1976 All-Star Game in Philly celebrated country's 200th anniversary
Baseball’s 47th All-Star Game highlighted the Bicentennial summer celebration in Philadelphia. The scene was Veterans Stadium. The date was July 13, 1976, nine days following the country’s 200th anniversary festivities. The National League won, 7-1, their fifth straight and 13th in the last 14.
The five Cincinnati Reds selected by the fans to start the game (3B Pete Rose, 2B Joe Morgan, SS Dave Concepcion, CF George Foster, C Johnny Bench), and the two reserves selected by manager Sparky Anderson collectively combined for seven hits, four runs scored, and four RBI. Foster homered, drove in three runs and was named the MVP.
Darrell Johnson (Red Sox) managed the AL. Among the coaches were Gene Mauch (Twins) for the AL and Danny Ozark, Philly’s favorite, on the NL.
25-year-old slugger Greg Luzinski started in left field and batted fifth. “The Bull” was the top vote getter among NL outfielders, an honor that was repeated in 1977. In 1978 he led all NL players in voting.
For the first time, the Phillies had five players, Luzinski, C Bob Boone, 2B Dave Cash, SS Larry Bowa, 3B Mike Schmidt. Each received a thunderous standing ovation when introduced pre-game. Former Phillies included SS Toby Harrah (Rangers), 3B Don Money (Brewers) and RHP Dick Ruthven (Braves). Six of the eight were originally signed by the Phillies.
Newsy Notes
Hall of Famer Robin Roberts was the National League’s honorary captain. American League honors went to Bob Lemon.
Starting with this All-Star Game, both “O Canada” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” were sung as part of the pregame ceremonies.
Detroit’s Mark (The Bird) Fidrych was only the second rookie to ever start as a pitcher in an All-Star Game (Dave Stenhouse, 1962 first game).
Attendance of 63,974 was the third largest in All-Star Game history at the time. It currently ranks fifth highest.
President Gerald Ford attended the game and threw out the first ball. While greeting National League players in their clubhouse pre-game, the Dodgers’ Steve Garvey, in offering a cap, asked what size. Ford quipped “Depends on how the political polls are doing.”
Bicentennial Celebrations
As the site of the Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia also served as the host of other major sports events in 1976, the NBA and NHL All-Star classics and the NCAA Final Four.
As part of the United States Semi quincentennial observance this summer, the major league All-Star game (July 14) and events will take place in Philadelphia and Citizens Bank Park.
Showcasing the City
Bill Giles, the Phillies executive vice president, decided to dramatically change the philosophy of the social life at the All-Star Game. “I believed the All-Star Game should be more than just a game and a buffet dinner at a hotel on the evening prior to the game. After all, baseball was showcasing the 50 or so best players in the entire world.”
After surveying numerous sites in the city, Giles chose the Judge Lewis Quadrangle in Independence Park at the doorstep to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Giles’ book, Pouring Six Beers at a Time, paints a picture of the big bicentennial bash…
“There was a big awning over the area. We constructed a bandstand and dance floor in the center. We had a dance band from New York and a Mummers band to perform. We transported 1,500 guests from their hotels in the city’s cable-car-type trollies. When the guests arrived, they were greeted by the Phillies Hot-Pants Patrol (usherettes) holding trays of wine and gin and tonics. There were plenty of bars and sumptuous food stations distributed throughout. At about 10 p.m., a spectacular fireworks show exploded overhead.
“Everyone had such a great time that succeeding All-Star Game parties kept getting bigger and better. Eventually the All-Star break turned into a three-day celebration.”
The Vet’s outfield wall included “Happy Birthday America” and the skyline of Philadelphia, fitting for the historic occasion.