In the wake of Harry Kalas’ passing, Koob takes us down memory lane this week with his remembrances of Phillies baseball at the Vet.

8/3/90 – Is it right to cheer for the other team during any circumstance?
First, let me start off by bidding a fond farewell to the late, great Harry Kalas.  His voice WAS Phillies baseball.  I’m so glad he got to go out on top by calling the 2008 World Series and getting to be at the ring ceremony.  Harry’s voice was everywhere.  I’ll never forget the time a few years ago when I was visiting the St. Louis Arch and heard a familiar voice giving out information and instructions over the speakers on the bottom floor of the arch where the various displays and the gift shop are; yup, it was Harry the K.  He did it all, but he will always be remembered as the voice of the Phillies.  Hopefully he and Whitey are now calling the games together again.
Now for part two of my favorite Phillies memories at the Vet.  By early August of 1990, the Phillies were in the midst of another mediocre season and they were going up against the mighty Pittsburgh Pirates who would go on to win their first of three consecutive NL East titles that year.  These were the Pirates of Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla, and Andy Van Slyke, and their pitching staff that year was led by Doug Drabek who finished 22-6 and won the NL Cy Young Award.
On this particular evening, Drabek was going up against the immortal Bruce Ruffin.  Needless to say, things were not looking good for the Phightin’ Phils right out of the gate.   The great Phillies combo of Ruffin, Don Carman, and Jeff Parrett gave up 11 runs in the first five innings.  Meanwhile, Drabek was just mowing the Phillies down.  I was actually tempted to leave, but a friend pointed out to me that Drabek was currently pitching a perfect game.  Of course, as soon as he said that, John Kruk worked a walk with two outs in the bottom of the fifth, but Drabek retired the next batter and the no-hitter was still intact through five.
Fast forward to the Bottom of the 9th.  The score was still 11-0 and other than that walk, Drabek was still perfect.  Drabek got Charlie Hayes to ground out to SS and the fans were going crazy.  We were actually cheering for Drabek to get the job done.  The next batter, Ricky Jordan, struck out swinging and the Vet erupted.  Drabek was just one out away from pitching what would have been the first no-hitter in Veterans Stadium history.  Enter Sil Campusano.  Yes, that’s right, Sil Campusano.  Lenny Dykstra had actually started the game, but since it was such a blowout, Dykstra was pulled after he grounded out to end the 6th inning and replaced by little used bench player Sil Campusano.  Sil was batting a lusty .203 at the time.  Everyone thought it was in the bag.  But lo and behold Campusano worked the count full.  Then, on the next pitch, he ripped a line drive into right centerfield.  The crowd let out a disappointed “awwwww”.  Of course, we cheered for Darren Daulton when he came up next, but he flied out to end the game.
After the game, Mike Schimdt, who was then broadcasting games on the old Phillies sports channel, Prism, criticized the Phillies fans for cheering Drabek on.  We’re talking about an 11-0 blowout in the 9th inning with a chance to witness baseball history!  What would you have done?  Do you think it is wrong to cheer for the opposing team during any circumstances, or would you have joined me in rooting for Sil Campusanso to make an out?