Groundbreaking for Veterans Stadium took place on October 2, 1967. An opening in 1970 was postponed because of numerous changes in design, weather, cost overruns and labor strikes. Opener came on April 10, 1971. Phillies finished 1,415-1,199 over 33 seasons, drawing 66 million fans. Imploded in 62 seconds, March 21, 2004.
Phillies Alumni
A peek at the past
Phillies Phlashback
A historical look at the dates of April 1-5.
April 1, 1908
Wall of Fame executive John Quinn is born in Columbus, Ohio.
April 1, 2011
After making his first career Opening Day roster, John Mayberry Jr. caps a three-run, ninth-inning rally with a walk-off, pinch single to beat Houston, 5-4, in the season opener.
April 1, 2012
Left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez is signed as an amateur free agent.
April 2, 1992
The Phillies acquire right-handed pitcher Curt Schilling from the Houston Astros for right-handed pitcher Jason Grimsley.
April 3, 2004
Cleveland defeats the Phillies, 6-5, in the exhibition On-Deck Series, the first game at Citizens Bank Park. Jim Thome hits the first unofficial home run in the new park.
April 3, 2011
The Phillies defeat the Houston Astros, 7-3, at Citizens Bank Park, marking the first time they opened the season at home with a three-game sweep since 1899.
April 4, 1975
Hall of Fame third baseman Scott Rolen is born in Evansville, Ind.
April 4, 2003
Chase Utley makes his major league debut as a pinch-hitter.
April 4, 2005
After 36 years of competition against the Montreal Expos, the Phillies play their first game against the Washington Nationals, winning, 8-4, at Citizens Bank Park.
April 5, 2006
With a leadoff double, Jimmy Rollins extends his franchise-record hit streak to 38 games, the fourth-longest in National League history. The streak comes to an end the following day.
April 5, 2010
Third baseman Placido Polanco becomes the first player in franchise history to hit a grand slam on Opening Day and sets a club record for most RBI (6) on Opening Day in an 11-1 win at Washington; Roy Halladay earns the victory in his first start as a Phillie.
April 5, 2012
Roy Halladay pitches the Phillies past the Pirates, 1-0, in Pittsburgh, for the third 1-0 Opening Day win in franchise history.