Phillies: History rhymes 2020 with 1980
By Tal Venada
Thorns revisited:
During three consecutive NL East titles, the Phillies experienced two triumphs, nine defeats, pouring rain, and a questionable call at first base. So, they inked free agent Rose to $3.24 million for four summers. And if I remember accurately, some protesting organizations howled it gave the Fightins an unfair advantage.
According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, Bill Giles influenced Rose to accept his offer because the first sacker could surpass the NL all-time hits record held by Stan Musial. And the gambler had also believed the red pinstripes were stronger than the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the Bucs won the 1979 World Series.
In ’79, Rose produced his fourth highest average: .331 behind .348 (1969), .338 (1973) and .335 (1968). But the Phils finished only six games over .500 and 14 games behind Pittsburgh. However, there was rosy excitement aplenty!
One year after, the first Phillies championship finally came to fruition, but victory over the Houston Astros for the NL pennant had been no easy task even with Rose. And since a Fall Classic triumph was the reason by both parties for the signing, his stats were secondary. He batted .282 but .300 only once after 1979.
In his first campaign here, Harper received almost 100 times Rose’s deal. Plus the right fielder provided leadership and passion especially on the bases, while he hit .260 with 35 bombs and 114 RBIs. That stated, his critics never mention what his production should be and/or a fair dollar amount and contract length should be.
When the Fightins defeated the Kansas City Royals in the 1980 World Series, no one cared about Rose’s .282 average or his income. No, they enjoyed the celebration, the trophy, the champagne and the parade. And that was the same reason managing partner John S. Middleton acquired Harper.