| 2008 Philadelphia Phillies | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Series champions National League champions National League East champions | ||||
 The world championPhiladelphia Phillies honored at theWhite House after their2008 World Series victory | ||||
| League | National League | |||
| Division | East | |||
| Ballpark | Citizens Bank Park | |||
| City | Philadelphia | |||
| Record | 92–70 (.568) | |||
| Divisional place | 1st | |||
| Owners | Bill Giles | |||
| General managers | Pat Gillick | |||
| Managers | Charlie Manuel | |||
| Television | Comcast SportsNet CN8 WPSG-TV (CW 57) KYW-TV (CBS 3) Harry Kalas,Tom McCarthy,Chris Wheeler,Gary Matthews | |||
| Radio | WPHT 1210 AM Harry Kalas,Chris Wheeler,Larry Andersen,Scott Franzke,Tom McCarthy WUBA 1480 AM (Spanish) | |||
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ThePhiladelphia Phillies' 2008 season was the 126th in thehistory of the franchise. The team finished with a regular season record of 92–70, first in theNational League East. In the postseason, the Phillies won theWorld Series; this was the firstmajor sports championship forPhiladelphia since the76ers swept the1983 NBA Finals. During the season, they were managed byCharlie Manuel. To date, this is the most recent season the Phillies won the World Series.
The Phillies opened the season by posting their first winning April since 2003. They also scored 60 runs over 5 games in late May in asweep over theColorado Rockies and accrued a 14–4 record over 18 games entering the month of June. The Phillies' performance declined in late June, but they improved after theAll-Star break, going 9–6 immediately following the midseason hiatus.CloserBrad Lidge earned eightsaves in those games, and did notblow a save throughout the season and the postseason. Philadelphia traded sweeps with theLos Angeles Dodgers in August and went 13–3 in their last 16 games, taking advantage of a late swoon by theNew York Mets for the second year in a row to capture the division crown. The team won its position in theplayoffs after its second consecutive East Division title. The Phillies also posted the best road record in the National League, at 44–37.[1]
Philadelphia defeated theMilwaukee Brewers in theNLDS, 3–1, and the Dodgers in theNLCS, 4–1, to win the National League pennant and advance to the World Series. In the World Series, the Phillies defeated theTampa Bay Rays, 4–1, to win their first championship in 28 years, ending theCurse of Billy Penn. Phillies starting pitcherCole Hamels was named theMost Valuable Player of the NLCS and theWorld Series.[2]
Statistical leaders in batting for the 2008 team included center fielderShane Victorino (batting average, .293), first basemanRyan Howard (home runs, 48;runs batted in, 146), and second basemanChase Utley (runs scored, 113).[3] For their accomplishments, Howard won theJosh Gibson Award for the National League, and Utley won his third consecutiveSilver Slugger Award. Pitching leaders included left-handed starting pitcher Hamels (innings pitched, 2271⁄3), left-hander starterJamie Moyer (wins, 16), and right-handed relief pitcher Lidge (saves, 41).[3] Lidge won theDHL Delivery Man of the Year and theMajor League Baseball Comeback Player of the Year awards for his performance during the season. Victorino and shortstopJimmy Rollins also wonGold Glove awards for their play in the field.
On October 29, 2007,Charlie Manuel signed an extension to manage the Phillies for two more years.[4] All of the coaches from the 2007 division championship season were also retained.[5] However,Davey Lopes underwent treatment for cancer and had to be replaced on an interim basis in the early part of the season.[6] The Phillies re-signed left-handed relief pitcherJ. C. Romero to a new two-year contract[7] after a dominating 2007, in which hestruck out 42 batters in56+1⁄3innings pitched while posting a 1.92earned run average.[8] OutfielderMichael Bourn and right-handed pitcherGeoff Geary were traded to Houston for closer Brad Lidge and infielderEric Bruntlett on November 7, 2007.[7] OutfielderChris Roberson was traded to Baltimore for cash in January 2008,[9] while third basemanPedro Feliz,[9] outfielderGeoff Jenkins,[10] and outfielderSo Taguchi[10] arrived as free agents; Feliz was signed on January 31, while Jenkins and Taguchi signed the month before. In the broadcast booth,Tom McCarthy also returned to the team after two years as a radio announcer for theNew York Mets.[11]
On November 29, 2007, the team announced that in honor of the franchise's 125th anniversary of playing in Philadelphia, the Phillies would wear an alternate home uniform based on their 1948 uniforms for all day home games during the season. The cap formerly used forinterleague play, a red-crowned cap with a blue bill and a star within the "P" logo, was retired.[12]
On February 16, 2008, Mets center fielderCarlos Beltrán made a statement regarding the upcoming season. He stated that "[without]Santana, we felt, as a team, that we had a chance to win in our division. With him now, I have no doubt that we're going to win in our division. I have no doubt in that. We've got what it takes. ToJimmy Rollins: We are the team to beat."[13] Beltran's statement echoed Rollins' 2007 assertion that the Phillies were "the team to beat in the NL East—finally".[14] Inasmuch as Beltran had imitated Rollins' 2007 preseason prediction, Rollins arrived in camp for Spring training and responded:
"There isn't a team in the National League that's better than us. The pressure's back on them if you ask me. They were on paper the best team in the division last year and they were supposed to win, and they didn't. One, there are four other teams in our division who are going to make sure that doesn't happen, and two, has anyone ever heard of plagiarism? That was pretty good, especially coming from him. He's a quiet guy, so it was probably shocking when he said it. Not shocking in a bad way, like 'Wow, I can't believe he said that.' More like, 'Wow, he finally said something because he's a leader on that team and you definitely need to be a vocal leader.'"[15]
The Phillies opened the season against theWashington Nationals at home on March 31. They failed to win any of their first three series, losing two of three against the Nationals and New York Mets, with a four-game split against theCincinnati Reds between those series. The Phillies won their next two series against theChicago Cubs and theHouston Astros.[16] After dropping a second series to the Mets, the Phillies finished the month with 15 wins and 12 losses. They did not achieve a three-game sweep against any team in the opening month, nor were they swept. By winning at least one game in each series, the Phillies were able to achieve their first winning April in several seasons.[16]
With abatting average of .360 and hisMajor League Baseball-leading 11 home runs,Chase Utley paced the team's offense,[17] followed closely by a resurgentPat Burrell and his 25 runs batted in.[18] Though team speed was hampered by the loss ofShane Victorino and Jimmy Rollins to thedisabled list,[19][20] the latter for the first time in his career,[20] the Phillies still pushed forward to a 15–13 record, including their Opening Day loss to Washington. The pitching rotation was led byaceCole Hamels, who led the team inwins (3),earned run average (ERA) (2.70), andinnings pitched (43+1⁄3).[21] Reliever J. C. Romero and new closer Brad Lidge both went the entire month without sacrificing a single run, over12+1⁄3 and 11 innings respectively.[22][23]
The Phillies did not achieve their first three-game series sweep until almost the end of May, taking two from theSan Francisco Giants, theArizona Diamondbacks (splitting the series 2–2), theAtlanta Braves, and the Nationals, and dropping two to the Giants, theToronto Blue Jays, and the Astros. However, the Phillies' first sweep was achieved in dramatic fashion, as the offense broke out for 60 runs in five games, including a 20–5 win over theColorado Rockies.[16]
Though several fill-in players, includingBrad Harman andT. J. Bohn, substituted during Victorino's and Rollins' absence, none was more valuable to the team during May thanJayson Werth. Expected to be primarily a platoon player coming into the season, Werth showed positive form. While Utley slowed down, Werth had a game with three home runs[24] and stole four bases in the month.[25] However, as Rollins and Victorino returned, Werth was lost to the disabled list.[26]Ryan Howard broke out of his early-season slump, batting .245 in May, nearly an 80-point increase from his average in April, and hitting ten home runs.[27] Hometown pitcherJamie Moyer also became the sixth pitcher in Major League Baseball history to defeat all 30 teams in the league on May 26 in a 20–5 Phillies win overColorado.[28]
June was a tale of two halves for the Phillies, as they started June with a strong combination of offense and pitching. From May 26 to June 13, the team posted a 14–4 record, starting their run with a 15–6 win over the Astros and ended with a 20–2 win over theCardinals, as their record reached a first-half high of 13 games over .500 at 41–28. However, the offense took a downturn as the Phillies pitchers began to sacrifice more runs in the latter part of the month. The Phillies went 3–11 over the remainder of June, as the pitchers allowed an average of 4.79 runs per game, compared to the offense's 3.36 runs scored per game. This was punctuated by a season-high six-game losing streak. The poor records coincided with the Phillies' stretch ofinterleague play for 2008, as they were swept by theAngels, and lost their series with theRed Sox,A's, andRangers, in addition to dropping two NL series against the Cardinals andMarlins.[16] While Hamels andKyle Kendrick each managed to post a 3–1 record in the rotation,[21][29] the other starters (Moyer,Adam Eaton, andBrett Myers) were not so lucky.[30][31][32] Myers' poor performance received arguably the most scrutiny, based on management's decision to move him back to the rotation from thebullpen after the2007 season.[33] Myers would eventually accept an option toTriple-A to work on his mechanical issues and confidence.[34]
July began with the announcement that Chase Utley and Brad Lidge would represent the team at the2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game;[35] Utley garnered the most votes of all National League players.[36] Pat Burrell was also selected as a "Final Vote" candidate,[37] but lost out on the opportunity for his first All-Star appearance to Milwaukee outfielderCorey Hart.[38] The Phillies went 8–5 in July before the All-Star break, compiling a four-game win streak, a four-game losing streak, and winning four of their last five. The team posted a sweep of the Braves, a series loss to the Mets, and series wins over the Cardinals and the Diamondbacks.[39]
In a move to bolster their starting rotation in preparation for the pennant race, the Phillies traded three minor league players, including second basemanAdrian Cardenas, pitcherJosh Outman, and outfielder Matthew Spencer to theOakland Athletics for starting pitcherJoe Blanton on July 17.[40] The move would prove necessary, as Blanton's start was the only game of their next series against the Mets that the Phillies would win;[39] bullpen pitchers earned the victory (Chad Durbin) or suffered the loss (Ryan Madson and Romero) in each game of the series.[41][42][43] The Phillies managed to go 7–5 after the All-Star break withintheir own division, dropping series to the Marlins and Mets, but besting the Braves and sweeping the Nationals. Brad Lidge posted a save in six straight Phillies wins, and the team ended the month on a five-game winning streak, with a final record of 15–10.[44]
The Phillies opened August by taking two of three from theCardinals, though they followed that by dropping a series to theMarlins.[44] On August 7, the Phillies acquired left-handed relieverScott Eyre from the Cubs.[45] After taking two of three from thePittsburgh Pirates, the Phillies went west for their first trip toDodger Stadium, dropping three consecutive games to theLos Angeles Dodgers. The first game saw the team sacrifice a 7-run lead that they could not overcome, and the second two of the series were both blown by the bullpen. The Dodgers' sweep in Los Angeles was completed as the Phillies dropped the last game of the series, leaving them out of first place in the division. However, the Phillies struck back, taking two of three from both the Padres and the Nationals, and completing a revenge sweep of the Dodgers atCitizens Bank Park. The following evening, the Phillies saw starter Jamie Moyer give up seven runs over the first three innings of their game against the Mets. However, the offense made up that deficit by scoring the tying run in the ninth; catcherChris Coste capped the comeback by going four-for-four coming off of the bench and driving in the winning run with a bases-loaded single to deep center in the bottom of the 13th inning.[46] They ended up splitting the short series with the Mets and the next four-game series against the Cubs to close out the "dog days" of summer.
With a nearly-full slate of division rivals in the final month, the Phillies opened by dropping series to the Nationals and Marlins, with a 2–1 series win over division leaders New York between the two losses. However, they pushed back into contention on the back of strong pitching, sweeping the Brewers over a four-game set while allowing only eight runs.[47] Brett Myers' return to the rotation in late July bolstered the strength of the Phillies' starters toward the end of the season; he boasted a 7–2 record and a 1.80 ERA from his return until September 15.[48] Taking their winning ways south to Atlanta, the Phillies completed a series sweep of the Braves; the Phillies also swept the Braves atTurner Field for the season and handed the Braves franchise its first nine-game home losing streak against a single team since 1909.[49] With an 8–4 win over theWashington Nationals on September 26, the Phillies secured their first 90-win season since 1993.[50] The next day, the Phillies clinched the NL East Division title for the second consecutive season, beating the Nationals by a score of 4–3.[51] Jamie Moyer contributed a one-run, six-hit performance over six innings and Jayson Werth led off the fifth inning with a home run. They won the division title as Brad Lidge earned his 41st consecutive save on a game-endingdouble play.[52] Having gone an entire season without losing a save opportunity, Lidge was recognized as 2008's National LeagueComeback Player of the Year.[53]
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Phillies | 92 | 70 | .568 | — | 48–33 | 44–37 |
| New York Mets | 89 | 73 | .549 | 3 | 48–33 | 41–40 |
| Florida Marlins | 84 | 77 | .522 | 7½ | 45–36 | 39–41 |
| Atlanta Braves | 72 | 90 | .444 | 20 | 43–38 | 29–52 |
| Washington Nationals | 59 | 102 | .366 | 32½ | 34–46 | 25–56 |
Source:MLB Standings Grid – 2008 | |||||||||||||||||
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| Team | AZ | ATL | CHC | CIN | COL | FLA | HOU | LAD | MIL | NYM | PHI | PIT | SD | SF | STL | WAS | AL |
| Arizona | – | 3–5 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 15–3 | 2–7 | 4–2 | 8–10 | 2–5 | 3–3 | 3–4 | 4–3 | 10–8 | 11–7 | 3–4 | 4–2 | 6–9 |
| Atlanta | 5–3 | – | 0–6 | 3–3 | 4–3 | 10–8 | 3–3 | 4–2 | 3–6 | 11–7 | 4–14 | 2–5 | 5–1 | 2–5 | 2–5 | 6–12 | 8–7 |
| Chicago | 4–2 | 6–0 | – | 8–7 | 5–1 | 4–3 | 8–9 | 5–2 | 9–7 | 4–2 | 3–4 | 14–4 | 5–2 | 4–3 | 9–6 | 3–3 | 6–9 |
| Cincinnati | 4–2 | 3–3 | 7–8 | – | 1–5 | 6–2 | 3–12 | 1–7 | 10–8 | 3–4 | 3–5 | 6–9 | 4–3 | 5–1 | 5–10 | 4–3 | 9–6 |
| Colorado | 3–15 | 3–4 | 1–5 | 5–1 | – | 5–3 | 3–3 | 8–10 | 4–3 | 3–6 | 0–5 | 5–2 | 9–9 | 11–7 | 3–4 | 4–3 | 7–8 |
| Florida | 7–2 | 8–10 | 3–4 | 2–6 | 3–5 | – | 4–2 | 3–4 | 5–1 | 8–10 | 10–8 | 3–2 | 4–2 | 3–3 | 2–5 | 14–3 | 5–10 |
| Houston | 2–4 | 3–3 | 9–8 | 12–3 | 3–3 | 2–4 | – | 4–3 | 7–8 | 5–2 | 3–4 | 8–8 | 3–3 | 7–1 | 7–8 | 4–2 | 7–11 |
| Los Angeles | 10–8 | 2–4 | 2–5 | 7–1 | 10–8 | 4–3 | 3–4 | – | 4–2 | 3–4 | 4–4 | 5–2 | 11–7 | 9–9 | 2–4 | 3–3 | 5–10 |
| Milwaukee | 5–2 | 6–3 | 7–9 | 8–10 | 3–4 | 1–5 | 8–7 | 2–4 | – | 2–4 | 1–5 | 14–1 | 4–3 | 6–0 | 10–5 | 6–2 | 7–8 |
| New York | 3–3 | 7–11 | 2–4 | 4–3 | 6–3 | 10–8 | 2–5 | 4–3 | 4–2 | – | 11–7 | 4–3 | 2–5 | 5–1 | 4–3 | 12–6 | 9–6 |
| Philadelphia | 4–3 | 14–4 | 4–3 | 5–3 | 5–0 | 8–10 | 4–3 | 4–4 | 5–1 | 7–11 | – | 4–2 | 4–2 | 3–3 | 5–4 | 12–6 | 4–11 |
| Pittsburgh | 3–4 | 5–2 | 4–14 | 9–6 | 2–5 | 2–3 | 8–8 | 2–5 | 1–14 | 3–4 | 2–4 | – | 3–4 | 4–2 | 10–7 | 3–4 | 6–9 |
| San Diego | 8–10 | 1–5 | 2–5 | 3–4 | 9–9 | 2–4 | 3–3 | 7–11 | 3–4 | 5–2 | 2–4 | 4–3 | – | 5–13 | 1–6 | 5–1 | 3–15 |
| San Francisco | 7–11 | 5–2 | 3–4 | 1–5 | 7–11 | 3–3 | 1–7 | 9–9 | 0–6 | 1–5 | 3–3 | 2–4 | 13–5 | – | 4–3 | 7–0 | 6–12 |
| St. Louis | 4–3 | 5–2 | 6–9 | 10–5 | 4–3 | 5–2 | 8–7 | 4–2 | 5–10 | 3–4 | 4–5 | 7–10 | 6–1 | 3–4 | – | 5–1 | 7–8 |
| Washington | 2–4 | 12–6 | 3–3 | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–14 | 2–4 | 3–3 | 2–6 | 6–12 | 6–12 | 4–3 | 1–5 | 0–7 | 1–5 | – | 8–10 |
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April (15–12)
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May (17–12)
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June (12–14)
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July (15–10)
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August (16–12)
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September (17–8)
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| 2008 Postseason Game Log | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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NLCS: 4–1
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World Series: 4–1
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All players who made an appearance for the Phillies during 2008 are included.[3]
| † | Indicates players who started on Opening Day in 2008[55] |
| 2008 Philadelphia Phillies roster | |||||||||
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| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers | Catchers Infielders | Outfielders | Manager General manager Coaches
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Following their four-game sweep of Milwaukee in the beginning of September, the Phillies recorded their first playoff win since their 1993 World Series appearance on October 1, defeating the Brewers in Game 1.Cole Hamels was the victor, earning his first career playoff win. Hamels allowed no runs and two hits over his eight innings of work.Chase Utley batted in two runs, whileRyan Howard walked three times in the game.[56] In Game 2,Shane Victorino's grand slam was all the run support starterBrett Myers needed, as he pitched seven innings and allowed only two runs. The Phillies' second consecutive victory was also supported by a pair of doubles from Victorino and fromJayson Werth.[57] In a reversal of fortune, the Brewers scored two runs in the first inning of Game 3, and it proved to be enough to win the game. Brewers starterDave Bush and closerSalomón Torres were able to hold off the Phillies despite a rally in the top of the ninth inning, keeping the Brewers alive for Game 4.[58] However, the Phillies defeated the Brewers in Game 4 at Miller Park to win the series, 3–1.Jimmy Rollins,Jayson Werth andPat Burrell all hit solo home runs, and Burrell contributed a three-run homer as well.Joe Blanton struck out seven Brewers, holding the team to one run on five hits through six innings.[59]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Philadelphia | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | x | 3 | 4 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: MIL:Yovani Gallardo (0–0) PHI:Cole Hamels (0–0) WP: Hamels (1–0) LP: Gallardo (0–1) Sv:Brad Lidge (1) Home runs: MIL: none PHI: none | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Philadelphia | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | x | 5 | 9 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: MIL:CC Sabathia (0–0) PHI:Brett Myers (0–0) WP: Myers (1–0) LP: Sabathia (0–1) Sv: Lidge (2) Home runs: MIL: none PHI:Shane Victorino (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Milwaukee | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | x | 4 | 11 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: PHI:Jamie Moyer (0–0) MIL:Dave Bush (0–0) WP: Bush (1–0) LP: Moyer (0–1) Sv:Salomón Torres (1) Home runs: PHI: none MIL: none | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Milwaukee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: PHI:Joe Blanton (0–0) MIL:Jeff Suppan (0–0) WP: Blanton (1–0) LP: Suppan (0–1) Home runs: PHI:Jimmy Rollins (1),Pat Burrell 2 (2),Jayson Werth (1) MIL:Prince Fielder (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Facing off against theLos Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS for the fourth time in history, Derek Lowe stifled the Phillies' offense for the first five innings of Game 1; however, the Phillies came from behind to score three runs in the sixth on home runs by Utley and Burrell. Hamels followed his stellar NLDS performance with a seven-inning, two-run outing, andBrad Lidge earned his 44th consecutive save in 2008.[60]Manny Ramírez' home run could not overcome the Phillies' potent offense in Game 2, who scored four runs in both the second and third innings to win the game, 8–5. Starting pitcher Brett Myers was 3 for 3 at the plate, driving in three runs to help his own cause. He was supported by two-hit performances from Victorino andGreg Dobbs, who started at third base.[61] Tensions escalated the following night in the third inning. After abeanball and a throw-behind by the Phillies in the previous game and no retaliation from the Dodgers, Los Angeles starterHiroki Kuroda threw a fastball up and in to Shane Victorino, narrowly missing his head. Victorino gestured angrily, warning Kuroda to throw at other parts of his body, but not his head. This soon escalated to clearing the benches, and the Dodgers rode their momentum to the end of the game, defeating the Phillies 7–2 after posting five runs in the first inning.[62] The Phillies staged another comeback in the following game. Down 5–3 in the eighth inning, two home runs by Shane Victorino and pinch-hitterMatt Stairs plated four runs and put the Dodgers in a hole out of which they could not climb; the Phillies won the game 7–5. In the first decisions of the series for either bullpen, right-handed reliever Ryan Madson got the win for Philadelphia, while Cory Wade suffered the loss for Los Angeles.[63] Dodgers fans were hoping for a comeback in game five; however, Jimmy Rollins started the contest with a leadoff homer off of Chad Billingsley, who was forced out of the game in the third inning because of a pair of Phillies runs. Philadelphia added two runs on a trio ofRafael Furcal errors in the fifth. Ramírez did bring the Dodger Stadium crowd to life with a solo homer in the bottom of the sixth, but the Dodgers never threatened after that. The Phillies won the series in five games; winning pitcher Cole Hamels was named the seriesMost Valuable Player (MVP).[64] Thus, the Phillies advanced to theWorld Series for the first time since 1993.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Philadelphia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | x | 3 | 7 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: LAD:Derek Lowe (0–0) PHI: Hamels (0–0) WP: Hamels (1–0) LP: Lowe (0–1) Sv: Lidge (1) Home runs: LAD: none PHI: Burrell (1), Utley (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Philadelphia | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | x | 8 | 11 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: LAD:Chad Billingsley (0–0) PHI: Myers (0–0) WP: Myers (1–0) LP: Billingsley (0–1) Sv: Lidge (2) Home runs: LAD:Manny Ramirez (1) PHI: none | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Los Angeles | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | x | 7 | 10 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: PHI: Moyer (0–0) LAD:Hiroki Kuroda (0–0) WP: Kuroda (1–0) LP: Moyer (0–1) Home runs: PHI: none LAD:Rafael Furcal (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 12 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Los Angeles | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: PHI: Blanton (0–0) LAD: Lowe (0–1) WP:Ryan Madson (1–0) LP:Cory Wade (0–1) Sv: Lidge (3) Home runs: PHI: Victorino (1),Matt Stairs (1) LAD:Casey Blake (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Los Angeles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: PHI:Cole Hamels (1–0) LAD:Chad Billingsley (0–1) WP: Hamels (2–0) LP: Billingsley (0–2) Home runs: PHI:Jimmy Rollins (1) LAD: Ramírez (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Phillies played in their first Fall Classic infifteen years, which began on October 22 against theTampa Bay Rays. The first two games were played atTropicana Field inSt. Petersburg, followed by three games atCitizens Bank Park. The Rays hadhome field advantage for the series, due to anAmerican League victory in the2008 All-Star Game. The Phillies defeated Tampa Bay, four games to one. Starting pitcherCole Hamels (4–0, 1.80 ERA, 30 K in the postseason) was named the series MVP.[65]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tampa Bay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: PHI:Cole Hamels TB:Scott Kazmir WP: Hamels (1–0) LP: Kazmir (0–1) Sv:Brad Lidge (1) Home runs: PHI:Chase Utley (1) TB:Carl Crawford (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Philadelphia scored the first runs of the series when Chase Utley hit ahome run withJayson Werth on base in the top of the first inning. Tampa Bay loaded the bases in the bottom of the third inning; however, Upton grounded into an inning-endingdouble play and the score remained 2–0. The Phillies extended their lead whenCarlos Ruiz batted in Victorino in the fourth inning. A solo home run fromCarl Crawford pulled the Rays back within two runs. Tampa Bay added their second run the following inning on an RBI double byAkinori Iwamura. Philadelphia starter Cole Hamels pitched seven innings and allowed only two runs, while Brad Lidge recorded his 47th consecutive save in 2008.[66]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tampa Bay | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | x | 4 | 7 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: PHI:Brett Myers (0–0) TB:James Shields (0–0) WP: Shields (1–0) LP: Myers (0–1) Home runs: PHI:Eric Bruntlett (1) TB: none | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tampa starter James Shields shut down the Phillies lineup, scattering seven hits and allowing no runs in5+2⁄3 innings of work. OutfielderB. J. Upton (2 for 4, one run scored, one RBI) and catcherDioner Navarro (2 for 3, one run scored) led the offensive charge for the Rays as Brett Myers gave up four runs (three earned) while notching two strikeouts and three walks. Rather than power-hittingMatt Stairs, Charlie Manuel opted to go withGreg Dobbs as theDH; Dobbs was 1 for 3 for the Phillies, while Victorino and Howard supplied two hits each.Cliff Floyd extended the Rays' lead to four runs after leading off the bottom of the fourth inning with a single, advancing to third base, and scoring on aJason Bartlett sacrifice bunt. The Phillies' loss tied the series at 1–1.[67]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Philadelphia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: TB:Matt Garza PHI:Jamie Moyer WP:J. C. Romero (1–0) LP:J. P. Howell (0–1) Home runs: TB: none PHI:Carlos Ruiz (1), Utley (2),Ryan Howard (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
After a 91-minute rain delay, the offenses fought back and forth, scoring run after run in an up-and-down affair in Philadelphia. Ryan Howard ended his home run drought, hitting his first round-tripper since the end of September. Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz also hit home runs for the Phillies, while Carl Crawford and Dioner Navarro contributed a double each for the Rays. Philadelphia starter Jamie Moyer turned in his first strong performance of the postseason, allowing three runs over6+1⁄3 innings. His counterpart Matt Garza allowed four runs over six innings, but neither would factor in the decision. After the Rays tied the game in the top of the eighth, the Phillies loaded the bases on two intentional walks withEric Bruntlett on third base. Even with a five-man infield, Ruiz was still able to engineer some late-game heroics, sneaking a dribbling ground ball down the third base line to score Bruntlett. Philadelphia took a 2–1 series lead.[68]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Philadelphia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | x | 10 | 12 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: TB:Andy Sonnanstine (0–0) PHI:Joe Blanton (0–0) WP: Blanton (1–0) LP: Sonnanstine (0–1) Home runs: TB: Crawford (2),Eric Hinske (1) PHI: Howard 2 (3), Blanton (1),Jayson Werth (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Phillies' offensive woes seemed in the distant past as the lineup broke out in a big way during Game 4. Led by Ryan Howard's 3-for-4, 2 home run performance, and home runs by Jayson Werth and starting pitcher Joe Blanton, the Phillies pushed 10 runs across the plate. Blanton became the first World Series pitcher to hit a home run in 34 years, in addition to a strong performance on the mound, pitching six innings and allowing two earned runs on four hits. Roster additionEric Hinske hit a home run for the Rays, as did left fielder Carl Crawford, his second of the series.[69]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Philadelphia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | x | 4 | 8 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: TB: Kazmir (0–1) PHI: Hamels (1–0) WP: Romero (2–0) LP: Howell (0–2) Sv: Lidge (2) Home runs: TB:Rocco Baldelli (1) PHI: None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Philadelphia scored in the first inning for the third consecutive game, taking a 2–0 lead when Shane Victorino batted in Chase Utley and Jayson Werth. Tampa Bay cut the lead in half in the fourth inning; Carlos Peña doubled and was batted in onEvan Longoria's single, both players' first hits of the Series. The Rays then tied the game in the sixth inning when B. J. Upton scored from second base on a Peña single.[70] The game was suspended after the top of the sixth inning due to rain, making it the first game in World Series history to not be played through to completion or declared a tie.[71]
After the game was suspended, home plate umpireTim Tschida told reporters that he and his crew ordered the players off the field because the wind and rain threatened to make the game "comical".[72] Chase Utley agreed, saying that by the middle of the sixth inning, "the infield was basically underwater."[72] Rain continued to fall in Philadelphia on Tuesday, further postponing the game to Wednesday.
Under normal conditions, games are considered to be official games after five innings, or four and a half if the home team is leading at that point.[73] However, both Rays and Phillies management knew before the first pitch that CommissionerBud Selig, who is responsible for the scheduling of post-season games, would not allow a team to clinch the Series by winning a rain-shortened game.[71][74] Thus, the game resumed on October 29 in the middle of the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park,[75] with the Phillies batting in the bottom of the sixth inning. Pinch hitterGeoff Jenkins led off with a double and was bunted to third by Rollins. Batting third, Jayson Werth batted in Jenkins to give the Phillies the lead, 3–2. Rocco Baldelli re-tied the game at three runs with a solo home run in the top of the seventh inning, but Jason Bartlett was thrown out at home to end the inning on a fake throw-over by Utley, which went down as one of the greatest plays in World Series history. In the bottom of the seventh, Pat Burrell led off with a double; Eric Bruntlett entered as a pinch runner and scored on a hit byPedro Feliz to put the Phillies up by a run again. Brad Lidge gave up a single and a stolen base but struck out Eric Hinske for the final out, sealing the Phillies' first World Series championship since the1980 World Series, and the city's first major sports championship in 25 years.[70]
The allegedcurse of Billy Penn was sometimes used to explain the failure ofprofessional sports teams based in Philadelphia to win championships. In March 1987,One Liberty Place, a 945-foot (288 m) tall skyscraper, opened three blocks from the 548 ft (167 m) high statue of William Penn atopPhiladelphia City Hall.[76] For many decades, agentlemen's agreement stated that the Philadelphia Art Commission would approve no building in the city that would rise above this statue. The supposed curse had gained such prominence in Philadelphia that a documentary film entitledThe Curse of William Penn was produced about it.[77]
The curse ended on October 29, 2008, when the Phillies won the World Series, a year and four months after a statuette of the William Penn figure atop City Hall was affixed to the final beam put in place during the June 2007 topping-off of theComcast Center, then the tallest building in the city.[78]
The 2008 team won theCommissioner's Trophy for its World Series title[79][80][81] and theWarren C. Giles Trophy as National League champions. It was also named"Team of the Year" by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association and received thePride of Philadelphia Award from the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. In 2009, the Philadelphia Sports Congress presented the team with the John Wanamaker Athletic Award.[82][83][84][85] In May 2009, the team was recognized at theWhite House.[86]
StarterCole Hamels received theNLCS andWorld Series MVP awards. He also received theBabe Ruth Award from the New York chapter of theBaseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).
CloserBrad Lidge was named theMajor League Baseball Comeback Player of the Year[87] and theDHL Delivery Man of the Year[88] for his perfect 48-for-48 performance throughout the 2008 regular season and postseason. He also received theRolaids NL Relief Man Award, theSporting News NL Reliever of the Year Award, thePhiladelphia Sports Writers Association (PSWA) Outstanding Pro Athlete award, and theDaily News Sportsperson of the Year award.
ShortstopJimmy Rollins and center fielderShane Victorino were honored by Rawlings withGold Gloves, honoring their defense in 2008.[89] Rollins also received theFielding Bible Award for shortstop. Rollins posted afielding percentage of .988, compiling 193 putouts and 393 assists while making only seven errors;[90] Victorino's fielding percentage was even higher, at .994, notching 7 assists from the outfield along with 328 putouts.[91]
Clean-up hitter and first basemanRyan Howard was named the recipient of theBabe Ruth Home Run Award (in MLB) and the Negro Baseball League Museum'sJosh Gibson Legacy Award, as the NL leader in home runs. Howard hit 48 home runs in 2008, more than any other player in the National League. Howard also batted in 146 runs, and finished the regular season with 11 homers and 32 RBIs during September.[92][93] Second basemanChase Utley also won his third consecutiveSilver Slugger Award, given annually to the best hitter in each league at his position.[94]
Four of theThis Year in Baseball Awards also went to the Phillies. Lidge was recognized as the Closer of the Year,[95] while Utley won the Postseason Moment of the Year award for his fake throw to first base which allowed him to throw out Rays' shortstop Jason Bartlett at home plate during the World Series.[96] ManagerCharlie Manuel and general managerPat Gillick were also named Manager of the Year (distinct from Major League Baseball'sManager of the Year award) and Executive of the Year, respectively, for their leadership of the 2008 team and for winning the World Series.[97]
The Philadelphia chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) presented itsannual franchise awards to Brad Lidge ("Mike Schmidt Most Valuable Player Award"), Cole Hamels ("Steve Carlton Most Valuable Pitcher Award"),Jamie Moyer ("Dallas Green Special Achievement Award"), andGreg Dobbs ("Tug McGraw Good Guy Award").[98]
Shane Victorino also received theLou Gehrig Memorial Award for displaying character and integrity both on and off the field.[99][100]
Pat Gillick also received the ceremonial title ofKing of Baseball from Minor League Baseball, in recognition of longtime dedication and service to professional baseball.
All statistics are current through the 2008 regular season.[3]
| Statistic† | Indicates team leader in this category among batters (player must qualify by MLB rules to lead a category) |
| Statistic§ | Indicates team leader in this category among starting pitchers (player must qualify by MLB rules to lead a category) |
| Statistic¶ | Indicates team leader in this category among relief pitchers (player must qualify by MLB rules to lead a category) |
| * | Indicates that two or more players tied for the lead in the category |
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; AVG = Batting average; SB = Stolen bases
| Player | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | AVG | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Blanton | 13 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .063 | 0 |
| T. J. Bohn | 14 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | .400 | 0 |
| Eric Bruntlett | 120 | 212 | 37 | 46 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 15 | .217 | 9 |
| Pat Burrell | 157 | 536 | 74 | 134 | 33 | 3 | 33 | 86 | .250 | 0 |
| Mike Cervenak | 10 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .154 | 0 |
| Clay Condrey | 55 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | 0 |
| Chris Coste | 98 | 274 | 28 | 72 | 17 | 0 | 9 | 36 | .262 | 0 |
| Greg Dobbs | 128 | 226 | 30 | 68 | 14 | 1 | 9 | 40 | .301 | 3 |
| Chad Durbin | 69 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .111 | 0 |
| Adam Eaton | 22 | 28 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .179 | 0 |
| Pedro Feliz | 133 | 425 | 43 | 106 | 19 | 2 | 14 | 58 | .249 | 0 |
| Greg Golson | 6 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 1 |
| Cole Hamels | 35 | 76 | 3 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | .224 | 0 |
| J. A. Happ | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 |
| Brad Harman | 6 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .100 | 0 |
| Ryan Howard | 162† | 610† | 105 | 153 | 26 | 4 | 48† | 146† | .251 | 1 |
| Tadahito Iguchi | 4 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .286 | 0 |
| Geoff Jenkins | 115 | 293 | 27 | 72 | 16 | 0 | 9 | 29 | .246 | 1 |
| Kyle Kendrick | 31 | 50 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .100 | 0 |
| Ryan Madson | 73 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 |
| Lou Marson | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | .500 | 0 |
| Jamie Moyer | 31 | 51 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .078 | 0 |
| Brett Myers | 30 | 58 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .069 | 0 |
| Jimmy Rollins | 137 | 556 | 76 | 154 | 38 | 9† | 11 | 59 | .277 | 47† |
| Carlos Ruiz | 117 | 320 | 47 | 70 | 14 | 0 | 4 | 31 | .219 | 1 |
| Chris Snelling | 4 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | .500 | 0 |
| Matt Stairs | 16 | 17 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | .294 | 0 |
| R. J. Swindle | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | 0 |
| So Taguchi | 88 | 91 | 18 | 20 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 9 | .220 | 3 |
| Andy Tracy | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | 0 |
| Chase Utley | 159 | 607 | 113† | 177† | 41† | 4 | 33 | 104 | .292 | 14 |
| Shane Victorino | 146 | 570 | 102 | 167 | 30 | 8 | 14 | 58 | .293† | 36 |
| Les Walrond | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 |
| Jayson Werth | 134 | 418 | 73 | 114 | 16 | 3 | 24 | 67 | .273 | 20 |
| Team Totals | 162 | 5509 | 799 | 1407 | 291 | 36 | 214 | 762 | .255 | 136 |
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts
| Player | W | L | ERA | G | GS | SV | IP | R | ER | BB | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Blanton | 4 | 0 | 4.20 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 70+2⁄3 | 36 | 33 | 31 | 49 |
| Andrew Carpenter | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Clay Condrey | 3 | 4* | 3.26 | 52 | 0 | 1 | 69 | 26 | 25 | 19 | 34 |
| Chad Durbin | 5* | 4* | 2.87 | 71 | 0 | 1 | 87+2⁄3¶ | 33¶ | 28* | 35 | 63 |
| Adam Eaton | 4 | 8 | 5.80 | 21 | 19 | 0 | 107 | 71 | 69 | 44 | 57 |
| Scott Eyre | 3 | 0 | 1.88 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 14+1⁄3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
| Tom Gordon | 5* | 4* | 5.16 | 34 | 0 | 2 | 29⅔ | 19 | 17 | 17 | 26 |
| Cole Hamels | 14 | 10 | 3.09§ | 33* | 33* | 0 | 227+1⁄3§ | 89 | 78 | 53 | 196§ |
| J. A. Happ | 1 | 0 | 3.69 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 31+2⁄3 | 24 | 17 | 14 | 26 |
| Kyle Kendrick | 11 | 9 | 5.49 | 30 | 30 | 0 | 155+2⁄3 | 103* | 95 | 57 | 68 |
| Brad Lidge | 2 | 0 | 1.95¶ | 72 | 0 | 41¶ | 69+1⁄3 | 17 | 15 | 35 | 92¶ |
| Ryan Madson | 4 | 2 | 3.05 | 76 | 0 | 1 | 70+2⁄3 | 29 | 28* | 23 | 67 |
| Jamie Moyer | 16§ | 7 | 3.71 | 33* | 33* | 0 | 196+1⁄3 | 85 | 81 | 62 | 123 |
| Brett Myers | 10 | 13§ | 4.55 | 30 | 30 | 0 | 190 | 103* | 96§ | 65§ | 163 |
| J. C. Romero | 4 | 4* | 2.75 | 81¶ | 0 | 1 | 59 | 18 | 18 | 38¶ | 52 |
| Rudy Seánez | 5* | 4* | 3.53 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 43+1⁄3 | 24 | 17 | 25 | 30 |
| R. J. Swindle | 0 | 0 | 7.71 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4+2⁄3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Les Walrond | 1 | 1 | 6.10 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 10+1⁄3 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 12 |
| Team Totals | 92 | 70 | 3.89 | 162 | 162 | 47 | 1449+2⁄3 | 680 | 627 | 533 | 1081 |
Phillies closer Brad Lidge ... and David Montgomery accepted the award, which was given to the entire Phillies organization.
Of all the awards, Howard said the Josh Gibson Award, named for the legendary Negro Leaguer and Hall of Famer, will be the most special. Why? "Because he never got a shot to play in the big leagues", he said.
