Phillies' 2023 season opener nuggets
The Phillies are headed for their 141st Opening Day, playing in Arlington for the second time. The opener is March 30 at 4:05 ET, against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
The other opener in the same city was in a different ballpark, Globe Life Park, on March 31, 2014 when the Phillies won a wild one, 14-10. Cliff Lee was tagged for eight runs in five innings but picked up the win thanks to a 17-hit attack. Jimmy Rollins hit a grand slam in a six-run second inning, Ben Revere had three hits and three RBIs and Cody Asche had four runs, three hits and a pair of RBIs.
Globe Life Park was replaced by Globe Life Field in 2020. The Phillies played there twice last season and dropped both. Including two games against the Rangers at Citizens Bank Park in 2022 and dating back to the 2014 opener, the Phillies have lost nine in a row to Texas.
Overall Record
The Phillies are 63-75 with two ties on Opening Day. Yes, two ties: 5-5, 14 innings in 1923 in Brooklyn and 6-6, 11 innings in 1924 against the Braves at Baker Bowl. Games were called because of darkness as ballparks didn’t have lights back then. There have been four extra-inning games involving the Phillies. Last one in 2021, a 3-2 win in 10 innings vs. Atlanta at Citizens Bank Park.
Nola Time
Should Aaron Nola get the start, it will be his sixth straight season opener. The most Opening Day starts for the Phillies are Steve Carlton with 14, Robin Roberts with 12 and Chris Short and Nola with six.
Nola is 2-1 with two decisions in Opening Day starts with a win in 2019 against the Braves and last year’s win vs. the A’s. His one loss came against Miami in 2020.
Another 6
Rhys Hoskins, barring injury, will also make his sixth consecutive opener, one in left field and five at first base.
Designated Hitters
Domonic Brown (2014), Jay Bruce (2020), Nick Castellanos (2022). Brown has the only hit in 13 collective at-bats.
Most Opening Day Starts (since 1901)
C Mike Lieberthal (10)
1B Ryan Howard (10)
2B Chase Utley (8)
SS Jimmy Rollins (14)
3B Mike Schmidt (16)
LF Greg Luzinski (9)
CF Richie Ashburn (10)
RF Johnny Callison (9)
P Steve Carlton (14)
Club Records
Most home runs -- Mike Schmidt (5), Scott Rolen and Jimmy Rollins (3)
Most starts -- Steve Carlton (14)
Most consecutive starts -- Robin Roberts (12, from 1950-61)
Most wins -- Robin Roberts (5)
Most losses -- Steve Carlton (9)
Most shutouts -- Chris Short (3)
Most Home Runs, 2
Sherry Magee on April 14, 1914 in a 10-1 win vs. New York Giants at Baker Bowl (6 RBIs)
Lefty O’Doul on April 18, 1929 in a 11-9 loss vs. New York Giants at Baker Bowl (4 RBIs)
Chuck Klein on April 14, 1931 in a 9-5 loss vs. New York Giants at Baker Bowl (3 RBIs)
Don Money on April 8, 1969 in a 7-6 loss vs. Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, 11 innings (5 RBIs)
Most RBIs, 6
Sherry Magee on April 14, 1914 in a 10-1 win vs. New York Giants at Baker Bowl (1B, 2 HRs)
Placido Polanco on April 5, 2010 in a 11-1 win vs. Washington Nationals at Nationals Park (1B, grand slam)