We have changed up the format for our This Date in Phillies History feature. No more burying the lead at the bottom of the post, and we’re including some Phillies information from around this thing called the internet. We hope you enjoy the new format. You can always find any edition of the feature by using the “Phillies History” drop down at the top of the site. From there, just click on “This Date in Phillies History.”
The Main Event
February 2, 2025 – The Phillies re-signed infielder Buddy Kennedy to a minor league contract after he cleared waivers. Kennedy remained in the organization and reported to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He was DFA’d on June 30, elected to become a free agent and signed with Toronto. He was DFA’d by the Blue Jays in August and signed with the Dodgers. Having played in the majors for both Toronto and L.A., Kennedy was guaranteed a World Series ring when the two teams met in the World Series.
Buddy Kennedy’s strange journey through the transaction column in 2025 gave him a guaranteed World Series ring. He wasn’t the first player to get a guaranteed ring thanks to moving around during the season. We have a list of other MLB players who were measured up for a ring before the series was even played. Actually, in 2010 a pair of players involved in the same trade got their ring guarantees.
Lonnie Smith – In 1985, Smith was traded midseason from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Kansas City Royals, and both teams went on to win their league pennants and meet in the World Series; Smith thus was part of both pennant winners that season.
Bengie Molina – In 2010, Molina was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the Texas Rangers during the season; both the Giants and Rangers advanced to the World Series that year, meaning Molina was part of both pennant-winning rosters.
Chris Ray – Also in 2010, Ray was traded between the Rangers and Giants (in the same deal as Molina); like Molina, he was on both pennant winners’ rosters that season.
Arthur Rhodes – In 2011, Rhodes pitched for both the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals, both of which won their league pennants and met in the World Series, making him part of both World Series teams that season.
Jim Bruske – In 1998, Bruske played for the San Diego Padres and then the New York Yankees in the same season; both clubs reached the World Series, so he was part of both pennant winners.
Sid Monge – In 1984, Monge appeared for the San Diego Padres and then the Detroit Tigers during the season; both teams went on to win their league pennants and meet in the World Series, qualifying Monge for this unique distinction.
Johnny Schmitz – In 1952, Schmitz played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and later the New York Yankees; both teams eventually reached the World Series that year, meaning he was part of both league champions.
Taylor Trammell – In the 2024 season, Trammell spent time with both the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, both of which won their respective pennants and met in the World Series, placing him on both pennant-winning rosters.
Philadelphia Baseball Events for February 2
February 2, 1989 – Former Phillies first baseman Bill White was elected president of the National League, becoming the first African American to hold that position in Major League Baseball history. White had played for the Phillies from 1966 to 1968 and later became a prominent broadcaster and executive.
In the majors… February 2, 1876 – The National League is formed in New York City at the instigation of William Hulbert, owner of the Chicago White Stockings, in reaction to the lack of central direction in the fledgling National Association. The new circuit will field eight teams in its inaugural season and will become the blueprint for professional team sports in North America.
ICYMI:
Robertson Was More Than a Journeyman – A look at the career of three-time Phillies reliever David Robertson.
ABL Scouting Report: Danyony Pulido
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Philadelphia Baseball Birthdays on February 2
Ed Halbriter (born 1860) – A pitcher who made one start with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1882. He allowed 17 hits and seven earned runs in eight innings for an ERA of 7.88. He never appeared in another MLB game.
Warren Brusstar (born 1957) – A right-hander who was drafted four times – twice by San Francisco – the last time by the Phillies. He pitched for the Phillies from 1977 through 1982 when his contract was sold to the Chicago White Sox during the season.
Ronny Cedeno (born 1983) – A Venezuelan infielder who played 7 games for the Phillies during the 2014 season. A utility infielder known for his defense, who played with seven different teams in a 10-year career.
Yunior Marte (born 1984) – A Dominican right-handed pitcher who made 63 relief appearances with the Phillies in 2023 and 2024 with a 5.79 ERA.
Jason Vargas (born 1983) – A left-handed starting pitcher who pitched in the majors for 14 seasons. The Phillies acquired him from the Mets at the trade deadline in 2019 and made 11 starts with a 5.37 ERA.
Also… Red Schoendienst (born 1923) – Best known as the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Hall of Famer hit .289/.337/.387/.724 over 19 MLB seasons as a second baseman and left fielder.
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