It is officially Red October. The Dodgers are a win away from winning their series against the Reds and moving on to meet the Phillies in the NLDS. The Cubs, Tigers, and Red Sox are all in the same situation. Here is a look back at some historic moments from before Red October was even a thing.

Phillies Historical Events on October 1

  • On October 1, 1950, Robin Roberts pitched a 10-inning complete game against the Brooklyn Dodgers, and Dick Sisler hit a dramatic 10th-inning home run to clinch the National League pennant for the Phillies – their first since 1915.
  • On October 1, 1970, the Phillies played their final game at Connie Mack Stadium, defeating the Montreal Expos 2–1 in 10 innings. A planned postgame ceremony was canceled when fans stormed the field.
  • On October 1, 2021, Bryce Harper hit his 35th home run of the season in a win over the Miami Marlins, helping solidify his case for National League MVP honors that year.
  • On October 1, 2011, the Phillies lost Game 1 of the NLDS to the St. Louis Cardinals, despite a strong start from Roy Halladay. The series would end in heartbreak with a Game 5 loss and Ryan Howard’s torn Achilles.
  • On October 1, 2007, the Phillies celebrated clinching the NL East title after a dramatic final-week comeback, overtaking the Mets and ending a 14-year playoff drought.

Phillies Birthdays on October 1

  • Jeremy Horst (born October 1, 1985): A left-handed reliever who pitched for the Phillies from 2012 to 2014. He posted a 1.15 ERA in 2012 and was part of the bullpen during a transitional period.

A Deeper Dive into Robin Roberts and Dick Sisler’s performance on October 1, 1950

On October 1, 1950, the Philadelphia Phillies played one of the most significant games in franchise history – a dramatic, high-stakes showdown against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field with the National League pennant on the line. The Phillies, known as the “Whiz Kids” for their youthful roster, entered the final day of the regular season with a one-game lead over the Dodgers. A loss would have forced a tie-breaking playoff; a win would send them to the World Series for the first time since 1915.

Manager Eddie Sawyer handed the ball to 24-year-old ace Robin Roberts, who had pitched just two days earlier. Despite the short rest, Roberts delivered a masterful performance under immense pressure. He went the distance, throwing 10 innings and allowing just one run, showcasing his trademark poise and stamina. Roberts scattered seven hits, walked only one, and struck out five. His ability to navigate the potent Dodgers lineup – featuring Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, and Gil Hodges – was a testament to his emerging dominance and mental toughness. It was his 20th win of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial moment.

The game remained tense and scoreless until the sixth inning, when the Dodgers scratched out a run. The Phillies responded in the seventh, tying the game on a Richie Ashburn single and a sacrifice fly. With the score knotted at 1–1 heading into extra innings, the pressure mounted. Roberts continued to hold the line, retiring Dodgers hitters with precision.

In the top of the 10th inning, Dick Sisler stepped to the plate with two runners on base. Sisler, the son of Hall of Famer George Sisler, had been a steady contributor all season, but this moment would define his career. Facing Dodgers pitcher Don Bankhead, Sisler launched a towering three-run home run into the left-field stands. The blast stunned the Brooklyn crowd and electrified Phillies fans listening on the radio back home. It was Sisler’s 13th home run of the season, and it instantly became one of the most iconic swings in team history.

Roberts returned to the mound in the bottom of the 10th and closed out the game with authority. The final out sealed a 4–1 victory and clinched the National League pennant for Philadelphia. Players stormed the field in celebration, and the city erupted in joy. The win capped a remarkable season for the young Phillies, who had defied expectations all year.

Sisler’s clutch homer and Roberts’ heroic complete game remain etched in Phillies lore. That October 1 contest wasn’t just a win – it was a defining moment that symbolized the grit, talent, and heart of the 1950 Whiz Kids. Though they would go on to lose the World Series to the Yankees, the legacy of that day endures as one of the franchise’s proudest achievements.