On this date in 1961, a Hall of Fame pitcher exits Philadelphia. Plus, a pair of fan favorite Phillies players were born on this date 51 years apart.

Phillies Historical Events on October 16

  • 1961 – The Phillies parted ways with Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts, selling him to the New York Yankees for slightly more than the $20,000 waiver price. Roberts had spent 14 seasons with Philadelphia, compiling a 234-199 record and a 3.46 ERA.
  • 1983 – The Phillies lost Game 5 of the World Series to the Baltimore Orioles, who clinched the championship with a 5-0 win at Veterans Stadium. Scott McGregor threw a complete-game shutout, and Eddie Murray hit two home runs. Charles Hudson took the loss for Philadelphia.
  • 1993 – Game 1 of the World Series saw the Phillies fall to the Toronto Blue Jays, 8-5, at the SkyDome. Despite early RBI singles from John Kruk and Darren Daulton, Curt Schilling gave up seven runs in 6.1 innings. Toronto’s Al Leiter earned the win in relief.

Phillies Birthdays on October 16

  • Tim McCarver (1941) – Born in Memphis, Tennessee, McCarver was a veteran catcher who played for the Phillies during their 1980 championship season, though he didn’t appear in the World Series. He later became a prominent broadcaster, calling Phillies games and national broadcasts for decades.
  • Bryce Harper (1992) – Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Harper signed with the Phillies in 2019 and quickly became the face of the franchise. He won the NL MVP in 2021 and helped lead the team to the World Series in 2022.

A DEEPER DIVE… Tim McCarver

Born on October 16, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, McCarver was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in football and baseball. Signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959, he made his major league debut later that year at just 17 years old. By 1964, he was the starting catcher for a Cardinals team that won the World Series, and he played a pivotal role in that championship run. In Game 5 of the ’64 Series, McCarver hit a clutch three-run homer in the tenth inning to give St. Louis the win, showcasing his knack for big moments.

McCarver was a cerebral catcher, known for his ability to manage pitchers and anticipate plays. In 1966, he led the National League in triples—a rare feat for a catcher—and finished second in MVP voting in 1967 behind teammate Orlando Cepeda. His early career was defined by his partnership with ace Bob Gibson, and later, his bond with Steve Carlton would become legendary.

After being traded to the Phillies in 1970, McCarver began the next chapter of his career. He caught Rick Wise’s no-hitter in 1971 and was briefly traded away before returning to Philadelphia in 1975. His second stint with the Phillies lasted through 1980, and during that time, he became Steve Carlton’s personal catcher. Carlton preferred McCarver’s game-calling and rapport over the team’s regular catcher, Bob Boone, and the two formed a battery that helped the Phillies win three consecutive NL East titles from 1976 to 1978.

McCarver’s final appearance as a player came in September 1980, when he returned briefly to become one of the few players in MLB history to appear in games across four different decades. Though he didn’t play in the postseason that year, he was part of the organization during its first World Series championship.

One of the more infamous moments of McCarver’s playing career came in 1977, during a game against the Montreal Expos. In a bizarre baserunning blunder, McCarver hit a deep fly ball that looked like a home run. Garry Maddox, who had been on base ahead of him, slowed up as the ball cleared the fence. McCarver, running hard, passed Maddox on the basepaths, which nullified the home run and resulted in an out. The play was scored as a single, and McCarver was credited with an RBI, but the moment became a footnote in baseball oddities and a source of good-natured ribbing for years to come.

After retiring from playing, McCarver transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. He began his television career in Philadelphia, joining WPHL-17 and teaming with Richie Ashburn and Harry Kalas to call Phillies games. His sharp insights, storytelling ability, and willingness to critique strategy made him a compelling presence in the booth. McCarver’s early work with the Phillies laid the foundation for a national broadcasting career that would span decades.

He eventually became one of the most prominent color commentators in baseball, working for all four major networks—ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. McCarver called 23 World Series and 20 All-Star Games, earning three Emmy Awards for his work. His commentary was known for its depth and occasional bluntness, and he often predicted plays before they happened. While some fans found his style polarizing, few questioned his knowledge or passion for the game.

In 2012, McCarver received the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his excellence in broadcasting. He was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2016 and the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2017.

McCarver’s legacy is multifaceted. As a player, he was a two-time All-Star and a trusted catcher for Hall of Fame pitchers. As a broadcaster, he became the voice of October baseball for generations of fans. His connection to the Phillies was especially strong—he played nearly a decade in Philadelphia and began his broadcast career there, helping shape the way fans understood the game.

He passed away on February 16, 2023, at the age of 81. The Phillies honored him with heartfelt tributes, acknowledging his role in the team’s rise during the late 1970s and his contributions to baseball as a whole. McCarver’s wit, intelligence, and love for the game left an indelible mark, and his voice remains part of the soundtrack of baseball history.