1979 Philadelphia Phillies season

March 2026 November 2013 Philadelphia Phillies 1979 National League East Veterans Stadium Philadelphia R. R. M. "Ruly" Carpenter III Paul Owens Danny Ozark, Dallas Green WPHL-TV KYW(Harry Kalas, Richie Ashburn, Andy Musser, Chris Wheeler) The 1979 Philadelphia Phillies season was the 97th season in the history of the franchise, and the 9th season for the Philadelphia Phillies at Veterans Stadium. The team finished fourth in the National League East, 14 games behind the first-place and eventual World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates. Offseason Prior to the 1979 season, Pete Rose signed a four-year, $3.2-million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, temporarily making him the highest-paid athlete in team sports. The Phillies were in the middle of the greatest era in the history of the franchise when Rose came on board. They had won the National League East three years running (1976–78) two of which were won with 101 win seasons. The Phillies entered the 1979 season with one of the strongest lineups in the league with the addition of Rose but with numerous injuries on the pitching staff. AP sports writer Hal Bock picked the Phils to finish second behind the Pirates as the Phillies would enter the season with pitchers Larry Christenson, prospect Jim Wright, and Dick Ruthven all injured.Pitching holds key to Phillies' title defense Hal Bock The Free-Lance Star March 27, 1979 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9uQPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7osDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2224,3784829&dq=phillies&hl=en October 14, 2009 Notable transactions December 4, 1978: Jeff Schneider was drafted from the Phillies by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1978 rule 5 draft.Jeff Schneider at Baseball Reference December 5, 1978: Carmelo Castillo was drafted by the Cleveland Indians from the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1978 minor league draft.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/castica01.shtml Carmelo Castillo Stats December 5, 1978: Pete Rose was signed as a free agent by the Phillies.Pete Rose at Baseball Reference December 6, 1978: Joe Charboneau was traded by the Phillies to the Cleveland Indians for Cardell Camper.Joe Charboneau at Baseball Reference January 9, 1979: Mark Davis was drafted by the Phillies in the 1st round (1st pick) of the secondary phase of the 1979 Major League Baseball draft.Mark Davis at Baseball-Reference February 23, 1979: Barry Foote, Ted Sizemore, Jerry Martin, Derek Botelho, and Henry Mack (minors) were traded by the Phillies to the Chicago Cubs for Manny Trillo, Greg Gross and Dave Rader.Manny Trillo at Baseball Reference March 27, 1979: Richie Hebner and José Moreno were traded by the Phillies to the New York Mets for Nino Espinosa.Jose Moreno at Baseball Reference March 27, 1979: Rudy Meoli was signed as a free agent by the Phillies.Rudy Meoli at Baseball Reference March 28, 1979: Dan Boitano was traded by the Phillies to the Milwaukee Brewers for Gary Beare.Dan Boitano at Baseball Reference March 29, 1979: Del Unser was signed as a free agent by the Phillies.Del Unser at Baseball Reference Regular season 95pxRichieAshburnOF, TVRetired 1979The Official Site of The Philadelphia Phillies: History: Richie Ashburn On April 18, in a victory versus the Pirates, Greg Luzinski became the first visiting player to hit a home run into the fifth level of Three Rivers Stadium.Palm Beach Post. 1979 Apr 19. On May 17, 1979, the Phillies beat the Cubs 23–22 at Wrigley Field in ten innings with a 30-mph wind blowing out to left field.Box Score of Game played on Thursday, May 17, 1979, at Wrigley Field http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=197905170CHN October 13, 2009 After the game, the Phils were 14 games over .500 and in first place by 3 1 2 games over the Montreal Expos.Standings and Games on Thursday, May 17, 1979 On July 10, Del Unser hit his third consecutive pinch hit home run. Unser tied a Major League Baseball record with homers in three straight pinch at bats. The at bats were on June 30, July 5, and July 10.https://baseballbiography.com/del-unser-1944 The Ballplayers – Del Unser baseballbiography.com March 4, 2019 mdy-all By August 29, the team had fallen to fifth place and two games under .500, 12 1 2 games behind the Pirates.Standings and Games on Wednesday, August 29, 1979 Mid-season injuries to Manny Trillo, Larry Bowa, and Greg Luzinski contributed to hurt the club. The team's decline led to the firing of manager Danny Ozark on August 31 who was replaced by Dallas Green.Phillies dismiss Ozark as manager Pittsburgh Post-Gazette August 31, 1979 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LgUOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6W0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4036,44631&dq=dallas+green+1979+phillies&hl=en October 14, 2009 Green was named interim manager, a position made permanent shortly after the end of the season.Phillies to select Dallas Green The Bulletin October 18, 1979 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=I8ASAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LfcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5372,6163025&dq=dallas+green+1979+phillies&hl=en October 14, 2009 Alternate uniforms The Phillies front office introduced an alternate all-burgundy version of the team uniform for the 1979 season to be worn for Saturday games. Okkonen Mark Dressed to the Nines: Uniform Database (1979) National Baseball Hall of Fame http://exhibits.baseballhalloffame.org/dressed_to_the_nines/detail_page.asp?FileName=nl_1979_philadelphia.gif&Entryid=1389 June 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080628150348/http://exhibits.baseballhalloffame.org/dressed_to_the_nines/detail_page.asp?fileName=nl_1979_philadelphia.gif&Entryid=1389 June 28, 2008 live They were called "Saturday Night Specials", in a derisive nod to cheap handguns then called by that name and were worn for the first and last time on May 19, 1979,Paul Lukas Uni Watch: One and done https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=lukas/070823 Uni Watch ESPN.com August 23, 2007 October 13, 2009 a 10–5 loss to the Expos.Box Score of Game played on Saturday, May 19, 1979, at Veteran's Stadium http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=197905190PHI October 13, 2009 The immediate reaction of the media, fans, and players alike was negative, with many describing the despised uniforms as pajama-like. Season standings Philadelphia Phillies Record vs. opponents PHI Notable transactions April 3, 1979: Todd Cruz was traded by the Phillies to the Kansas City Royals for Doug Bird.Todd Cruz at Baseball Reference May 11, 1979: Jim Kaat was purchased from the Phillies by the New York Yankees.Jim Kaat at Baseball Reference June 5, 1979: Roy Smith was drafted by the Phillies in the 3rd round of the 1979 Major League Baseball draft. Player signed on July 30.Roy Smith at Baseball Reference June 16, 1979: Jim Lonborg was released by the Phillies.Jim Lonborg at Baseball Reference June 29, 1979: Rudy Meoli was purchased from the Phillies by the Minnesota Twins. 1979 Game Log Legend Phillies win Phillies loss Phillies tie  PostponementBoldPhillies team member background:white; color:#de2211; border:2px #1234dd solid; 1979 Game Loghttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1979-schedule-scores.shtml 1979 Philadelphia Phillies Schedule, Box Scores and Splits Baseball-Reference.comOverall Record: 84–78 y background:#b71234; color:white; border:1px #99f solid; April (14–5) # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- style="background:#fbb" | 1 || April 6 || @ Cardinals || 1–8 || John Denny (1–0) || Steve Carlton (0–1) || None || 40,526 || 0–1 |- style="background:#fbb" | 2 || April 7 || @ Cardinals || 2–3 || Pete Vuckovich (1–0) || Ron Reed (0–1) || None || 15,294 || 0–2 |- style="background:#fffdd0" | 3 || April 8 || @ Cardinals || 2–2 (5) || None || None || None || 20,055 || 0–2 |- style="background:#bbb" | – || April 9 || Pirates || colspan=6 | Postponed (rain);Feeney Charley Managing Phils Simple in Rainout: But Ozark Bristles as Bowa Suggests New Lineup https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=s81RAAAAIBAJ&sjid=W20DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5501%2C1425876 December 6, 2014 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette April 10, 1979 13 Makeup: April 10 |- style="background:#bfb" | 4 || April 10 || Pirates || 7–3 || Dick Ruthven (1–0) || Enrique Romo (0–2) || None || 48,235 || 1–2 |- style="background:#bfb" | 5 || April 11 || Pirates || 5–4 || Steve Carlton (1–1) || Bert Blyleven (0–1) || None || 26,281 || 2–2 |- style="background:#fbb" | 6 || April 12 || @ Mets || 2–3 || Pat Zachry (2–0) || Randy Lerch (0–1) || None || 8,719 || 2–3 |- style="background:#bbb" | – || April 14 || @ Mets || colspan=6 | Postponed (rain);The Majors https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=djft3U1LymYC&dat=19790415&printsec=frontpage&hl=en December 7, 2014 Pittsburgh Press April 15, 1979 D2 Makeup: August 2 as a traditional double-header |- style="background:#bfb" | 7 || April 15 (1) || @ Mets || 3–2 || Dick Ruthven (2–0) || Craig Swan (1–1) || Tug McGraw (1) || see 2nd game || 3–3 |- style="background:#bfb" | 8 || April 15 (2) || @ Mets || 6–3 || Nino Espinosa (1–0) || Neil Allen (0–1) || Ron Reed (1) || 18,401 || 4–3 |- style="background:#bbb" | – || April 16 || @ Pirates || colspan=6 | Postponed (rain);Majors At A Glance https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uc1RAAAAIBAJ&sjid=W20DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2365%2C2510150 December 6, 2014 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette April 17, 1979 18 Makeup: August 3 as a traditional double-header |- style="background:#bfb" | 9 || April 17 || @ Pirates || 13–2 || Steve Carlton (2–1) || Bert Blyleven (0–2) || None || 7,739 || 5–3 |- style="background:#bfb" | 10 || April 18 || @ Pirates || 3–2 || Randy Lerch (1–1) || Don Robinson (1–1) || None || 12,195 || 6–3 |- style="background:#bfb" | 11 || April 20 || Mets || 8–0 || Dick Ruthven (3–0) || Craig Swan (1–2) || None || 33,253 || 7–3 |- style="background:#bfb" | 12 || April 21 || Mets || 3–0 || Nino Espinosa (2–0) || Neil Allen (0–2) || Tug McGraw (2) || 31,851 || 8–3 |- style="background:#fbb" | 13 || April 22 || Mets || 2–4 || Jesse Orosco (1–0) || Steve Carlton (2–2) || Skip Lockwood (2) || 35,020 || 8–4 |- style="background:#bfb" | 14 || April 23 || Dodgers || 4–3 (10) || Tug McGraw (1–0) || Lance Rautzhan (0–2) || None || 32,826 || 9–4 |- style="background:#bfb" | 15 || April 24 || Dodgers || 7–6 (10) || Ron Reed (1–1) || Jerry Reuss (1–2) || None || 31,140 || 10–4 |- style="background:#bfb" | 16 || April 25 || Dodgers || 5–4 || Ron Reed (2–1) || Rick Sutcliffe (1–1) || None || 34,303 || 11–4 |- style="background:#bfb" | 17 || April 27 || Padres || 2–0 || Nino Espinosa (3–0) || Gaylord Perry (2–1) || None || 28,522 || 12–4 |- style="background:#fbb" | 18 || April 28 || Padres || 0–5 || John D'Acquisto (2–1) || Steve Carlton (2–3) || None || 31,633 || 12–5 |- style="background:#bfb" | 19 || April 29 || Padres || 4–3 || Ron Reed (3–1) || Rollie Fingers (1–2) || None || 50,722 || 13–5 |- style="background:#bfb" | 20 || April 30 || Giants || 4–1 || Dick Ruthven (4–0) || Philip Nastu (0–1) || Tug McGraw (3) || 29,169 || 14–5 |- y background:#b71234; color:white; border:1px #99f solid; May (13–15) # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- style="background:#fbb" | 21 || May 1 || Giants || 0–7 || Bob Knepper (2–2) || Nino Espinosa (3–1) || None || 29,048 || 14–6 |- style="background:#fbb" | 22 || May 3 || @ Dodgers || 2–5 || Rick Sutcliffe (2–2) || Steve Carlton (2–4) || None || 41,215 || 14–7 |- style="background:#bfb" | 23 || May 4 || @ Dodgers || 5–2 || Randy Lerch (2–1) || Don Sutton (3–3) || None || 42,717 || 15–7 |- style="background:#bfb" | 24 || May 5 || @ Dodgers || 11–0 || Dick Ruthven (5–0) || Andy Messersmith (1–2) || None || 45,169 || 16–7 |- style="background:#bfb" | 25 || May 6 || @ Dodgers || 4–0 || Nino Espinosa (4–1) || Doug Rau (0–4) || None || 42,184 || 17–7 |- style="background:#bfb" | 26 || May 7 || @ Padres || 11–6 || Steve Carlton (3–4) || Bob Owchinko (0–1) || Rawly Eastwick (1) || 20,766 || 18–7 |- style="background:#bfb" | 27 || May 8 || @ Padres || 9–8 (12) || Jim Kaat (1–0) || John D'Acquisto (2–3) || None || 12,288 || 19–7 |- style="background:#bfb" | 28 || May 9 || @ Padres || 2–0 || Dick Ruthven (6–0) || Eric Rasmussen (0–3) || None || 15,606 || 20–7 |- style="background:#bfb" | 29 || May 10 || @ Padres || 3–2 || Nino Espinosa (5–1) || Gaylord Perry (3–3) || Ron Reed (2) || 17,208 || 21–7 |- style="background:#fbb" | 30 || May 11 || @ Giants || 1–2 || Bob Knepper (3–2) || Steve Carlton (3–5) || Gary Lavelle (4) || 22,860 || 21–8 |- style="background:#fbb" | 31 || May 12 || @ Giants || 1–4 || Ed Halicki (3–3) || Randy Lerch (2–2) || None || 23,836 || 21–9 |- style="background:#bfb" | 32 || May 13 || @ Giants || 12–3 || Ron Reed (4–1) || Vida Blue (6–3) || None || 32,585 || 22–9 |- style="background:#fbb" | 33 || May 15 || @ Cubs || 1–7 || Lynn McGlothen (5–4) || Nino Espinosa (5–2) || None || 13,834 || 22–10 |- style="background:#bfb" | 34 || May 16 || @ Cubs || 13–0 || Steve Carlton (4–5) || Rick Reuschel (2–5) || None || 18,015 || 23–10 |- style="background:#bfb" | 35 || May 17 || @ Cubs || 23–22 (10) || Rawly Eastwick (1–0) || Bruce Sutter (1–1) || None || 14,952 || 24–10 |- style="background:#fbb" | 36 || May 18 || Expos || 3–5 || Stan Bahnsen (1–1) || Dick Ruthven (6–1) || Elías Sosa (4) || 31,481 || 24–11 |- style="background:#fbb" | 37 || May 19 || Expos || 5–10 || Rudy May (2–0) || Rawly Eastwick (1–1) || Dan Schatzeder (1) || 33,212 || 24–12 |- style="background:#fbb" | 38 || May 20 || Expos || 6–10 || Stan Bahnsen (2–1) || Nino Espinosa (5–3) || Elías Sosa (5) || 48,631 || 24–13 |- style="background:#bfb" | 39 || May 21 || Cardinals || 5–3 || Steve Carlton (5–5) || John Denny (3–3) || None || 28,192 || 25–13 |- style="background:#bfb" | 40 || May 22 || Cardinals || 3–1 || Tug McGraw (2–0) || Bob Forsch (1–4) || None || 33,379 || 26–13 |- style="background:#fbb" | 41 || May 23 || Cardinals || 1–3 || Silvio Martínez (2–1) || Dick Ruthven (6–2) || Mark Littell (3) || 32,349 || 26–14 |- style="background:#fbb" | 42 || May 25 || Cubs || 0–3 || Lynn McGlothen (6–5) || Nino Espinosa (5–4) || Bruce Sutter (8) || 34,456 || 26–15 |- style="background:#fbb" | 43 || May 26 || Cubs || 1–4 || Dennis Lamp (4–1) || Larry Christenson (0–1) || Dick Tidrow (3) || 32,313 || 26–16 |- style="background:#bfb" | 44 || May 27 || Cubs || 6–4 || Steve Carlton (6–5) || Bill Caudill (0–1) || None || 47,087 || 27–16 |- style="background:#fbb" | 45 || May 28 || Cubs || 1–4 || Dick Tidrow (3–1) || Randy Lerch (2–3) || Bruce Sutter (9) || 51,381 || 27–17 |- style="background:#fbb" | 46 || May 29 || @ Expos || 0–9 || Steve Rogers (5–2) || Dick Ruthven (6–3) || None || 32,078 || 27–18 |- style="background:#fbb" | 47 || May 30 || @ Expos || 0–2 || Bill Lee (5–2) || Nino Espinosa (5–5) || None || 21,761 || 27–19 |- style="background:#fbb" | 48 || May 31 || @ Expos || 0–1 || Scott Sanderson (4–3) || Larry Christenson (0–2) || None || 22,388 || 27–20 |- y background:#b71234; color:white; border:1px #99f solid; June (12–16) # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- style="background:#fbb" | 49 || June 1 || @ Reds || 2–4 || Doug Bair (3–0) || Steve Carlton (6–6) || Pedro Borbón (2) || 48,968 || 27–21 |- style="background:#fbb" | 50 || June 2 || @ Reds || 2–4 || Mike LaCoss (6–0) || Randy Lerch (2–4) || Doug Bair (7) || 37,907 || 27–22 |- style="background:#bfb" | 51 || June 3 (1) || @ Reds || 6–4 || Ron Reed (5–1) || Pedro Borbón (2–2) || Tug McGraw (4) || see 2nd game || 28–22 |- style="background:#fbb" | 52 || June 3 (2) || @ Reds || 2–12 || Tom Hume (4–4) || Jim Lonborg (0–1) || None || 50,262 || 28–23 |- style="background:#fbb" | 53 || June 4 || @ Astros || 0–3 || Randy Niemann (2–0) || Larry Christenson (0–3) || None || 19,062 || 28–24 |- style="background:#bfb" | 54 || June 5 || @ Astros || 8–0 || Steve Carlton (7–6) || Rick Williams (2–2) || None || 28,244 || 29–24 |- style="background:#fbb" | 55 || June 6 || @ Astros || 3–4 || Joe Sambito (3–2) || Ron Reed (5–2) || Bert Roberge (2) || 28,955 || 29–25 |- style="background:#fbb" | 56 || June 8 || Braves || 5–11 (10) || Gene Garber (3–7) || Ron Reed (5–3) || None || 41,136 || 29–26 |- style="background:#bfb" | 57 || June 9 || Braves || 9–3 || Larry Christenson (1–3) || Mickey Mahler (2–6) || None || 38,035 || 30–26 |- style="background:#fbb" | 58 || June 10 || Braves || 3–10 || Phil Niekro (7–9) || Steve Carlton (7–7) || None || 58,707 || 30–27 |- style="background:#bfb" | 59 || June 11 || Astros || 4–2 || Randy Lerch (3–4) || J. R. Richard (6–5) || None || 31,085 || 31–27 |- style="background:#bfb" | 60 || June 12 || Astros || 4–0 || Nino Espinosa (6–5) || Rick Williams (2–3) || None || 34,177 || 32–27 |- style="background:#fbb" | 61 || June 13 || Astros || 3–4 || Joe Niekro (10–2) || Dick Ruthven (6–4) || None || 33,627 || 32–28 |- style="background:#fbb" | 62 || June 15 || Reds || 3–6 || Tom Seaver (4–5) || Larry Christenson (1–4) || None || 50,222 || 32–29 |- style="background:#bfb" | 63 || June 16 || Reds || 4–3 || Tug McGraw (3–0) || Doug Bair (3–1) || None || 50,224 || 33–29 |- style="background:#bfb" | 64 || June 17 || Reds || 9–3 || Randy Lerch (4–4) || Doug Bair (3–2) || None || 46,153 || 34–29 |- style="background:#fbb" | 65 || June 18 || @ Braves || 5–10 || Rick Matula (4–5) || Nino Espinosa (6–6) || None || 9,394 || 34–30 |- style="background:#fbb" | 66 || June 19 || @ Braves || 4–10 || Phil Niekro (8–9) || Larry Christenson (1–5) || None || 8,146 || 34–31 |- style="background:#bfb" | 67 || June 20 || @ Braves || 10–4 || Steve Carlton (8–7) || Eddie Solomon (3–3) || None || 8,681 || 35–31 |- style="background:#fbb" | 68 || June 22 || @ Expos || 5–6 || Ross Grimsley (7–4) || Randy Lerch (4–5) || Elías Sosa (7) || 40,729 || 35–32 |- style="background:#fbb" | 69 || June 23 || @ Expos || 0–3 || Steve Rogers (7–4) || Nino Espinosa (6–7) || None || 24,439 || 35–33 |- style="background:#bfb" | 70 || June 24 || @ Expos || 5–2 || Larry Christenson (2–5) || Bill Lee (7–4) || Tug McGraw (5) || 41,593 || 36–33 |- style="background:#fbb" | 71 || June 25 || @ Cubs || 2–8 || Lynn McGlothen (8–6) || Steve Carlton (8–8) || None || 27,246 || 36–34 |- style="background:#bfb" | 72 || June 26 || @ Cubs || 5–3 || Dick Ruthven (7–4) || Donnie Moore (1–3) || Tug McGraw (6) || 35,970 || 37–34 |- style="background:#fbb" | 73 || June 27 || @ Cubs || 4–11 || Mike Krukow (5–5) || Randy Lerch (4–6) || None || 29,858 || 37–35 |- style="background:#bfb" | 74 || June 29 (1) || @ Cardinals || 8–7 || Kevin Saucier (1–0) || Bob Forsch (3–8) || Tug McGraw (7) || see 2nd game || 38–35 |- style="background:#fbb" | 75 || June 29 (2) || @ Cardinals || 1–7 || Pete Vuckovich (7–4) || Larry Christenson (2–6) || None || 29,300 || 38–36 |- style="background:#bfb" | 76 || June 30 || @ Cardinals || 6–4 (10) || Ron Reed (6–3) || George Frazier (0–1) || Tug McGraw (8) || 30,960 || 39–36 |- y background:#b71234; color:white; border:1px #99f solid; July (15–13) # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- style="background:#fbb" | 77 || July 1 (1) || @ Cardinals || 7–13 || Mark Littell (5–2) || Tug McGraw (3–1) || None || see 2nd game || 39–37 |- style="background:#fbb" | 78 || July 1 (2) || @ Cardinals || 1–2 || Mark Littell (6–2) || Randy Lerch (4–7) || None || 41,903 || 39–38 |- style="background:#bfb" | 79 || July 2 || Mets || 6–2 || Nino Espinosa (7–7) || Dock Ellis (1–6) || None || 29,142 || 40–38 |- style="background:#bfb" | 80 || July 3 || Mets || 4–2 || Warren Brusstar (1–0) || Wayne Twitchell (3–2) || Tug McGraw (9) || 56,285 || 41–38 |- style="background:#bfb" | 81 || July 4 || Mets || 1–0 || Steve Carlton (9–8) || Andy Hassler (2–4) || None || 40,215 || 42–38 |- style="background:#fbb" | 82 || July 5 || Mets || 2–3 || Craig Swan (8–6) || Dickie Noles (0–1) || None || 28,720 || 42–39 |- style="background:#bfb" | 83 || July 6 || Giants || 6–1 || Nino Espinosa (8–7) || John Curtis (4–5) || None || 36,097 || 43–39 |- style="background:#fbb" | 84 || July 7 || Giants || 6–8 || Pedro Borbón (4–2) || Ron Reed (6–4) || None || 42,047 || 43–40 |- style="background:#bfb" | 85 || July 8 || Giants || 5–3 || Steve Carlton (10–8) || Bob Knepper (6–3) || None || 41,387 || 44–40 |- style="background:#bfb" | 86 || July 9 || Giants || 4–2 || Dickie Noles (1–1) || Vida Blue (7–7) || Warren Brusstar (1) || 38,353 || 45–40 |- style="background:#bfb" | 87 || July 10 || Padres || 6–5 || Doug Bird (1–0) || Rollie Fingers (7–6) || None || 30,234 || 46–40 |- style="background:#fbb" | 88 || July 11 || Padres || 3–7 || John D'Acquisto (6–5) || Randy Lerch (4–8) || None || 35,248 || 46–41 |- style="background:#bfb" | 89 || July 12 || Padres || 4–3 || Steve Carlton (11–8) || Rollie Fingers (7–7) || Tug McGraw (10) || 33,501 || 47–41 |- style="background:#bfb" | 90 || July 13 || Dodgers || 3–2 || Dickie Noles (2–1) || Rick Sutcliffe (8–8) || Tug McGraw (11) || 46,542 || 48–41 |- style="background:#bfb" | 91 || July 14 || Dodgers || 10–7 || Nino Espinosa (9–7) || Don Sutton (7–11) || Tug McGraw (12) || 40,602 || 49–41 |- style="background:#bfb" | 92 || July 15 || Dodgers || 10–3 || Randy Lerch (5–8) || Bob Welch (4–6) || Rawly Eastwick (2) || 47,315 || 50–41 |- style="background:#bbcaff;" | – || July 17 ||colspan="7" |1979 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at the Kingdome in Seattle |- style="background:#fbb" | 93 || July 19 || @ Giants || 0–1 || John Curtis (6–5) || Dickie Noles (2–2) || None || 20,732 || 50–42 |- style="background:#bfb" | 94 || July 20 || @ Giants || 6–4 || Randy Lerch (6–8) || Tom Griffin (4–5) || Ron Reed (3) || 21,110 || 51–42 |- style="background:#fbb" | 95 || July 21 || @ Giants || 1–4 || Bob Knepper (7–4) || Steve Carlton (11–9) || None || 25,386 || 51–43 |- style="background:#bfb" | 96 || July 22 || @ Padres || 5–2 || Nino Espinosa (10–7) || John D'Acquisto (6–7) || Tug McGraw (13) || 23,308 || 52–43 |- style="background:#fbb" | 97 || July 23 || @ Padres || 5–6 || Rollie Fingers (8–7) || Ron Reed (6–5) || None || 16,785 || 52–44 |- style="background:#fbb" | 98 || July 24 || @ Dodgers || 3–15 || Burt Hooton (9–7) || Randy Lerch (6–9) || None || 39,336 || 52–45 |- style="background:#fbb" | 99 || July 25 || @ Dodgers || 8–16 || Rick Sutcliffe (9–8) || Dick Ruthven (7–5) || None || 34,370 || 52–46 |- style="background:#fbb" | 100 || July 27 || Cardinals || 0–5 || Bob Forsch (4–9) || Nino Espinosa (10–8) || None || 40,792 || 52–47 |- style="background:#fbb" | 101 || July 28 || Cardinals || 4–5 || Mark Littell (7–3) || Ron Reed (6–6) || None || 40,063 || 52–48 |- style="background:#fbb" | 102 || July 29 || Cardinals || 5–6 || Pete Vuckovich (10–7) || Randy Lerch (6–10) || None || 38,069 || 52–49 |- style="background:#bfb" | 103 || July 30 || Cubs || 5–4 (10) || Ron Reed (7–6) || Bruce Sutter (4–3) || None || 37,151 || 53–49 |- style="background:#bfb" | 104 || July 31 || Cubs || 4–1 || Nino Espinosa (11–8) || Mike Krukow (8–6) || None || 37,412 || 54–49 |- y background:#b71234; color:white; border:1px #99f solid; August (12–18) # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- style="background:#bfb" | 105 || August 1 || @ Mets || 9–6 || Dickie Noles (3–2) || Dock Ellis (2–9) || Rawly Eastwick (3) || 12,295 || 55–49 |- style="background:#bfb" | 106 || August 2 (1) || @ Mets || 7–4 || Ron Reed (8–6) || Andy Hassler (4–5) || None || see 2nd game || 56–49 |- style="background:#fbb" | 107 || August 2 (2) || @ Mets || 1–2 || Pete Falcone (3–7) || Kevin Saucier (1–1) || Neil Allen (2) || 15,319 || 56–50 |- style="background:#fbb" | 108 || August 3 (1) || @ Pirates || 3–6 || Enrique Romo (7–3) || Tug McGraw (3–2) || None || see 2nd game || 56–51 |- style="background:#fbb" | 109 || August 3 (2) || @ Pirates || 1–5 || Jim Bibby (8–2) || Larry Christenson (2–7) || None || 45,309 || 56–52 |- style="background:#fbb" | 110 || August 4 || @ Pirates || 0–4 || John Candelaria (10–7) || Nino Espinosa (11–9) || None || 34,754 || 56–53 |- style="background:#fbb" | 111 || August 5 (1) || @ Pirates || 8–12 || Kent Tekulve (5–6) || Rawly Eastwick (1–2) || None || see 2nd game || 56–54 |- style="background:#fbb" | 112 || August 5 (2) || @ Pirates || 2–5 || Enrique Romo (8–3) || Dickie Noles (3–3) || Kent Tekulve (20) || 46,006 || 56–55 |- style="background:#bfb" | 113 || August 7 || Expos || 4–2 || Larry Christenson (3–7) || Scott Sanderson (7–7) || None || 38,237 || 57–55 |- style="background:#bfb" | 114 || August 8 || Expos || 4–3 || Ron Reed (9–6) || Elías Sosa (5–7) || None || 36,476 || 58–55 |- style="background:#bfb" | 115 || August 9 || Expos || 6–4 || Nino Espinosa (12–9) || Bill Lee (10–9) || Rawly Eastwick (4) || 46,233 || 59–55 |- style="background:#bfb" | 116 || August 10 (1) || Pirates || 4–3 (12) || Rawly Eastwick (2–2) || Grant Jackson (6–4) || None || see 2nd game || 60–55 |- style="background:#fbb" | 117 || August 10 (2) || Pirates || 2–3 || Bruce Kison (7–6) || Randy Lerch (6–11) || Kent Tekulve (21) || 63,346 || 60–56 |- style="background:#fbb" | 118 || August 11 || Pirates || 11–14 || Enrique Romo (9–3) || Rawly Eastwick (2–3) || Kent Tekulve (22) || 51,118 || 60–57 |- style="background:#bbb" | – || August 12 || Pirates || colspan=6 | Postponed (rain);Parascenzo Marino Phillie Fans Conceding NL East to Bucs https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=B59RAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0W0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3800%2C1762845 December 13, 2014 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette August 13, 1979 17Feeney Charley Ozark Snaps Silence After Buc Rainout https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=B59RAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0W0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6357%2C1764930 December 13, 2014 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette August 13, 1979 17, 23 Makeup: September 19 as a traditional double-header |- style="background:#fbb" | 119 || August 13 || Pirates || 1–9 || Jim Bibby (9–2) || Larry Christenson (3–8) || None || 43,111 || 60–58 |- style="background:#fbb" | 120 || August 14 || @ Reds || 1–2 (10) || Tom Hume (7–6) || Steve Carlton (11–10) || None || 38,442 || 60–59 |- style="background:#bfb" | 121 || August 15 || @ Reds || 3–2 || Nino Espinosa (13–9) || Fred Norman (10–9) || None || 36,678 || 61–59 |- style="background:#bfb" | 122 || August 17 || @ Astros || 5–2 || Randy Lerch (7–11) || Frank LaCorte (1–1) || None || 33,782 || 62–59 |- style="background:#bfb" | 123 || August 18 || @ Astros || 1–0 || Larry Christenson (4–8) || J. R. Richard (12–12) || Ron Reed (4) || 37,735 || 63–59 |- style="background:#bfb" | 124 || August 19 || @ Astros || 3–2 || Steve Carlton (12–10) || Joaquín Andújar (12–9) || None || 30,631 || 64–59 |- style="background:#fbb" | 125 || August 20 || Braves || 2–5 || Phil Niekro (16–16) || Ron Reed (9–7) || Gene Garber (20) || 35,156 || 64–60 |- style="background:#fbb" | 126 || August 21 || Braves || 4–5 || Larry Bradford (1–0) || Rawly Eastwick (2–4) || Gene Garber (21) || 30,234 || 64–61 |- style="background:#fbb" | 127 || August 22 || Braves || 3–4 || Eddie Solomon (5–10) || Larry Christenson (4–9) || Gene Garber (22) || 30,349 || 64–62 |- style="background:#bfb" | 128 || August 24 || Astros || 5–3 || Steve Carlton (13–10) || Joaquín Andújar (12–10) || None || 32,124 || 65–62 |- style="background:#fbb" | 129 || August 25 || Astros || 1–3 || Joe Niekro (18–7) || Nino Espinosa (13–10) || Joe Sambito (16) || 43,109 || 65–63 |- style="background:#fbb" | 130 || August 26 || Astros || 1–4 || Pete Ladd (1–0) || Kevin Saucier (1–2) || Joe Sambito (17) || 32,559 || 65–64 |- style="background:#fbb" | 131 || August 27 || Reds || 2–4 || Tom Hume (9–6) || Larry Christenson (4–10) || None || 28,421 || 65–65 |- style="background:#fbb" | 132 || August 28 || Reds || 2–5 || Frank Pastore (3–6) || Steve Carlton (13–11) || Tom Hume (11) || 31,113 || 65–66 |- style="background:#fbb" | 133 || August 29 || Reds || 6–7 || Mario Soto (2–2) || Kevin Saucier (1–3) || Doug Bair (16) || 30,133 || 65–67 |- style="background:#bfb" | 134 || August 31 || @ Braves || 6–2 (6) || Doug Bird (2–0) || Tony Brizzolara (6–9) || None || 6,009 || 66–67 |- y background:#b71234; color:white; border:1px #99f solid; September (18–11) # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- style="background:#bfb" | 135 || September 1 || @ Braves || 6–4 || Larry Christenson (5–10) || Phil Niekro (17–18) || Ron Reed (5) || 16,990 || 67–67 |- style="background:#bfb" | 136 || September 2 || @ Braves || 2–1 (10) || Ron Reed (10–7) || Joey McLaughlin (4–3) || None || 10,040 || 68–67 |- style="background:#bfb" | 137 || September 3 (1) || @ Pirates || 2–0 || Steve Carlton (14–11) || Bert Blyleven (11–5) || Tug McGraw (14) || see 2nd game || 69–67 |- style="background:#fbb" | 138 || September 3 (2) || @ Pirates || 3–7 || Jim Rooker (3–6) || Randy Lerch (7–12) || Kent Tekulve (25) || 43,444 || 69–68 |- style="background:#bbb" | – || September 5 || Mets || colspan=6 | Postponed (rain);Majors At A Glance https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MgUOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6W0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5679%2C638770 December 12, 2014 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 6, 1979 10 Makeup: September 6 as a traditional double-header |- style="background:#fbb" | 139 || September 6 (1) || Mets || 3–5 || Ed Glynn (1–2) || Nino Espinosa (13–11) || Andy Hassler (2) || see 2nd game || 69–69 |- style="background:#bfb" | 140 || September 6 (2) || Mets || 2–1 || Randy Lerch (8–12) || Pete Falcone (5–12) || Rawly Eastwick (5) || 21,091 || 70–69 |- style="background:#fbb" | 141 || September 7 || @ Cubs || 3–4 || Dennis Lamp (11–8) || Tug McGraw (3–3) || None || 10,359 || 70–70 |- style="background:#bfb" | 142 || September 8 || @ Cubs || 9–8 || Rawly Eastwick (3–4) || Bruce Sutter (4–5) || None || 20,767 || 71–70 |- style="background:#fbb" | 143 || September 9 || @ Cubs || 2–15 || Rick Reuschel (17–9) || Kevin Saucier (1–4) || None || 20,922 || 71–71 |- style="background:#bfb" | 144 || September 11 || @ Mets || 5–2 || Nino Espinosa (14–11) || Pete Falcone (5–13) || Rawly Eastwick (6) || 4,713 || 72–71 |- style="background:#bfb" | 145 || September 12 || @ Mets || 4–0 || Randy Lerch (9–12) || Craig Swan (12–12) || None || 4,158 || 73–71 |- style="background:#bfb" | 146 || September 13 || @ Mets || 2–1 || Steve Carlton (15–11) || Juan Berenguer (0–1) || Tug McGraw (15) || 3,890 || 74–71 |- style="background:#fbb" | 147 || September 14 || Cubs || 0–2 (10) || Bruce Sutter (5–6) || Ron Reed (10–8) || None || 20,838 || 74–72 |- style="background:#bfb" | 148 || September 15 || Cubs || 8–1 || Dan Larson (1–0) || Lynn McGlothen (11–13) || None || 33,042 || 75–72 |- style="background:#bfb" | 149 || September 16 || Cubs || 4–3 || Ron Reed (11–8) || Dick Tidrow (12–5) || None || 30,261 || 76–72 |- style="background:#bfb" | 150 || September 17 || @ Cardinals || 7–5 || Steve Carlton (16–11) || Darold Knowles (2–5) || Tug McGraw (16) || 6,479 || 77–72 |- style="background:#bfb" | 151 || September 18 || @ Cardinals || 5–3 (10) || Tug McGraw (4–3) || Dan O'Brien (1–1) || None || 7,340 || 78–72 |- style="background:#fbb" | 152 || September 19 (1) || Pirates || 6–9 || Kent Tekulve (10–7) || Rawly Eastwick (3–5) || Grant Jackson (14) || see 2nd game || 78–73 |- style="background:#bfb" | 153 || September 19 (2) || Pirates || 6–5 || Jack Kucek (1–0) || Enrique Romo (10–5) || Kevin Saucier (1) || 30,566 || 79–73 |- style="background:#bfb" | 154 || September 20 || Pirates || 2–1Protest denied [a] || Randy Lerch (10–12) || Kent Tekulve (10–8) || None || 16,299 || 80–73 |- style="background:#bbb" | – || September 21 || Expos || colspan=6 | Postponed (rain);Whitley Bob Rain Falls on Expos in Philly https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=955RAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6W0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5106%2C3526587 December 13, 2014 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 22, 1979 9 Makeup: September 22 as a traditional double-header |- style="background:#bfb" | 155 || September 22 (1) || Expos || 9–8 (10) || Ron Reed (12–8) || Dale Murray (5–10) || None || see 2nd game || 81–73 |- style="background:#fbb" | 156 || September 22 (2) || Expos || 2–8 || David Palmer (10–2) || Dickie Noles (3–4) || None || 35,186 || 81–74 |- style="background:#fbb" | 157 || September 23 || Expos || 4–7 || Bill Lee (16–10) || Nino Espinosa (14–12) || None || 26,507 || 81–75 |- style="background:#fbb" | 158 || September 24 || Cardinals || 2–7 || Pete Vuckovich (15–10) || Randy Lerch (10–13) || None || 17,694 || 81–76 |- style="background:#fbb" | 159 || September 25 || Cardinals || 1–4 || John Fulgham (10–6) || Dan Larson (1–1) || None || 16,163 || 81–77 |- style="background:#bfb" | 160 || September 26 || Cardinals || 11–5 || Steve Carlton (17–11) || Silvio Martínez (15–8) || None || 18,458 || 82–77 |- style="background:#bfb" | 161 || September 28 || @ Expos || 3–2 (11) || Ron Reed (13–8) || Woodie Fryman (3–6) || None || 40,303 || 83–77 |- style="background:#fbb" | 162 || September 29 || @ Expos || 2–3 || Elías Sosa (8–7) || Rawly Eastwick (3–6) || None || 50,332 || 83–78 |- style="background:#bfb" | 163 || September 30 || @ Expos || 2–0 || Steve Carlton (18–11) || Steve Rogers (13–12) || None || 50,824 || 84–78 |- | style="text-align:left;" | Protest denied [a]The September 20, 1979, game was protested by the Phillies in the bottom of the sixth inning.Philadelphia Phillies 2, Pittsburgh Pirates 1 https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1979/B09200PHI1979.htm retrosheet.org December 13, 2014 September 20, 1979 Keith Moreland's fly to LF was ruled a home run; the Pirates argued the call; the umpires huddled and HP umpire Doug Harvey overruled 3B umpire Eric Gregg, calling it a foul ball; Phillies manager Dallas Green argued with and was ejected by Harvey; Green threw equipment onto the field from the bench after the ejection and was fined; Mike Schmidt threw his helmet and was fined; Green protested the game; Moreland was called out on strikes[.] The protest was later denied.Sep 20, 1979, Pirates at Phillies Play by Play and Box Score https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI197909200.shtml baseball-reference.com sports-reference.com December 13, 2014 September 20, 1979 Roster 1979 Philadelphia Phillies Roster Pitchers 43 Doug Bird 40 Warren Brusstar 32 Steve Carlton 38 Larry Christenson 49 Rawly Eastwick 35 Nino Espinosa 39 Jim Kaat 34 Jack Kucek 48 Dan Larson 47 Randy Lerch 41 Jim Lonborg 45 Tug McGraw 48 Dickie Noles 42 Ron Reed 44 Dick Ruthven 33 Kevin Saucier Catchers  8 Bob Boone 11 Tim McCarver 34 Keith Moreland  6 Dave Rader Infielders 16 Ramón Avilés 10 Larry Bowa 14,15 Bud Harrelson 17 Pete Mackanin 18 Rudy Meoli 14 Pete Rose 20 Mike Schmidt  9 Manny Trillo 18 John Vukovich Outfielders 22 Mike Anderson  1 José Cardenal 23 Greg Gross 19 Greg Luzinski 31 Garry Maddox 21 Bake McBride 26 John Poff 27 Lonnie Smith 25 Del Unser Manager 46 Dallas Green  3 Danny Ozark Coaches  2 Billy DeMars  4 Herm Starrette 12 Tony Taylor (Hitting)  5 Bobby Tiefenauer  7 Bobby Wine Player stats Batting Starters by position Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Pos Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI C Bob Boone 119 398 114 .286 9 58 1B Pete Rose 163 628 208 .331 4 59 2B Manny Trillo 118 431 112 .260 6 42 SS Larry Bowa 147 539 130 .241 0 31 3B Mike Schmidt 160 541 137 .253 45 114 LF Greg Luzinski 137 452 114 .252 18 81 CF Garry Maddox 148 548 154 .281 13 61 RF Bake McBride 151 582 163 .280 12 60 Other batters Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI Greg Gross 118 174 58 .333 0 15 Del Unser 95 141 42 .298 6 29 Tim McCarver 79 137 33 .241 1 12 Mike Anderson 79 78 18 .231 1 2 Rudy Meoli 30 73 13 .178 0 6 Bud Harrelson 53 71 20 .282 0 7 Ramón Avilés 27 61 17 .279 0 12 Dave Rader Dave Rader (baseball) 31 54 11 .204 1 5 José Cardenal 29 48 10 .208 0 9 Keith Moreland 14 48 18 .375 0 8 Lonnie Smith 17 30 5 .167 0 3 John Poff 12 19 2 .105 0 1 John Vukovich 10 15 3 .200 0 1 Pete Mackanin 13 9 1 .111 1 2 Pitching Starting pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G IP W L ERA SO Steve Carlton 35 251.0 18 11 3.62 213 Randy Lerch 37 214.0 10 13 3.74 92 Nino Espinosa 33 212.0 14 12 3.65 88 Dick Ruthven 20 122.1 7 5 4.27 58 Larry Christenson 19 106.0 5 10 4.50 53 Dickie Noles 14 90.0 3 4 3.80 42 Dan Larson 3 19.0 1 1 4.26 9 Other pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G IP W L ERA SO Jim Kaat 3 8.1 1 0 4.32 2 Jim Lonborg 4 7.1 0 1 11.05 7 Relief pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G W L SV ERA SO Tug McGraw 65 4 3 16 5.16 57 Ron Reed 61 13 8 5 4.15 58 Rawly Eastwick 51 3 6 6 4.90 47 Doug Bird 32 2 0 0 5.16 33 Kevin Saucier 29 1 4 1 4.19 21 Warren Brusstar 13 1 0 1 6.91 3 Jack Kucek 4 1 0 0 8.31 2 Mike Anderson 1 0 0 0 0.00 2https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1979.shtml 1979 Philadelphia Phillies Batting, Pitching and Fielding Statistics Baseball Reference.com January 26, 2021 Farm system Minor League Baseball AAA Oklahoma City 89ers American Association Lee Elia AA Reading Phillies Eastern League Jim Snyder A Peninsula Pilots Carolina League Ron Clark A Spartanburg Phillies Western Carolinas League Bill Dancy A-Short Season Central Oregon Phillies Northwest League Tom Harmon Rookie Helena Phillies Pioneer League Roly de ArmasLEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Central OregonJohnson, Lloyd, and Wolff, Miles, ed., The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball, 2nd and 3rd editions. Durham, North Carolina: Baseball America, 1997 and 2007 References Further reading The East Larry Keith Sports Illustrated April 9, 1979 http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1094799/index.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20121025134051/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1094799/index.htm dead October 25, 2012 October 28, 2009 Battle Won, War Lost: The Phils beat the Cubs in a donnybrook in May, whereupon they dropped dead Bruce Newman Sports Illustrated July 9, 1979 http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1095126/index.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20121025134056/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1095126/index.htm dead October 25, 2012 October 28, 2009 Category:Philadelphia Phillies seasons Philadelphia Phillies season Philadelph