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 March 9-16.
March 10, 1955
The Phillies defeat the Detroit Tigers, 4-2, in the first game played at Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater. Right-handed pitcher Robin Roberts starts and third baseman Willie Jones wins it with a two-run double in the eighth.
March 11, 1947
The Phillies begin their first Grapefruit League season in Clearwater with a 13-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers before 1,766 fans at Athletic Field.
March 11, 1974
Wall of Fame outfielder Bobby Abreu is born in Maracay, Venezuela.
March 12, 1939
Wall of Fame outfielder Johnny Callison is born in Qualls, Okla.
March 12, 1980
Outfielder Chuck Klein is elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.
March 12, 2020
Major League Baseball announces that the sport will be shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the Phillies defeat the Tampa Bay Rays, 8-4, in their final spring training game. The Phils would not play again until the season opener on July 24.
March 15, 1943
With wartime travel restrictions in place, the Phillies open spring training in Hershey, Pa.