On September 9, 1997 Philadelphia Phillies legend Richie Ashburn passed away at the age of 70. Ashburn was commonly referred to, and still is, as Whitey due to his blazing blonde hair. He was also known for his blazing speed, both on the base paths and in his center field position. Twelve of his fifteen seasons were played in a Phillies uniform. He was a six-time all star with a career batting average of .308, 2,574 hits and 586 RBIs. Ashburn's #1 was retired by the Phillies in 1979, he was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995.
We could not think of a better way to honor Whitey, than by playing a video to his tribute narrarated by none other than his best friend, and fellow Philadelphia legend, Harry Kalas.
"The reason I love baseball so much is because when I come into a game in the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, no one out, and a one-run lead; it takes people off my mind." - Tug McGraw
Frank Edwin McGraw, Jr. was born Wednesday, August 30, 1944 in Martinez, California. At 20 years of age he made his major league debut on April 18, 1965. Drafted by the New York Mets, he would go one to play for them for the next nine years of his career. Then in 1975 he went to play for the Philadelphia Phillies. Playing the last ten years of his career in Philadelphia, he remembered most for his game winning pitch in the 1980 World Series against the Kansas City Royals.
We are huge Phillies fans in the Mitchell & Ness office. Having said that, you can imagine how it makes us feel to know when Phillies are huge fans of us.
Yesterday, Philadelphia Phillies catcher, Brian Schneider dropped by our Flagship Store to pick up his next M&N jersey to add to his collection…a San Francisco Giants 1962 Orlando Cepeda. While he shopped we had time to grill Schneider with some questions…check out what Brian had to say! Oh, and Go Phils.
1) If you were not a professional baseball player, what would your occupation be?
Pilot
2) What team did you root for as a kid?
Philadelphia Phillies. Schneider grew up outside of Philly in Allentown, PA.
3) Who was/is your favorite player?
John Kruk
4) Which jersey is your favorite of all time?
Autogrpahed Willie Mays
5) Out of your M&N collection, which is your favorite jersey?
Autographed Tony Gwynn... he has such a pretty signature!
It is only fitting that the very first professional baseball team would be the first to host the first ever night game in Major League history! May 24, 1935 marked the date that the Cincinnati Reds & Philadelphia Phillies played under the lights at Crosley Field. By the push of a button in the White House, President Franklin D. Roosevelt illuminated the ballpark. The Cincinnati Reds won that night 2-1.
We got some sad news in the office today...Phillies legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Robin Roberts passed away this morning.
Roberts was born in 1926 in Springfield, IL. The right handed pitcher played for a couple of teams but will always be remembered as a member of the "Whiz Kids." Roberts was one of the superstars of that 1950 pennant winning squad and played for the Phillies from 1948 - 61, with his heyday being in the early 1950's. From 1950 - 55 Roberts won 20 games each season and led the National League in victories from 1952 - 55. His best career year was 1953 when he finished the season with a 23 - 16 record.
Roberts and Phillies President Dave Mongomery during a 2008 ceremony honoring Robin.
Roberts was sent to the Yankees after the 1961 season. During spring training for the 1962 season the Phillies retired his number prior to a game against the Yankees. It was the first time that the Phils retired a player's number and only the second time that an active player's number was retired.
We've been honored to make Roberts' jersey for years now and we were particularly thrilled when he was spotted recently in one of our track jackets.
Thanks for the memories Mr. Roberts, you will be missed.