The 1964 Phillies

Book excerpt: In 1964, thousands of Philadelphia baseball fans were caught up in the Phillies' unexpected run at the National League pennant. After nearly a decade of continuous defeat, the Phillies shocked the baseball world, taking over the National League in mid-July and holding on to first place for 73 consecutive days. And then, as the team's first pennant in a generation seemed within reach, the Phillies collapsed in the greatest meltdown in baseball history. This account, newly revised, traces the 1964 Phillies' rise and fall and attempts to disentangle the complex issues that ultimately cost them the pennant. It sheds light on the events of the fifties and sixties that rendered the team first futile and then undefeated, beginning with an exploration of Philadelphia itself and its team in the 1950s. Early chapters discuss the acquisition of a new manager (Gene Mauch) and the additions of a dynamic new pitcher (Jim Bunning) and the first great African American player produced by the farm system (Richie Allen). Following chapters focus on the 1964 season and its critical moments, from Jim Bunning's perfect game and Johnny Callison's winning home run in the All-Star game, to Chico Ruiz's steal of home that began the devastating 10-game losing streak. Final chapters analyze what went wrong during the season and discuss the team's position in baseball today. Three useful appendices provide game and player statistics, plus detailed statistics for the 10-game losing streak.