As it turns out, October 15 is not a big day for events or birthdays in Phillies history. There are a couple events and three old-timers birthdays, so we’ll go with what we have…

Phillies History on October 15

  • October 15, 2008 – NLCS Game 5 vs. Dodgers
    The Phillies defeated the Dodgers 5–1 at Dodger Stadium to clinch the National League pennant and advance to the World Series for the first time since 1993. Cole Hamels pitched seven strong innings, earning NLCS MVP honors. Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a home run, and Pat Burrell and Carlos Ruiz contributed key RBI.
  • October 15, 2009 – NLCS Game 1 vs. Dodgers
    One year later, the Phillies opened the NLCS with an 8–6 win in Los Angeles. Carlos Ruiz hit a three-run homer in the fifth, and Raúl Ibañez added a three-run shot in the eighth. Ryan Howard doubled in two runs, and Brad Lidge closed out the game for the save.

Phillies Birthdays on October 15

  • Jim Command (born October 15, 1928)
    A pinch hitter and utility player, Command appeared in 14 games for the Phillies between 1954 and 1955. His first Major League hit was a grand slam at Ebbets Field. He later became a longtime scout for the Tigers, contributing to their 1984 championship roster.
  • Bert Hall (born October 15, 1889)
    Hall pitched in seven games for the 1911 Phillies, posting a 4.00 ERA. Known for experimenting with a forkball-like pitch, he was a quirky figure in early 20th-century baseball.
  • Con Murphy (born October 15, 1863)
    Murphy pitched three games for the 1884 Philadelphia Quakers, the franchise’s inaugural season. Though he went 0–3, he was part of the team’s earliest history and later resurfaced in the Players League in 1890.

A DEEPER DIVE… The 1983 NLCS

The 2008 National League Championship Series marked a turning point for the Philadelphia Phillies, as they defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games to capture their first NL pennant since 1993. The series was a showcase of dominant pitching, timely hitting, and a team that had matured into a legitimate contender after years of near-misses.

Game 1 set the tone at Citizens Bank Park. Cole Hamels, the Phillies’ emerging ace, delivered a masterful performance, allowing just two runs over seven innings. Chase Utley and Pat Burrell each homered off Derek Lowe in the sixth inning, turning a 2–0 deficit into a 3–2 lead. Brad Lidge, who had been perfect in save opportunities all season, closed it out to give the Phillies a 1–0 series lead.

Game 2 was a back-and-forth affair. Brett Myers, known more for his pitching than his bat, shocked everyone by going 3-for-3 with three RBI. His second-inning single tied the game, and he later added a two-run single to extend the lead. Shane Victorino and Greg Dobbs also contributed key hits, and the Phillies held on for an 8–5 win, taking a 2–0 lead to Los Angeles.

Game 3 saw the Dodgers respond with urgency. Hiroki Kuroda shut down the Phillies’ offense, and the Dodgers capitalized on early mistakes to win 7–2. The game was marred by tension, including a benches-clearing incident after Kuroda threw near Victorino’s head. It was the only game the Phillies would lose in the series.

Game 4 was a turning point. The Dodgers led 5–3 in the eighth inning when Victorino launched a game-tying two-run homer off Cory Wade. Moments later, Matt Stairs, a veteran left-handed slugger acquired late in the season, crushed a go-ahead two-run homer deep into the right-field pavilion off Jonathan Broxton. The blast became an instant classic in Phillies lore. Lidge once again nailed down the save, and the Phillies took a commanding 3–1 series lead.

Game 5 was a coronation. Cole Hamels returned to the mound and delivered another gem, allowing just one run over seven innings. Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a home run, setting the tone early. Ryan Howard and Burrell added RBI hits, and the Phillies cruised to a 5–1 win. Hamels was named NLCS MVP after going 2–0 with a 1.93 ERA in the series.

The 2008 NLCS was more than just a series win—it was a validation of the Phillies’ core. Hamels emerged as a postseason ace. Victorino and Utley delivered in clutch moments. The bullpen, anchored by Lidge, was lights out. And the team’s resilience, especially in Game 4, showed a championship mettle that would carry them all the way to a World Series title.