Some late season events from the 1970s and the World Championship season of 2008. Plus, the birthday of a player who played a large role in Phillies history.

Historical Events on September 27:

  • In 1975, Steve Carlton delivered a dominant performance against the New York Mets, allowing just one hit and one run while striking out nine. The Phillies won 8–1, showcasing Carlton’s brilliance during a transitional era for the team.
  • On September 27, 1977, the Phillies clinched the NL East title for the second consecutive year with a 15–9 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa, and Garry Maddox led a potent offensive attack that sealed the division crown.
  • In 2008, the Phillies again clinched the NL East, defeating the Washington Nationals 4–3. Brad Lidge earned his 41st and final save of the regular season, capping a perfect season. Jimmy Rollins preserved the win with a diving stop and double play to end the game.

Notable Birthdays on September 27:

  • Mike Schmidt (born 1949): Widely regarded as the greatest player in Phillies history, Schmidt hit 548 home runs, won three NL MVP awards, and led the team to its first World Series title in 1980. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995 and remains active as a Sunday broadcaster for the team.

A Deeper Dive…

The Game: Phillies 8, Mets 1 — September 27, 1975

Steve Carlton was electric at Veterans Stadium, tossing a complete game one-hitter against the New York Mets. He struck out nine, walked five, and allowed just one run — a sixth-inning RBI double by Félix Millán following a walk to John Stearns. Carlton’s fastball had bite, and his slider was sharp, keeping the Mets off balance all afternoon.

The Phillies offense gave him plenty of breathing room. Dave Cash had a monster day at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two doubles and three RBI. Tony Taylor added a milestone moment with a bunt single in the sixth — the 1,000th hit of his major league career. The team scored in six different innings, steadily building their lead and never letting the Mets back into the game.

Carlton’s performance was a reminder of his dominance, even in a season where the Phillies were still climbing toward contention.

Carlton’s 1975 Season in Context

Though not one of his Cy Young campaigns, Carlton’s 1975 season was quietly excellent. He finished 15–14 with a 3.56 ERA, 215 strikeouts, and 13 complete games across 37 starts. He logged 255.1 innings — a workhorse by any standard — and was especially sharp down the stretch.

In September, Carlton went 4–2 with a 2.39 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 49 innings. His final start on the 27th was his best of the month, and one of the finest of the season. It was his second one-hitter of the year and the 10th of his career.

The Phillies finished 86–76, their first winning season since 1967. Carlton’s consistency helped lay the foundation for the team’s rise in the late ’70s, culminating in the 1980 World Series title. His 1975 campaign was a bridge between the lean years and the golden era to come.

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