Today in Philly Sports History: Joe Blanton Goes...Well, You Know, 2008

You just kind of know that things are going good when your ninth-hole hitter--also known in National League speak as "The Pitcher"--is going deep for you in the World Series. When Joseph Matthew Blanton stepped to the plate in the bottom of the fifth inning of Game Four against the Rays on October 26th, 2008, his aspirations were far from lofty. "I just closed my eyes and swung hard in case I made contact," said Blanton after the game. Indeed, it would have been unrealistic for the career .111 hitter to expect much from the endeavor. However, things were just going the Phillies way that Autumn, and Smokey Joe connected for a solo home run off pitcher Edwin Jackson.

Blanton was far from the only Phillie to take one deep into the October night during the game. Jayson Werth joined him with a two-run blast in the eighth, and Ryan Howard threatened to steal the stage with two longballs to seal the deal for the Phillies, who ended up winning the game handily, with a 10-2 final. The Phils thus took a 3-1 lead in the series, soon to close out in their final home game. But the story of the night was still Joey Bland, marking just the 15th time a pitcher had ever gone deep in the Fall Classic, and the first time since Oakland's Ken Holtzman did it in 1974.

Unlikely heroes often go on to define a team's October (and these days, November) performances, but I don't think any of us quite expected this. Now, we must ask: Which Phillie will be the one to "go Joe Blanton" on the Yankees in the upcoming World Series?

Comments

[Adam B]

Either Cole (who's had the practice and swings like he means it) or Cliff (who actually makes significant contact).

But man, what I wouldn't give to see Pedro hit one...

[Alex F.]

Anyone have a video of Blanton's homer?

[Matt P.]

I bet most of us remember exactly where we were for this.

/wharf tavern... aston, PA

[jd]

speaking of hitting, who is going to be the phills' DH?

[Sak]

@Matt P.

Standing Room only above the Bullpen

[The Polish Punch]

STAIRS RIPS ONE INTO THE NIGHT!

...is my guess

[Bud]

Start Benfrancisco treat and let Raul DH?
I was in the stands for that HR, and in fact commented in the 2nd inning or so that it had been a long time since I saw a Phils pitcher hit a ding dong (maybe Tommy Greene or somebody) - the guy behind me also was saying for Big Joe to put his weight behind it all game.

[Chuck in 'Bama]

Well in Game 1 against CC, obviously it would have to be Brett Myers as the DH. In all seriousness, I'm guessing Ibanez with Francisco starting in LF.

But in terms of who pulls a Blanton...well, why not Blanton in Game 4 again?

[Bill]

I'd rather see Ibanez stay in the field; he's not a terrible fielder and if any part of his rhythm involves running out to the field every half inning I don't think charlie oughta mess with it. I'd put Stairs in over Francisco, or just fuck with them and let Cliff Lee be his own DH.

[Muscles]

I was in section 107 at the game when "Joe The Lumber" came up to bat :P

[Steve]

Still one of the funniest things I've even seen in my life.

[zfg]

I'd imagine Ibanez will DH and Fransisco will start in LF. That's another thing I really like about getting Fransisco with Lee -- it give the Phils a much better advantage than they've had in the past with the DH. Get to use a right handed batter who can actually hit (i.e. not Bruntlett) and who is actually an outfielder (i.e. not Dobbs).

[Dan]

I believe the MLB Network predicted that Ibanez would DH, with Francisco in the field. He does have a heck of a glove out there, too.

[Allan Smithee]

@Adam B

re: Anyone have a video of Blanton's homer?

Found this video. Couldn't find it on MLB.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4CL0cr2ty4

[Allan Smithee]

Oops.

Meant Alex F.

[dan.k]

Standing Room Only behind section 211

Best $50 ever spent

[Clare]

I was there! I was there I was there I was there that night!

[will.H]

i was in left center getting a beer from dreds. hes a good guy.

[Jeremy Thom]

fuck joe the plumber WE got JOE THE PITCHER