Scrapbook Sunday: April 9, 1985

1985 Fleer #256 Jerry Koosman

The Phillies have always been notorious for their annual slow/poor starts in April. 25 years ago, the team lived up to that notoriety by dropping 8 of their first 9 games. Let's hope this is no where near the case when the 2010 season begins tomorrow afternoon. (Throwing out a little reverse black cat action here.)

4-Man Rotation: Kyle Kendrick will fill the rotation spot vacated by an injured Joe Blanton for the first 3 to 6 weeks of the 2010 season. Back in 1985, the Phillies opened the season with a 4-man rotation, consisting of Steve Carlton, John Denny, Jerry Koosman and Shane Rawley. The team's 5th starter, Kevin Gross, didn't make his first start of the season until April 28th.

Public Service Announcement: 1985 was to be Koosman's last season in the Majors and he was hampered by injuries for the most of the year. He pitched in 19 games for the Phils, compiling a 6-4 record with a 4.62 ERA. He appeared in his last game on August 21st, and was eventually released by the team in December. Last May, Koosman plead guilty to federal tax evasion for failing to file tax returns in 2002, 2003 and 2004. As we're approaching the dreaded tax deadline day, please don't make the same mistake Mr. Koosman made.

Bobby D.: On tax day 1985, Phillies Room favorite Bob Dernier scored the Cubs first run and current Phillies first base coach Davey Lopes scored the go-ahead run in the Cubs 2-1 victory over the Phillies.

Happy Easter!