By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor
The next series the Philadelphia Phillies will play at Citizens Bank Park — August 2-5 against the Miami Marlins — will offer fans a chance to recollect and remember the history of the franchise, with a special focus on the 10-year anniversary of the 2008 World Series championship team.
Shane Victorino will officially retire on Friday, August 3, and throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Pat Gillick and the late Roy Halladay will then be inducted onto the Wall of Fame on Saturday, leading up to Sunday's Phillies Alumni Day — where a special, pre-game tribute will honor the 2008 World Series champions.
Twenty-five members of the 2008 team — which won the second-ever championship in franchise history — are scheduled to appear and be introduced on the field prior to the game.
Those members, according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb, include:
Position Players:
- Eric Bruntlett (2008-09)
- Pat Burrell (2000-08)
- Greg Dobbs (2007-10)
- Pedro Feliz (2008-09)
- Ryan Howard (2004-16)
- Geoff Jenkins (2008)
- Jimmy Rollins (2000-14)
- Carlos Ruiz (2006-16)
- Shane Victorino (2005-12)
- Jayson Werth (2007-10)
Pitchers:
- Joe Blanton (2008-12)
- Clay Condrey (2006-09)
- Chad Durbin (2008-10, 2013)
- Scott Eyre (2008-09)
- Kyle Kendrick (2007-14)
- Brad Lidge (2008-11)
- Jamie Moyer (2006-10)
- Brett Myers (2002-09)
- J.C. Romero (2007-11)
Executive, Manager and Coaches:
- Pat Gillick, General Manager (2006-08), President (2014-15)
- Charlie Manuel, Manager (2005-13)
- Mick Billmeyer, Coach (2004-13)
- Roly deArmas, Bullpen Coach (2008)
- Rich Dubee, Pitching Coach (2005-13)
- Milt Thompson, Hitting Coach (2004-10), Outfielder (1986-88, 1993-94)
While many 2008 Philles have since retired, including Victorino and Jayson Werth, some remain active in Major League Baseball with other organizations, and thus are not able to attend. The following are some notable members of the 2008 team that are not scheduled to appear:
- Chris Coste
- Adam Eaton
- Tom Gordon
- Cole Hamels (Texas Rangers/Chicago Cubs)
- J.A. Happ (Toronto Blue Jays/New York Yankees)
- Tadahito Iguchi
- Ryan Madson (Washington Nationals)
- Rudy Seanez
- Matt Stairs (San Diego Padres, coach)
- So Taguchi
- Chase Utley (Los Angeles Dodgers)
The 2018 Phillies (57-44) are currently three games ahead of the 2008 Phillies (54-47) through their first 101 games. Time will tell if the club will clinch its first postseason berth since 2011 this fall, and perhaps return to the Fall Classic to compete and match the 2008 Phillies' forever-cherished accomplishment.