This Day in Philly Sports History – May 11

Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame

Winter sports season is over in Philly after both the Flyers and Sixers were swept in their second round series. Both teams are heading into crucial offseasons appearing to be headed in polar opposite directions. The Phillies also remain hot. May 11 has seen great individual performances for the Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers.

Rose Steals the Day

Pete Rose signing with the Phillies is what helped put them over the top in 1980. On this day he did his part to beat his former team. After the Phillies dropped the first two games of their three-game set, the Phillies avoided the sweep winning 7-3. In the seventh inning Rose stole three bases – second, third and home – completing the stolen base cycle for the Phillies.

Trivia – Which Phillies have also achieved the stolen base cycle in a game for the team? (Answer Below)

Dr. J Defies Physics

The same day that Rose achieved the stolen base cycle, Dr. J was doing his part to make the highlight reels. The Sixers evened up the NBA Finals against the Lakers at two games apiece, beating the L.A. 105-102 at the Spectrum. Darryl Dawkins led the Sixers with 26. Dr. J added twenty-three include one of the greatest plays in NBA history, Finals or otherwise. Coming down the right side, he drove to the baseline where Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was waiting. In mid-air Doc changed direction, went behind the backboard, and sank the reverse layup. To this day, it is one of the greatest moves in NBA history.

Flyers Move On

The Flyers eliminated the Sabres in 1997 after winning Game 5 6-3. Eric Lindros scored two goals and added an assist. Dainius Zubrus also scored twice, and Rod Brind’Amour added three assists. The Flyers were moving on to the Eastern Conference Finals to take on the Rangers in their quest to return the Stanley Cup to Philly.

Rowand Endears Himself to the Fans

Aaron Rowand was traded to the Phillies in November of 2005 as part of the trade that sent Jim Thome to the White Sox. While the move paved the way for Ryan Howard to play first base everyday, Rowand was not exactly a slouch. In 2006 against the Mets Rowand became a legend. With the bases loaded and two out in the top of the first, Rowand chased down a long fly ball, jumped for it, made the catch, and ran face first into the centerfield wall. His face hit an unpadded metal bar on the fence breaking his nose and cheekbone. When asked why he risked injury to make the catch, Rowand said “”For who? My teammates. For what? To win”. If only Ricky Watters had taken notes.

Trivia Answer – Sherry Magee (1906), Pete Rose (1980), and Jayson Werth (2009).

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