS.
Go Phillies!
Richard Summers