This Date in Phillies History: December 15

Philadelphia Phillies Events on December 15

December 15, 1932 – The Phillies traded pitcher Ray Benge to the Brooklyn Dodgers in exchange for pitcher Austin Moore, second baseman Mickey Finn, and third baseman Jack Warner.
December 15, 1960 – Pitcher Gene Conley was traded to the Boston Red Sox for pitcher Frank Sullivan, who made 18 starts and 50 relief appearances for the Phillies in 1961 and 1962 with a 4.54 ERA before being being released mid-season of 1962. Conley made 72 starts for Boston over three seasons with a 29-32, 4.57 mark prior to retiring.
December 15, 1961 – Philadelphia traded pitcher Taylor Phillips and infielder Bob Sadowski to the Chicago White Sox for third baseman Andy Carey and pitcher Frank Barnes; when Carey refused to report, the Phillies later received pitcher Cal McLish in his place, but had to send second baseman Lou Vassie to Chicago. McLish pitched three seasons with the Phillies, primarily as a starter and went 24-17, 3.68. Carey was traded to the Dodgers a year later where he played in 1962 before being released and never playing in the majors again.
December 15, 1966 – The Phillies sent pitcher John Morris to the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Dick Hall. Morris passed away earlier this year.
December 15, 1967 – Philadelphia traded pitcher Dick Ellsworth and catcher-first baseman Gene Oliver to the Boston Red Sox for catcher “Irish” Mike Ryan, who would remain with the team as a coach for many years following his playing days.
December 15, 1967 – The Phillies acquired pitchers Woody Fryman, Bill Laxton, and Harold Clem along with infielder Don Money from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for veteran pitcher Jim Bunning. Money is the Grandfather of former Phillies infielder Buddy Kennedy.
December 15, 1976 – Richie Hebner signed with the Phillies as a free agent after being selected in the re-entry draft, adding a veteran infielder to the roster. (Find out “What was the MLB Re-entry Draft?“)
December 15, 1999 – The Phillies signed infielder Tomas Perez as a free agent to provide veteran infield depth.
December 15, 2008 – The Phillies agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Jamie Moyer on a two-year contract. Moyer was born in nearby Souderton, PA.
December 15, 2010 – The Phillies and left-hander Cliff Lee agreed to a five-year, $120-million contract. This was Lee’s second stint with the team after they had dealt him to Seattle a year prior to re-signing him.
December 15, 2011 – Left-handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis signed a one-year contract with the Phillies. Willis was well past his prime and was released by the Phillies three months later having never pitched for the Phillies.
December 15, 2016 – the Phillies signed outfielder Odúbel Herrera to a five-year, $30.5-million contract extension locking him up through the 2021 season. The deal included team options for 2022 and 2023 which were bought out by the team, but they did re-sign him to a one-year, $1.75-million deal for 2022. The buyouts and one-year contract came after Herrera had been arrested on domestic violence charges in Atlantic City. He was later cleared of all charges.

Phillies personnel born on December 15

Gage Wood (born 2003) was drafted by the Phillies in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft. The left-hander was drafted by the Phillies in the first round – 26th overall pick – of the 2025 MLB draft. Gage made his professional debut with Clearwater in 2025 and is expected to move through the system quickly.
Joe Jones (born 1956) is a former minor league first baseman and catcher drafted by the Phillies in the second round of the 1975 MLB draft. Jones only reached as high as Double-A Reading in the Phillies organization.
Casey Waller (born 1967) is a former minor league infielder drafted by the Phillies in the 11th round of the 1989 draft. Waller only played as high as Triple-A and never reached the majors.
Jay Clarke (born 1882) was a catcher who was born in Amherstburg, Canada and played in 26 games with the Phillies in 1911. He also played with Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and the St. Louis Browns.

A DEEPER DIVE… The career of Jamie Moyer

Jamie Moyer’s career is one of the most unusual and enduring stories in modern baseball history. Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1984, Moyer reached the majors quickly but struggled to find consistent success early on. His fastball never fit the traditional profile of a dominant pitcher, and as hitters adjusted, his early promise faded. After stops with the Cubs, Rangers, and Cardinals, Moyer appeared to be nearing the end of his career before it had truly begun. What followed, however, was a remarkable reinvention built on command, intelligence, and an almost stubborn refusal to accept that velocity alone defined effectiveness.

That transformation took hold in Baltimore and then fully blossomed in Seattle. With the Mariners, Moyer became one of the American League’s most reliable starters during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He relied on a wide mix of pitches, exceptional control, and a deep understanding of hitters’ tendencies. Rather than overpowering batters, he disrupted timing and forced weak contact. His best seasons coincided with Seattle’s rise as a contender, including the club’s record-setting 116-win season in 2001. By that point, Moyer had established himself as proof that guile and preparation outweighed raw power.

Arrival in Philadelphia

When the Phillies acquired Moyer during the 2006 season in a trade for two minor league players, the move was met with skepticism. He was 43 years old and coming off injuries, and many wondered how much he had left. What followed exceeded even optimistic expectations. Moyer quickly became a stabilizing force in a young Phillies rotation, providing not only innings but leadership and perspective. His calm presence on the mound and in the clubhouse earned the trust of teammates and coaches alike.

Moyer’s impact was felt most strongly during the Phillies’ resurgence as a National League power. In 2007, he won 15 games and played a key role in helping the team end a long postseason drought. The following year, he delivered one of the defining moments of his Phillies tenure. In Game 3 of the 2008 World Series, Moyer earned the first World Series win of his career, at age 45, becoming the oldest pitcher to do so. The victory was emblematic of both his persistence and the unlikely nature of his career arc.

Even as his velocity dipped further, Moyer continued to find ways to compete. He remained effective through pitch sequencing, pinpoint location, and a deep understanding of hitters. His ability to adapt allowed him to pitch well into his late forties, something almost unheard of in the modern era. His final seasons in Philadelphia were marked by injuries, including Tommy John surgery, but his determination to return only added to his reputation.

Legacy on the Field

Jamie Moyer’s career totals reflect remarkable longevity. He pitched in parts of 25 major league seasons, recorded 269 wins, and faced more than 11,000 batters. He struck out Hall of Famers and future stars alike despite rarely throwing harder than the mid-80s. His career serves as a counterpoint to the idea that pitchers must conform to a single mold to succeed.

In Philadelphia, Moyer was especially valued for what he represented. He bridged eras, pitching alongside veterans while mentoring younger arms who would define the franchise’s next chapter. His work ethic and preparation set an example that resonated throughout the organization. Fans embraced him not only for his performance but for his authenticity and connection to the city, having grown up in nearby Souderton, Pennsylvania.

Transition to Broadcasting and Continued Influence

After his playing career ended, Moyer remained closely tied to the Phillies through broadcasting and organizational work. He transitioned smoothly into the booth, offering analysis rooted in experience rather than jargon. His broadcasting style mirrored his pitching approach: thoughtful, measured, and focused on the finer details of the game. Moyer often explained pitch selection, hitter tendencies, and in-game adjustments in ways that helped viewers better understand what was happening on the field.

His presence as a broadcaster reinforced his role as a teacher of the game. Whether breaking down an at-bat or reflecting on clubhouse dynamics, Moyer brought credibility and warmth to the broadcast. He also continued to serve as an ambassador for the sport and the franchise, appearing at events and remaining active in charitable work, particularly through the Moyer Foundation.

Jamie Moyer’s career defies easy categorization. He was never overpowering, rarely flashy, and often underestimated. Yet he carved out a place in baseball history through intelligence, resilience, and an unwavering belief in his own approach. His time with the Phillies stands as one of the most meaningful chapters in that journey, defined by postseason success, leadership, and a lasting connection to the city. Few players have shown that there is more than one way to succeed at the highest level quite as clearly as Jamie Moyer did.

Please scroll down to comment on this story or to give it a rating. We appreciate your feedback!

Disclaimer: Some of the products featured or linked on this website may generate income for Philly Baseball News through affiliate commissions, sponsorships, or direct sales. We only promote items we believe in, but please assume that PBN may earn a cut from qualifying purchases that you make using a link on this site.

Rate this:

Share this:

Related