How Have the Phillies Performed Historically on the Fourth of July?

The Fourth of July. 245 years ago, the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence as the United States of America was born, separating from England (sorry for your loss, Liam Jenkins). Nowadays, Americans honor Independence Day by setting off fireworks, having barbecues with loved ones, and watching Will Smith fight off an alien invasion. The Philadelphia Phillies along with Major League Baseball play a huge role in the celebration of the birth of our nation as well.

Today, the Phillies look for the series sweep against the San Diego Padres at 1:05 p.m. Before first pitch, let’s take a look back and see just how the Phillies have performed historically on the Fourth of July.

Historic Results

The Phillies organization came into existence in 1883 as the Philadelphia Quakers. It was not until 1890 that organization officially became the Phillies. Since the organization’s inception, the team has played on all but seven Independence Days (1886, 1897, 1909, 1915, 1916, 1926, 2020). That’s right, last year was the first time in nearly a century that the Phillies were off on the 4th of July. Thanks, COVID-19.

In 1883, the Phillies split a split-doubleheader with the Providence Grays and the Boston Braves. Interestingly enough, the Phillies would keep their Independence Day record right around or just under .500. Now, I know what you may be thinking: how have the Phillies played 208 games on Independence Day when they have only existed since 1883? One word for you: doubleheader.

The Phillies have played a doubleheader on July 4th 78 times over the years. The most recent of those doubleheaders took place in 1982 when the Phillies swept the Mets with 9-7 and 7-2 final scores. A vast majority of the doublheaders took place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when doubleheaders were more commonplace across Major League Baseball.

Recent Phillies History

The Phillies have found nothing but success in recent history, owning a 6-1 record at Citizens Bank Park on the Fourth of July. When the Phillies take the field against the Padres today, it will be their eighth Independence Day home game at Citizens Bank Park, but only their fourth since 2010. Over the past ten seasons (ignoring 2020 for obvious reasons) the Phillies are 5-5 on the Fourth of July.

Most recently, in 2019, the Phillies dropped their matchup in Atlanta 12-6. Scott Kingery led off for the Phillies that day while Zach Eflin got rocked, allowing six runs over three innings of work.

Phillies-Padres Series History

The Phillies have faced the Padres on July 4th three times since the Padres joined the League in 1969. The Phillies are 3-0 against the Padres over the course of those games. They first met for the Independence Day game in 1993, when the Phillies defeated the Padres 8-4 at Veterans Stadium. Lenny Dysktra, Milt Thompson, and Wes Chamberlain each tallied three hits on the day.

The Phillies then travelled to San Diego the following year in 1994 on the Fourth of July. The Fightins’ won 10-4, riding a 5-RBI day from catcher Todd Pratt. Current Phillies broadcaster John Kruk contributed as well going 2-for-4 on the day with two runs scored and two RBI.

And in 2006, the Phillies defeated the Padres 6-5 at Citizens Bank Park. Aaron Rowand hit a walkoff single to score Ryan Howard from second base. Howard, in the middle of his MVP season, went 2-for-4 on the day with two runs and two RBI. Carlos Ruiz went 2-for-3 with a solo home run while catching for rookie starting pitcher Cole Hamels.

Extra Independence Day Nuggets

• In 1938, the Phillies made a rare mid-season stadium move, forsaking the Baker Bowl for Shibe Park. The Phillies rented out Shibe Park, then home of the Philadelphia Athletics, in an attempt to cut expenses with both clubs sharing the upkeep responsibilities of Shibe Park. On the day, the Phillies split their doubleheader with the Boston Bees with final scores of 10-5 and 10-2.
• In 1976, Tim McCarver hit a grand slam in the top of the second inning against the Pirates. McCarver, however, would only be awarded first base after passing teammate Garry Maddux on the basepath. McCarver was ruled out on a play that would go down in infamy as the “grand slam single”

The Phillies, coming off a month of June where nothing went right, finally appear to be gaining some momentum as they already clinched a series victory against the Padres. And if their Independence Day success at Citizens Bank Park is any indication, the Phillies will hopefully sweep one of the best teams in baseball today.

Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire