trio of promising minor leaguers joined the Phillies in September of 1972 after their AAA team was eliminated in the postseason. Speculation was all three could someday be starters. It was a team that needed a great deal of help.
Steve Carlton had one of the greatest seasons ever for a starting pitcher, going 27-10 with an ERA of 1.98. Without him, the Phils went 32-89. They finished next-to-last in runs scored and ninth in team batting with an average of .236. Only two regulars hit better than .250. At one point they lost 19 of 20 games. But under Paul Owens the organization’s minor league system began to improve.
Bob Boone was behind the plate, and Craig Robinson at shortstop when they made their major league debut in the top of the first in a game on September 12, 1972 against the New York Mets. But Don Money, the veteran third baseman, was at his usual spot when the game began.
In the top of the second, however, Money came out of the game and rookie number three took his place at third base: Mike Schmidt.
