While some fans have found his replacement just two steps away, the current regular may not be the placeholder some of the Philadelphia Phillies faithful believe he is.

Staking His Claim:

Underestimating someone else is not an uncommon occurrence and goes hand in glove with surprise.

Entering the recent series with the Texas Rangers, the Phillies’ outcomes mirrored the 1950 squad’s from September 1 through the World Series. And the reason is the pennant winner was missing three starters and faced the New York Yankees in the Fall Classic. Of course, the current 25 have been playing postseason-bound franchises and offensive-minded organizations in the Junior Circuit. Now, either the contests with Texas were against a hot, talented team; or the Phils are experiencing a breakdown like last summer’s second of two straight cold spells. Is losing taking a toll?

Differential of one or two runs through May 15.

1950: 9 wins, 15 losses for 24 of 33 total games.

2017: 9 wins, 16 losses for 25 of 35 total games.

Although many players had career years, the ’50 squad had to fight for every victory in the final month. And they did everything in their power to overcome their deficiencies. Ergo, scrappiness and playing as one unit were essential, and those attributes have appeared for lengthy stretches since July 2015 for these red pinstripes. Sooner or later, somebody will pay for these mounting defeats.

Hearing about the 1950 Philadelphia Phillies, many fans today learn a fact or two about game 154 from articles or older relatives. But the 4-1 outcome in 10 innings was closer than the final score and is similar to some endings in 2017.

According to the preview for The Whiz Kids and the 1950 Pennant by Robin Roberts and C. Paul Rogers, manager Eddie Sawyer handed the ball to his ace Robin Roberts one hour before pitch one versus the defending National League champions in Brooklyn (a 97-57 mark for 1949). And it worked until number 36 faltered in the bottom of the ninth with the score tied at one: Roberts had opened the frame with a free pass, and a single had moved the runner to second, while many locals nervously listened on their radios. Up next, Duke Snider, the three-hole hitter – .321, 31 home runs and 107 RBIs – smacked a hard single to center field. Richie Ashburn gloved it and fired it to the plate. Out!

And even though Whitey cut down the potential winning run at home, Roberts had two in scoring position with one out – Sawyer went to the mound – and Jackie Robinson, the cleanup man (.328, 14 homers and 81 RBIs) drew an intentional walk. Then, Roberts induced a foul pop-up to first baseman Eddie Waitkus for the critical first of the next two outs.

However, before Roberts recorded the complete-game victory in the 10th inning, he and Waitkus singled and skilled bunter Ashburn sacrificed them into scoring position. That set the stage. Dick Sisler drove a high, outside fastball over the left field fence, and what did he do all the way to first base? A celebratory dance!