This Day in Philly Sports History

On this day in 1999, rookie quarterback Donovan McNabb made his first NFL start, leading the Eagles to a 35-28 win over Washington.  #5 would go on to be the greatest quarterback in Eagles history leading the team to 5 NFC championship games and a Super Bowl appearance.

It's a triple threat day today.  On this day in 1979 Darryl Dawkins shattered his first backboard in the NBA, in 1976 the Sixers won their 3rd straight to move to 7-4 to open Dr. J's first season in Philadelphia, and in 1994 the Eagles lost to the Browns which would be their first of 7 straight losses after going 7-2 to start the year.

On this Day in 1990 the Eagles defeated Washington 28-14 on Monday Night Football at the Vet in what became known as the "Body Bag Game".  The Eagles defense scored 2 TDs and knocked out 9 Washington players included both of the quarterbacks leaving rookie running back Brian Mitchell to finish the game at Quarterback.  Both teams would finish 10-6 and play each other in the Wild Card Rou...

On this day in 1985 Pelle Lindbergh, the Flyers Vezina Trophy winning goalie died after a single car accident.  Lindbergh had just led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals and the Flyers were in the midst of a 12-2 start to the 85-86 season.  Don't drink and drive.

On this day in 1998 the #7 ranked Temple Owls opened the season by being the Georgetown Hoyas 65-49 in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.  The Owls would go on to be one of John Chaney's Elite 8 teams.

On this day in 2021 the #4 ranked Villanova Wildcats defeated Mount St. Mary's 91-51 to open up what would be Jay Wright's final season on the Main Line.  Villanova would go on to reach the Final Four before losing to the eventual National Champion, Kansas.

On this day in 1986 Paul Palmer played his final home game as an Owl, rushing for 212 yards and 2 touchdowns while also throwing for another.  The Owls lost to Boston College 38-29 as the defense gave up over 500 yards to the Eagles.

On this day in 2009 the #4 ranked Villanova Wildcats beat the #1 ranked Richmond Spiders 21-20 in Richmond.  They would go on to win the NCAA FCS (Division I-AA) championship.

On this day in 1994 the Eagles beat the Cardinals 17-7 to move to 7-2 on the season.  Things were looking good until they failed to win another game that season marking the end of the Rich Kotite era.

On this day way back in 1933 the Philadelphia Eagles recorded their first ever win in franchise history, beating the Cincinnati Reds 6-0.  The would go on to finish the season 3-5-1.

On this day in 2004 the Phillies officially introduced Charlie Manuel as their next manager.  The move was not popular at the time as most wanted Jim Leyland.  When the dust settled I think everyone would say they were glad they were wrong.

On this day in 2013 the Legend of Nick Foles was born.  The Eagles traveled to Oakland and beat the Raiders 49-20 behind 7 touchdown passes from Nick Foles.  The win sparked something in the Eagles who went on to win 7 of their next 8 games and win the NFC East.

On this day in 2009 the Phillies beat the Yankees 8-6 in game 5 of the World Series.  It was their only home win that series and they didn't allow the Yankees to celebrate at Citizen's Bank Park.  Chase Utley hit 2 homers and Raul Ibanez added another for the Phillies.

On this day in 2009 NY and Philly played a multisport double header in South Philly.  The Eagles beat the Giants 40-17 then the Yankees beat the Phils 7-4 in Game 4 of the World Series.

We couldn't decide on one so on this day in 1993, Emmitt Smith shredded the Eagles, in 2008 we celebrated the Phillies World Series win and in 2015 the Temple Owls played the biggest game in program history.  Happy Halloween!

On this day in 2005 the Eagles lost to the Broncos 49-21 in Denver.  It would ultimately be T.O.'s last game as an Eagle as he was suspend that week after an altercation with Hugh Douglas in the training room.

On this day in 2008 the Phillies finally won Game 5 of the World Series to bring home their first championship in 28 years and ended Philly's long title drought.  Geoff Jenkins and Pat Burrell came through with big doubles to lead the way.

On this day in 2009 Cliff Lee was on fire and Chase Utley hit 2 homers to lead the Phillies to a 6-1 win in Game 1 of the World Series.

On this day in 2008 the Phillies looked to win their first championship in 28 years.  Then it rained.  And rained.  And rained.  Then rained some more.  The umps finally postponed the game after the top of the 6th inning with the scored tied at 2, delaying any dreams of a championship celebration.

On this day in 1980 the Eagles won a hard fought game in a windy Veteran's Stadium against the Bears 17-14.  The win was a good test for the Eagles who finished the first half of the season 7-1 and had aspirations of a Super Bowl.

On this day in 1987 the Eagles beat the Cowboys 37-20 in first game after the players strike.  Buddy Ryan called for a fake spike that led to a touchdown with seconds left to get his revenge on Tom Landry for running up the score 2 weeks before when he put his strike breaker players in during the 2nd half of blowout.  This reignited the Eagles/Cowboys rivalry.

The Phillies are going to the World Series in dramatic fashion.  Also on this day in 2010 the Eagles lost to the Titans 37-19.  The loss prompted Andy Reid to replace Kevin Kold with Michael Vick as the starting the quarter back, resulting in the Eagles winning the NFC East.

On this day in 1993 Joe Carter hit a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 9th to win the World Series and the 93 Phillies season.  Ordinarily we wouldn't discuss this with what's on the line for this year's Phillies but this is #NewPhilly.  Let's Go!

On this day in 2000 the Eagles beat the Bears 13-9 at the Vet to improve to 5-3.  While it seemed inconsequencial at the time, they were about to embark on an epic run that would lead to an 11-5 record, a playoff win, Donovan emerging as a star and a young Jim Montgomery becoming a season ticket holder.

On this day in 1980 the Phillies beat the Royals 4-1 to win the World Series for the first time in team history.  Mike Schmidt knocked in 2 runs while Steve Carlton shut down Kansasa City.  The iconic moment of Tug McGraw's leap, forever ingrained in Phillies lore.  Let's keep the good vibes rolling this weekend.