The Fightin' Phils: Oddities, Insights, and Untold Stories

No doubt, loyal Phillies fans take pride in their knowledge of home team lore. They can probably name the Phils only pitcher to throw a perfect game; tick off who was their last Rookie of the Year; and, of course, narrate how they won the 1950 pennant. But, then, so can most people who follow the game. It s knowing all the other stories, many previously untold, that will set the true Phillies fanatic apart. Who would have guessed, for example, that, in 1946, a female scout was working full time for the Phillies a first in baseball. Now 95, she gives a fascinating interview about breaking that barrier. Other interviews with such players as Steve Carlton, Jimmy Rollins, Robin Roberts, and Mike Schmidt provide new details about their streaks and feats. Falling under the category of The Ones That Got Away are accounts of how the front office missed signing Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Al Kaline, and Carl Yastrzemski which will make for some essential, if painful, reading. Stories of the Phils pitcher who later joined the CIA, the left handed catcher, and the game that lasted only 51 minutes offer but a taste of the book s richly entertaining and surprising oddities. So pick up The Fightin Phils, and get reacquainted with the team you thought you knew.