June 4, 1993, Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies
Mulhall and Oates
An Introduction
I’m the guy who bought everyone in the bar I was at in Portsmouth, Rhode Island a shot after the
Phillies beat the Dodgers in the NLCS even though no one cared, and I was illegally drinking at the
bar. With the chance of the season dwindling and only the KBO to salve my baseball addiction, I made
the decision to go back in time. Thanks to the internet and more specifically the saint who runs the
ClassicPhilliesTV youtube channel
(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWb6dGkCnKBlrQLJAjZ-4-w),
I’m going back and watching the 1993 Phillies, day for day just like if it was 27 years ago (but with the
internet). To reminisce about the legends of John Kruk, Mitch Williams, and Darren Daulton, mixing
the knowledge we have now, with jokes of how dumb things were then. Follow along for the month
of June and if it works out, I’ll continue to the month of July.
Phillies beat the Dodgers in the NLCS even though no one cared, and I was illegally drinking at the
bar. With the chance of the season dwindling and only the KBO to salve my baseball addiction, I made
the decision to go back in time. Thanks to the internet and more specifically the saint who runs the
ClassicPhilliesTV youtube channel
(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWb6dGkCnKBlrQLJAjZ-4-w),
I’m going back and watching the 1993 Phillies, day for day just like if it was 27 years ago (but with the
internet). To reminisce about the legends of John Kruk, Mitch Williams, and Darren Daulton, mixing
the knowledge we have now, with jokes of how dumb things were then. Follow along for the month
of June and if it works out, I’ll continue to the month of July.
Where We Last Left Our Intrepid Heroes
The Phillies have just returned to the friendly confines of Veterans stadium after a six game road trip to
Colorado and Cincinnati where they were 5-1. They found particular success at Mile High Stadium
where they outscored the Rockies 39-10 in their three game set. The Phillies record sits at 36-15 and
they sit comfortably in first place in the NL East.
Colorado and Cincinnati where they were 5-1. They found particular success at Mile High Stadium
where they outscored the Rockies 39-10 in their three game set. The Phillies record sits at 36-15 and
they sit comfortably in first place in the NL East.
In their first year of existence, the Rockies are feeling the normal growing pains of expansion
franchises: too many replacement-level cast-offs, no real franchise players, and zero pitching.
These issues have only been amplified with the discovery by pioneering quantum physicists at
Cal-Tech that baseballs fly farther in thinner air. No one who had decided to start a franchise in a
city that’s literally a mile above sea-level saw this groundbreaking research coming. As a result the
Rockies have stumbled out of the gate with a 15-38 record and are a scant 19 games out of first
place. When asked about the start by the Phillie broadcast crew, Don Baylor responded, “I thought
I knew all the ways to lose before. I did not.” and how he was coping, “I’m hanging in there”. They’re
coming off a series against Pittsburgh and have lost 6 of their last 7 and 11 of their last 14.
franchises: too many replacement-level cast-offs, no real franchise players, and zero pitching.
These issues have only been amplified with the discovery by pioneering quantum physicists at
Cal-Tech that baseballs fly farther in thinner air. No one who had decided to start a franchise in a
city that’s literally a mile above sea-level saw this groundbreaking research coming. As a result the
Rockies have stumbled out of the gate with a 15-38 record and are a scant 19 games out of first
place. When asked about the start by the Phillie broadcast crew, Don Baylor responded, “I thought
I knew all the ways to lose before. I did not.” and how he was coping, “I’m hanging in there”. They’re
coming off a series against Pittsburgh and have lost 6 of their last 7 and 11 of their last 14.
Today’s Game
It is Friday, June 4th 1993, at the concrete circle that is Veteran’s stadium. Today’s broadcast can be
seen on Prism, which if you don’t remember was a regional premium channel that also broadcast
sports. They would eventually be bought by Comcast, and the sports part would go to Comcast
Sportsnet, and the movies would go to Starz! Our team in the booth is Chris “Wheels” Wheeler,
and John “Jay” Johnstone for the first and last 3 innings, and Wheels with Garry Maddox (where
he only covers ⅔ of the Earth) for the middle 3 innings.
seen on Prism, which if you don’t remember was a regional premium channel that also broadcast
sports. They would eventually be bought by Comcast, and the sports part would go to Comcast
Sportsnet, and the movies would go to Starz! Our team in the booth is Chris “Wheels” Wheeler,
and John “Jay” Johnstone for the first and last 3 innings, and Wheels with Garry Maddox (where
he only covers ⅔ of the Earth) for the middle 3 innings.
Watch for yourself at:
The Line-up:
CF Lenny Dykstra (Tied for 2nd in NL runs)
2B Mickey Morandini
1B John Kruk (Tied for 2nd in NL in runs)
3B Dave Hollins (4th in NL in runs)
C Darren Daulton
RF Wes Chamberlain
LF Milt Thompson
SS Kim Batiste
P Terry Mullholland
On the Mound:
Terry Mulholland takes the ball for the Phillies today. The nominal ace of the Phillies was not as
ballyhoo-ed as most number 1 starters coming into the 1993 season, but advanced metrics back-up
the Phillies belief in the eventual 20 year veteran. Terry Mo was just continually very good on very
bad teams. Coming into today’s start, Mulholland is 6-4 with a 2.92 ERA; in his last start against the
Rockies, in Colorado, Terry pitched a complete game six-hitter as the Phillies won 6-0.
ballyhoo-ed as most number 1 starters coming into the 1993 season, but advanced metrics back-up
the Phillies belief in the eventual 20 year veteran. Terry Mo was just continually very good on very
bad teams. Coming into today’s start, Mulholland is 6-4 with a 2.92 ERA; in his last start against the
Rockies, in Colorado, Terry pitched a complete game six-hitter as the Phillies won 6-0.
Pitching for the away team is Willie Blair, who started the year in the bullpen, but was moved to the
rotation in Mid-May. For the year he is 1-2 with a 4.35 ERA, but his biggest issue is the lack of
offense from his team who in his 3 starts have scored 2 runs for him. He has the noteworthy past
of being traded from the Indians to the Astros for former Steve Kerr college teammate and future
Phillie, Kenny Lofton. Blair’s best year would come in 1997 where he would win 16 games for the
Detroit Tigers. He’s currently the Pitching Coach for the Single A West Michigan Whitecaps in the
Detroit farm system.
rotation in Mid-May. For the year he is 1-2 with a 4.35 ERA, but his biggest issue is the lack of
offense from his team who in his 3 starts have scored 2 runs for him. He has the noteworthy past
of being traded from the Indians to the Astros for former Steve Kerr college teammate and future
Phillie, Kenny Lofton. Blair’s best year would come in 1997 where he would win 16 games for the
Detroit Tigers. He’s currently the Pitching Coach for the Single A West Michigan Whitecaps in the
Detroit farm system.
Highs (Hopes) and Lows of the Game
High: Pitching Duels
This goes on the list of things most missed with no baseball: A good old fashioned pitching duel.
While it can be very boring watching no offense for a long period of time, it’s also pretty wonderful
seeing pitchers at the top of their game. If we were to look at the starts through the scope of Game
Scores, a stat devised by Bill James to look at individual starts. The formula gives each starter 50
points and then adds and subtracts based on outs, strikeouts, walks, runs and allowed, the best
games of all time are 100 or above with Kerry Wood’s 20K 1 hit 0 walks start in 1997 being the
highest individual score achieved. Willie Blair’s final score of 61 today would be his 4th best start
of the 1993 season. Terry Mullholland had a wonderful 79 game score which would be tied for his
2nd best start of the season.
While it can be very boring watching no offense for a long period of time, it’s also pretty wonderful
seeing pitchers at the top of their game. If we were to look at the starts through the scope of Game
Scores, a stat devised by Bill James to look at individual starts. The formula gives each starter 50
points and then adds and subtracts based on outs, strikeouts, walks, runs and allowed, the best
games of all time are 100 or above with Kerry Wood’s 20K 1 hit 0 walks start in 1997 being the
highest individual score achieved. Willie Blair’s final score of 61 today would be his 4th best start
of the 1993 season. Terry Mullholland had a wonderful 79 game score which would be tied for his
2nd best start of the season.
Low: The Ongoing Trials of Kim Batiste
The biggest team storyline of note is Kim Batiste being given a golden opportunity to take the starting
shortstop job for himself. Two nights ago in Cincinnati, Batiste made the most of his chance by going
4-4 with a home run and a double. Tonight was the opposite of that. Batiste first came up in the bottom
of the second with Phillies on 2nd and 3rd, his at-bat resulted in a wild swinging strike-out. The next
at bat, Batiste had Wes Chamberlain on 3rd with one out, and this time Kim grounded out to the 2nd
basemen with Chamberlain getting tagged at home. In the 6th, with men on 2nd and 3rd base and
Kim Batiste on deck, the Rockies intentionally walked Milt Thompson to face Batiste. This move paid
off for Don Baylor when Kim popped up to end the threat. In a near identical situation in the 8th
inning, the Rockies walked Thompson again to get to Batiste, but this time Fregosi pinch-hit for Kim,
ending his night.
shortstop job for himself. Two nights ago in Cincinnati, Batiste made the most of his chance by going
4-4 with a home run and a double. Tonight was the opposite of that. Batiste first came up in the bottom
of the second with Phillies on 2nd and 3rd, his at-bat resulted in a wild swinging strike-out. The next
at bat, Batiste had Wes Chamberlain on 3rd with one out, and this time Kim grounded out to the 2nd
basemen with Chamberlain getting tagged at home. In the 6th, with men on 2nd and 3rd base and
Kim Batiste on deck, the Rockies intentionally walked Milt Thompson to face Batiste. This move paid
off for Don Baylor when Kim popped up to end the threat. In a near identical situation in the 8th
inning, the Rockies walked Thompson again to get to Batiste, but this time Fregosi pinch-hit for Kim,
ending his night.
High: Let’s Wax Poetic about Terry Mulholland
In 1990 Mulholland pitched the first no hitter in Veteran’s stadium history against the San Francisco
Giants. In 1991, Mulholland won 16 games, and had 3.14 FIP which was an unknown stat in the early
90’s but is a much better indicator of a pitcher’s talent. In 1992, while winning less games (due to the
atrocious 92 Phillies), Terry still had a 3.13 FIP and led the Senior Circuit with 12 complete games!
The only pitcher who won more games in 91-92 combined was Tom Glavine, with Greg Maddux
matching Terry Mo’s total. The point being that Terry Mulholland was a really good pitcher and this
game was a prime example and a pleasure to enjoy. The only trouble he ran into through the first 8
innings was having Rockies on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. (Small High) This happened after a young
Phillies fan saved a run by causing a ground-rule double, I don’t know if the guy would have scored
from first, but thanks to a Phan, we didn’t have to find out. With the threat looming, Mulholland got a
pop-up and ground out to John Kruk (on a beautiful play). He finished the 8th inning striking out the
side, a feat he also achieved in the 6th. It seemed (seemed) like nothing could touch him. Through
8IP, 0Er, 12ks, 4 hits.
Giants. In 1991, Mulholland won 16 games, and had 3.14 FIP which was an unknown stat in the early
90’s but is a much better indicator of a pitcher’s talent. In 1992, while winning less games (due to the
atrocious 92 Phillies), Terry still had a 3.13 FIP and led the Senior Circuit with 12 complete games!
The only pitcher who won more games in 91-92 combined was Tom Glavine, with Greg Maddux
matching Terry Mo’s total. The point being that Terry Mulholland was a really good pitcher and this
game was a prime example and a pleasure to enjoy. The only trouble he ran into through the first 8
innings was having Rockies on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. (Small High) This happened after a young
Phillies fan saved a run by causing a ground-rule double, I don’t know if the guy would have scored
from first, but thanks to a Phan, we didn’t have to find out. With the threat looming, Mulholland got a
pop-up and ground out to John Kruk (on a beautiful play). He finished the 8th inning striking out the
side, a feat he also achieved in the 6th. It seemed (seemed) like nothing could touch him. Through
8IP, 0Er, 12ks, 4 hits.
 |
| Tell me to my face John Kruk can't play defense. |
Low: The Ongoing Theme of This Blog
No one wanted this. That three games into this writing endeavor, a theme that would ultimately
destroy the 1993 season would so quickly appear. Yet here we are, and once again Jim Fregosi
decided to put all of his trust in his starting pitcher. In Fregosi’s defense, Mulholland had struck out
the side in the 8th inning and (as stated above) pitched 12 complete games the year prior (and 4
already this season), but the result is again not great. Terry would strike out 2 more in the 9th, but
give up a single to Chris Jones, and doubles to Andres Gallaraga and Charlie Hayes to allow the
Rockies a 2-0 lead. Final line for Mulholland: 9Ip 2 ER, 14 ks (New career high), 7 hits 0BBs.
destroy the 1993 season would so quickly appear. Yet here we are, and once again Jim Fregosi
decided to put all of his trust in his starting pitcher. In Fregosi’s defense, Mulholland had struck out
the side in the 8th inning and (as stated above) pitched 12 complete games the year prior (and 4
already this season), but the result is again not great. Terry would strike out 2 more in the 9th, but
give up a single to Chris Jones, and doubles to Andres Gallaraga and Charlie Hayes to allow the
Rockies a 2-0 lead. Final line for Mulholland: 9Ip 2 ER, 14 ks (New career high), 7 hits 0BBs.
High: Philadelphia Phans
One of the reasons to go back and watch the 1993 Phillies, is the connection this team had with
the city of Philadelphia and its fans. Over 3 million people showed up to the Vet in the summer of 93,
because they loved this team. On this night an announced crowd of 43,333 were in attendance and
they were everything you want a Philly crowd to be. They booed Kim Batiste after he struck out in the
2nd (rightfully), they cheered every strike out by Terry Mulholland, and they were on their feet the
entire 9th inning, willing the home team to victory. The best part of the night was when an Elvis
impersonator climbed on top of the dugout and started dancing. The Philly faithful cheered mightily
for the terrible Elvis, booed the Phillies workers who tried to chastise the King, and started an “Elvis”
chant when he was forced to leave the stage. There are plenty of examples of Philly crowds being
terrible, but tonight was not one of them.
the city of Philadelphia and its fans. Over 3 million people showed up to the Vet in the summer of 93,
because they loved this team. On this night an announced crowd of 43,333 were in attendance and
they were everything you want a Philly crowd to be. They booed Kim Batiste after he struck out in the
2nd (rightfully), they cheered every strike out by Terry Mulholland, and they were on their feet the
entire 9th inning, willing the home team to victory. The best part of the night was when an Elvis
impersonator climbed on top of the dugout and started dancing. The Philly faithful cheered mightily
for the terrible Elvis, booed the Phillies workers who tried to chastise the King, and started an “Elvis”
chant when he was forced to leave the stage. There are plenty of examples of Philly crowds being
terrible, but tonight was not one of them.
 |
| Get it. Get it. |
Wild Rides
With a new found lead, and a tiring pitcher, Don Baylor does the 1993 thing, and sticks with his starter.
Pinch hitter Ricky Jordan immediately makes Baylor regret the decision by doubling to left, and
bringing Lenny Dykstra to the plate. Most people’s memories of Dykstra in 1993 was that he was
possibly the best player in the league, and for sure deserved the 2nd place finish he got in the MVP
voting, but what isn’t remembered is that in his first 32 games, the Dude only batted .227. This time
though, Dykstra’s coming up short was not his fault. He lofted the ball to deep left center, to a part
of the ballpark that it would seem impossible to reach by an outfielder. Even better the two outfielders
weren’t communicating and on a dead run to collide into each other. What resulted was an amazing
catch by Rockies’ Center Fielder Chris Jones while crashing into his left fielder, preventing a run and
for all intents and purposes, saving the game. Chamberlain would advance, and get knocked in by
Mickey Morandini to cut the lead 2-1, and Willie Blair is lifted from the game.
Pinch hitter Ricky Jordan immediately makes Baylor regret the decision by doubling to left, and
bringing Lenny Dykstra to the plate. Most people’s memories of Dykstra in 1993 was that he was
possibly the best player in the league, and for sure deserved the 2nd place finish he got in the MVP
voting, but what isn’t remembered is that in his first 32 games, the Dude only batted .227. This time
though, Dykstra’s coming up short was not his fault. He lofted the ball to deep left center, to a part
of the ballpark that it would seem impossible to reach by an outfielder. Even better the two outfielders
weren’t communicating and on a dead run to collide into each other. What resulted was an amazing
catch by Rockies’ Center Fielder Chris Jones while crashing into his left fielder, preventing a run and
for all intents and purposes, saving the game. Chamberlain would advance, and get knocked in by
Mickey Morandini to cut the lead 2-1, and Willie Blair is lifted from the game.
 |
Low: Never Meet Your Heroes
The thing about nostalgia, is that it’s perfect when it’s a memory. The reason it’s hard to enjoy
watching 09-12 Phillies games (for me), is knowing that Ryan Howard is going to fail, it’s impossible
to have forgotten it happened. The pain is still so fresh, the memory so clear, even if it was a decade
ago. The 1993 Phillies season was 27 years ago (when I was 5), the cloud of time has made it seem
that John Kruk, Lenny Dykstra, and Darren Daulton never failed (9th inning, game 6, being the
exception). They always overcame the odds, they always fought back, but that’s not how things
actually work in reality. Which is why it was so hard to watch Darren Daulton strike out with the
bases loaded to end the 2nd inning, and even harder to see him fail with the two men on in the 9th.
There is no joy in Mudville, the Phillis lose to the Rockies 2-1.
watching 09-12 Phillies games (for me), is knowing that Ryan Howard is going to fail, it’s impossible
to have forgotten it happened. The pain is still so fresh, the memory so clear, even if it was a decade
ago. The 1993 Phillies season was 27 years ago (when I was 5), the cloud of time has made it seem
that John Kruk, Lenny Dykstra, and Darren Daulton never failed (9th inning, game 6, being the
exception). They always overcame the odds, they always fought back, but that’s not how things
actually work in reality. Which is why it was so hard to watch Darren Daulton strike out with the
bases loaded to end the 2nd inning, and even harder to see him fail with the two men on in the 9th.
There is no joy in Mudville, the Phillis lose to the Rockies 2-1.
Final: Colorado Rockies (16-38) 2 Philadelphia Phillies (36-16) 1
Words of Wisdom from Jay Johnstone (and sometimes Wheels):
“Another big reason too is that On Base Percentage... These guys are not afraid to take a walk...You
gotta get on base and rely on your teammates to get you in.”- Jay Johnstone being plagiarized by
Michael Lewis it seems. Johnstone goes on to talk about how slugging percentage is important to
look at for the Phillies as well. Great job by him bringing in some advanced statistics.
gotta get on base and rely on your teammates to get you in.”- Jay Johnstone being plagiarized by
Michael Lewis it seems. Johnstone goes on to talk about how slugging percentage is important to
look at for the Phillies as well. Great job by him bringing in some advanced statistics.
“Do you have an adjective to describe that last game against the Mets?” -Wheels
“Yeah it’s ‘bleep’ ‘bleep’ ‘bleep’ ‘bleep’”- Jay Johnstone
“We’re not used to seeing plays like that from the last guy”- Jay Johnstone trying to make Juan Bell
the Philadelphia Voldemort.
the Philadelphia Voldemort.
“I think he had a couple of those Long Island Nashville Ice-t’s or something” Jay Johnstone on “Elvis”.
Final Conclusion:
Terry Mulholland pitched one of the best games of his career, but his teammates decided they would
rather leave 13 men on base then knock them in. Though they were able to score one run in the 9th
(and saving their amazing non shutout streak) the Phillies were unable to take the series-opener from
the Rockies. If you enjoyed this wonderful blast from the past please feel free to share, like, or comment
on it. The hope is to have more people watching 93 Phillies games on youtube and talking about it. So hit
me up @Kevin_Seamus on twitter or @loudphilliesguy on Instagram. You can’t win them all, and sadly
we can’t watch them all, as the youtube account ClassicPhilliesTV is a limited resource, I’m sorry to
say, but we do not have access to June 5th’s game, so we’ll be back on June 6th for the final game
of the series as the Phillies face off against the Rockies.
rather leave 13 men on base then knock them in. Though they were able to score one run in the 9th
(and saving their amazing non shutout streak) the Phillies were unable to take the series-opener from
the Rockies. If you enjoyed this wonderful blast from the past please feel free to share, like, or comment
on it. The hope is to have more people watching 93 Phillies games on youtube and talking about it. So hit
me up @Kevin_Seamus on twitter or @loudphilliesguy on Instagram. You can’t win them all, and sadly
we can’t watch them all, as the youtube account ClassicPhilliesTV is a limited resource, I’m sorry to
say, but we do not have access to June 5th’s game, so we’ll be back on June 6th for the final game
of the series as the Phillies face off against the Rockies.
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