Doug Glanville's Walk-Off Homerun: April 18, 2004

Doug Glanville grew up in Teaneck, NJ, just across the Hudson River from New York City, but he was always a Philadelphia Phillies fan. After playing baseball and completing an engineering degree at the University of Pennsylvania, Glanvillle was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and eventually became their everyday center-fielder. Traded to his favorite team, the Phillies in 1997, Glanville became a steady, productive lead-off hitter and premier defensive player for five years. He also became a fan favorite because of his excellent play, hustle, friendly demeanor, skill with the media, and winning smile. 

By 2003, however, Glanville's production had fallen off and he was about to be relegated to the bench as an extra outfielder. Feeling he was still an everyday player, he opted for free agency signing with the Texas Rangers. It was an unhappy year. The last place Rangers traded him mid-season to the Cubs where he was used primarily as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement on a team that went to the playoffs. Granted free agency by the Cubs in October, he was ready to return to Philadelphia as a back-up outfielder for the 2004 season.

On Sunday, April 18, Glanville took his place on the bench as the Phillies faced the Montreal Expos. Marlon Byrd was the starting center fielder. The first Sunday home game of the season brought out a huge and enthusiastic crowd of more than 43,000 to brand new Citizens Bank Park. After starting the season 1-6, the Phillies had won three games in a row and the fans were hoping they could continue the modest win streak. The crowd was quieted and energy drained from the stadium, however, when starting pitcher Randy Wolf gave up three runs to the Expos in the top of the first inning, including home runs by Orlando Cabrera and Brad Wilkerson. 

The Phillies chipped away at the Expo lead with single runs in the second and fourth. In the fifth inning, Jim Thome brought the crowd to its feet with a two run blast to right field and the Phillies took the lead, 4-3. In the top of the seventh inning, Phillies manager Larry Bowa made a double switch, replacing Wolf with lefty Rheal Cormier and sending in Glanville to replace Marlon Byrd in center. It did not go well. Under the unwritten rule that says the baseball always finds the new guy when he enters the game, Expos catcher Brian Schneider launched Cormier's fourth pitch on a line over Glanville's head in center. Glanville retreated, got turned around, made an awkward and unsuccessful stab at the ball, and crumpled into the fence. Schneider made it to third on the play, ruled a triple, and scored on a Ron Calloway ground out. The game was tied 4-4.

Glanville heard it from the fans in the centerfield stands. He told the Philadelphia Daily News, "One guy yelled I shouldn't be allowed to wear Johnny Callison's old number. Another said we might need a defensive replacement for the defensive replacement. The Phillies faithful are going to let you know when they are not happy with a play. I wasn't happy, either." In the bottom of the seventh, Glanville lead off and flied out to center. The game remained tied as Todd Worrell and Billy Wagner each pitched shut out innings and the Expos' Luis Ayala shut the Phillies down for two innings.

In the bottom of the ninth, Glanville was due to lead off again. Right-hander Rocky Biddle came in for the Expos. Glanville worked the count to 3-1 and launched the next pitch on a line to left-center field. The ball landed about five rows deep into the stands for a game-winning, walk-off home run. Glanville's teammates greeted him at home plate and pounded his back until his helmet popped off. The fans went wild and would not stop cheering until Glanville poked his head shyly out of the dugout and waved to the crowd.

The Phillies had a four game winning streak, and Glanville, the goat two innings earlier, had his redemption. Thinking of the boo birds who were on him after the dropped ball he said with his characteristic smile, "There's something for you."

On this day, Doug Glanville turned the jeers to cheers and with both the fans said, "Welcome back to Philadelphia, Doug."