Phightin' Phils Phorum

Phillies Memories

Last night's 22-1 drubbing of the Reds was another Philadelphia Phillies memory that I will remember forever and goes on my list of great games that I have attended. Having attended the June 11, 1985 26-7 victory over the Mets and the 20 run outburst last season against the Rockies, I never thought I would attend a game where the Phillies margin of victory would be even greater. Last night though the Phillies won by over 20 runs for the first time since 1900. They won a 29-4 game in 1894 and a 24-0 game in 1887. The Reds who have been around for 128 years suffered the greatest defeat in their history.

It was certainly a night for Phillies Memories. I also purchased the DVD "Phillies Memories". Of course I came home and watched the entire 141 minutes of it and was up until 2AM but it was worth the lack of sleep. It is narrated by the late great Harry Kalas and is like his last gift to Phillies fans. I was a little disappointed that he did not narrate the Phillies 2008 DVD and this more than made up for it. Harry was a huge part of why I fell in love with the Phillies and to have a recap of 126 years of their history done by him through his final season was awesome.

The history was good although as in most history DVD's not enough time was spent on certain aspects of the Phillies history such as 1915 and even 1950. I know footage is scarce but use everything you have. They certainly did in 1993 and 2008. The 1983 team was barely glanced at. John Denny won a Cy Young that year and was never mentioned. The Wheeze Kids were a good team and players like Denny and Al Holland should have been celebrated more. Another Cy Young Award winner Steve Bedrosian was also skipped over.

Some memorable games were left out too. I think of the dramatic come from behind win against the Pirates in 1989. What about the 20 plus run games listed above? I am not knocking the DVD, just curious as to why something that is 141 minutes long is not complete. Still, it is a must have for the Phillies fan and when you watch it for the first time, I dare you not to get choked up when Harry starts talking!

"Meet The Phillies" Videos - Manuel, Utley, Hamels, Lidge & Amaro

Saturday afternoon, Comcast Sportsnet hosted its annual off-season “Meet The Phillies” special.  The 1-hour special was shown on-line, but will not be broadcast until this coming Wednesday night, 1/28.  So, just for all of you, I set up my camcorder and recorded the interviews with my camcorder. 

You will see, in order, Charlie Manuel, Cole Hamels, Chase Utley, Ruben Amaro Jr. (new GM) and the closer, Brad Lidge.  Charlie tells a really great story about my hero, Dan Marino :O)  I got a big chuckle out of that one.  Cole discusses his “celebrity”; Utley discusses re-hab (hip surgery, not “other” re-hab!);  Amaro talks about the off-season moves and BS’s his way through the question of why Burrell was not signed back; and Lidge talks about how “great” life is :O)  That is really a short summary…much more to be seen and heard.  Have fun!

Charlie Manuel:

Meet the Phillies - Charlie Manuel 1/24/09

 

Cole Hamels:

 

Chase Utley:

 

Ruben Amaro Jr.

 

Brad Lidge:

 

Perfect Season to be Released Today

The Philadelphia Phillies will begin pre-selling their 2008 world championship season DVD "Perfect Season" today. Sadly John Facenda was not around to narrate this one but there will now be a second championship highlights film to add to your collection. Brad Lidge narrates this new Phillies fan keepsake. I just hope it starts with "It all began in Clearwater, Florida"!

The Phillies and Arts Alliance America have announced the release of The Perfect Season: The 2008 Phillies Video Yearbook, an action-packed DVD that gives fans the chance to relive all the excitement, drama and intrigue that made Philadelphia a world-champion city once again.

The Perfect Season will be available for pre-sale on December 2 at phillies.com and through the Official Phillies Merchandise Catalog at 1-877-GO-PHILS, for a suggested retail price of $19.95. The DVD will also be sold at the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Citizens Bank Park as well as retail stores across the Delaware Valley beginning December 12.

A Phillies production, The Perfect Season chronicles the Phillies' journey from spring training through the World Series with exclusive player footage and interviews, as told by the words and deeds of the Phillies team. Narrated by All-Star closer Brad Lidge, this 75-minute feature covers all the highlights of the '08 campaign ... from the hard-fought rivalry with the Mets to the incredible September run that brought another National League East title. The Perfect Season also includes an additional two hours of never- before-seen bonus footage from the regular season, postseason, World Series, parade and celebration at Citizens Bank Park.

The film was edited and produced by Emmy award-winning "Video" Dan Stephenson, who also created Richie Ashburn: A Baseball Life, which was featured in the 2008 Philadelphia Film Festival.

"The 2008 Phillies season started with great promise and ended in a dream," said Stephenson. "The Perfect Season follows this amazing journey, from the February mornings in Clearwater, Fla., to the glorious October afternoon when millions of fans in the Delaware Valley rejoiced as one. Fans will no doubt get the ultimate inside look at a team that evoked a championship spirit from the very beginning."

"Being a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, and a die-hard Phillies fan myself, I am elated to be able to bring this document of sports history to all fans of the team," said Joe Amodei, President of Arts Alliance America.