It happened on this day in:
1914: Federal Judge Clarence Sessions rules that catcher Bill Killefer can remain with the Phillies, and not be forced to report to the Federal league. While the judge ruled that the National League's reserve clause was unenforceable, he also found that Killefer had a moral commitment to the Phillies, even if a valid contract was not in place.1915: A 3-run home run by Gavvy Cravath in the eighth inning gave the Phillies a 5-3 win over the Athletics in the final game of the 1915 city series. The two teams split the series down the middle, with 3 wins each and a tie.
1916: The Phillies beat the Nationals 2-1 in an exhibition game in Washington, DC. Hall-of-famer Grover Cleveland Alexander started for the Phillies, against another hall-of-famer, Walter Johnson. Both were gone by the fourth inning.
1955: Even though the A's were ready to begin their first season in Kansas City, they continued a tradition with a short preseason city series against the Phillies in Wilmington. After a 9-6 win the day before, they completed the sweep with a 20-hit, 14-5 victory for a two game sweep.
1971: The Phils play the first game in the history of the Vet, a 4-1 win over the Expos. Jim Bunning is the winning pitcher. 55,352 fans were in attendance, setting a record for baseball in Pennsylvania.
1973: Kiteman is again scheduled to deliver the first ball of the home opener by hang-glider, but high winds force him to postpone. In the game, the Phils beat Montreal 7-5.
1976: To celebrate the nation's bicentennial, a horseman dressed as Paul Revere delivers the year's first ball after riding from Boston. Rocketman then flies with it around the Vet before handing it to Robin Roberts for the first pitch. The Phils lose to Pittsburgh, 5-4 in 11 innings.
1979: The Army's Golden Knights parachute team delivers the year's first balls, landing at seven spots around the field. The Phillies beat Pittsburgh, 7-3.
1984: "The American Comet" was shot from a cannon at second base into a net at home plate before the season's home opener.
1987: The home opener features pregame ceremonies, including the presentation of Mike Schmidt's 1986 MVP trophy, but no stunt. The day before Rocketman was practicing his landing when he broke his ankle, forcing him to drop out of the festivities.
Phillies Transactions on this Day
1950: Lost Charlie Bicknell on waivers to Boston (NL)1967: Purchased Tito Francona from St. Louis (NL)
1970: Traded Ron Allen to New York (NL) for a player to be named
1971: Sent Jeff Terpko to Washington to complete the 11/3/1970 trade for Curt Flood
1978: Signed minor-league free agent Alejandro Sanchez
1991: Signed free agent Rick Schu
1995: Signed free agent Dave Gallagher
2019: Traded Jesus Azuaje to Colorado