After last night’s loss, we need some good memories. Here is some info on a couple of happier postseason events from the past. October 10 was a bad day for Ed Wade though. And, a light day for Phillies born on this date.
Phillies Historical Events on October 10
- 1981 NLDS Game 4 Victory
George Vuckovich hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Phillies a 6–5 win over the Montreal Expos, tying the series 2–2. The Phillies were eliminated in Game 5. - 2005 Executive Shakeup
Phillies president Dave Montgomery fired general manager Ed Wade. It turned out that many of Wade’s moves formed the nucleus of the 2008 World Series Championship team. - 2009 NLDS Game 3 Postponed
Game 3 of the NLDS against the Colorado Rockies was postponed due to snow in Denver. Weather-related playoff delays are rare, making this a memorable moment. - 2010 NLDS Game 3 Shutout
Cole Hamels pitched a complete-game shutout against the Cincinnati Reds, leading the Phillies to a 2–0 win and a series sweep—the first postseason sweep in franchise history.
Phillies Birthdays on October 10
- Pat Burrell (Born 1976)
Nicknamed “Pat the Bat,” Burrell was the first overall pick in the 1998 MLB Draft by the Phillies. He debuted in 2000 and became a fixture in the middle of the lineup for nearly a decade. Known for his power and patience at the plate, Burrell hit 251 home runs in his career, including 292 doubles and 827 RBI. He played a key role in the Phillies’ 2008 World Series championship, delivering a pivotal double in Game 5 before being replaced by a pinch-runner who scored the winning run. After leaving Philadelphia, he won a second ring with the Giants in 2010. Burrell later returned to the Phillies as a special instructor and remains a fan favorite.
A DEEPER DIVE… Ed Wade’s Tenure with the Phillies: Architect of a Championship Core
Ed Wade’s tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies was marked by quiet persistence, strategic drafting, and foundational decisions that ultimately shaped the franchise’s golden era—even if the glory came after his departure. Serving as general manager from 1998 to 2005, Wade laid the groundwork for the 2008 World Series championship team.
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Wade’s journey with the Phillies began long before his GM role. After working in public relations for the Astros and Pirates, Wade joined the Phillies front office in 1989 as assistant to general manager Lee Thomas. He was promoted to assistant GM in 1995 and briefly served as interim GM in 1997 before officially taking the reins in 1998. His tenure coincided with a transitional period for the franchise—moving from the aging Veterans Stadium to the newly built Citizens Bank Park, and from a struggling roster to a promising young core.
One of Wade’s most enduring legacies is his role in drafting and developing the nucleus of the 2008 championship team. Working closely with scouting directors Mike Arbuckle and Marti Wolever, Wade oversaw the selection of Pat Burrell (1998), Brett Myers (1999), Chase Utley (2000), Ryan Howard (2001), Cole Hamels (2002), and Kyle Kendrick (2003). He also signed Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Madson as amateur free agents and acquired Shane Victorino in the 2004 Rule 5 Draft. These players would become the backbone of the Phillies’ most successful run in modern history.
Wade’s eye for talent extended beyond the draft. In 1997, while still assistant GM, he recommended the acquisition of Bobby Abreu from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in exchange for Kevin Stocker—a move that proved to be one of the most lopsided trades in franchise history. Abreu became a two-time All-Star and a Phillies Wall of Fame inductee.
Another pivotal decision came in 2004 when Wade hired Charlie Manuel to replace Larry Bowa as manager. Though Manuel’s laid-back style contrasted with Bowa’s fiery demeanor, Wade believed in his ability to connect with players and foster a winning culture. Manuel would go on to become the winningest manager in Phillies history and lead the team to its second World Series title.
Wade also played a key role in the design and planning of Citizens Bank Park, helping shape the team’s clubhouse, dugouts, and bullpen layout. His involvement in the stadium’s development reflected his broader vision for the franchise: a modern ballpark, increased revenue, and a commitment to sustained success. That vision was underscored by the signing of Jim Thome to a six-year, $85 million contract in 2002—the largest in team history at the time. Thome’s arrival signaled to fans and players alike that the Phillies were serious about contending.
Despite these accomplishments, Wade’s tenure was not without criticism. The team failed to reach the postseason during his time as GM, often finishing just short of a playoff berth. In 2005, after missing the playoffs by one game, Wade was dismissed and replaced by Pat Gillick. Ironically, Gillick would reap the benefits of Wade’s groundwork, guiding the team to the 2008 championship with a roster largely built by his predecessor.
After leaving Philadelphia, Wade served as GM of the Houston Astros from 2007 to 2011. There, he continued to emphasize scouting and player development, drafting future stars like Dallas Keuchel, George Springer, and José Altuve. Though the Astros struggled during his tenure, many of the players he acquired would later form the core of their 2017 World Series team.
Wade returned to the Phillies in 2011 as a special consultant and remained with the organization until 2018. His contributions were formally recognized in 2025 when he was inducted onto the Phillies Wall of Fame. The honor was a fitting tribute to a man whose behind-the-scenes work helped shape two championship teams—one in Philadelphia and one in Houston.
Throughout his 42-year career in baseball, Ed Wade was known for his humility, tenacity, and deep respect for the game. He never sought the spotlight, but his fingerprints are all over some of the most memorable moments in Phillies history. From scouting trips to contract negotiations, from clubhouse design to managerial hires, Wade’s legacy is one of quiet impact and enduring influence.
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