Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia

Veterans Stadium

Veterans Stadium was one of the largest ballparks in the National League. While O.K. for football, and it sold out for the Eagles' 8 game regular season schedule, small crowds seem even smaller at the Vet. On this night there were 14,000 in attendance.

Veterans Stadium was refurbished in the '90's. Gone are all the red and yellow seats from this postcard image, which were replaced with a sea of blue.

Another change as a result of the remodeling was the obligatory video huge video screen, and the relocation of the Liberty Bell. When Greg Luzinski "cracked" it, it was not in this location.

The view from straight away center field. In multi-purpose stadiums like the Vet, you will start to see the markings of the football field as the baseball season progresses. The markings become more pronounced as more football games are played. This image was taken in early September, after only a few pre-season Eagles' games.

As is the case with some other larger, multi purpose stadiums, there are no fouls poles in the Vet. There is a net that is suspended from cables that hangs down. Here is the view from behind left field.

One of the more popular and recognizable cartoon mascots in professional sports today is the Phillies Phanatic. Either in the stands, or on the field, he/she/it never seems to be at a loss for thing to do. There has been a growing trend to throw t-shirts into the stands between innings. The Phanatic is the only one with a power motor bike, and a personalized shooter to accomplish the task.

Lighting up the nighttime Philadelphia sky.

While maybe some day Doug Glanville will join the other Phillies (and Jackie Robinson) whose uniform numbers were retired, it will not be at the Vet.

Interestingly one thing that was not added to the Vet are the rolling advertisement signs behind home plate, and along each foul line.

As night falls over the Vet, the Phillies are on their way to a loss as the boo birds start to circle.

Final Innings (Sept 27, 2003)

Even the late, great Connie Mack, "Mr. Baseball", seems to know that Veterans Stadium time is about to expire. He will be moving a few hundred yards away, to his left, for a new generation of fans to be photographed with.

Before the start of the last game at the Vet, the super sized Old Glory is unfurled on the playing field one last time.

Kevin Millwood delivering the first pitch of the last game at the Vet.

Once the game was official, the Vet countdown number was brought down to zero by long time Hall of Fame broadcaster- Harry Kalas.

With one out in the bottom of the ninth, and a runner on first base, the last pitch in Veterans Stadium history is about to be thrown by Jason Marquis of the Atlanta Braves to Phillies 2nd baseman Chase Utley...

...who grounded into an inning-ending, game-ending, season-ending, stadium-ending double-play.

The All Time Phillies / Veterans Stadium team (at least those who could attend or were invited), on the field for one last cheer, along with most of the 2003 Phillies. (Jose Mesa was nowhere to be found, and we suspect that given the reception that Kevin Millwood received, he may have wished he was with him.)

Part of the procession to home plate for the final goodbye.

After touching home for the final time, the 67 alumni, all in vintage uniforms, including the awful all burgundy one worn by Larry Christenson, and the 2003 team, encircle Tug McGraw.

The final fireworks display.