September 20, 1964 Ð Phils Looking Forward to Postseason
With just twelve games remaining in the season, the first-place PhilliesÑowners of an impressive 90-60 recordÑsay that they are already looking forward to the teamÕs first National League pennant since 1950. ÒWith a 61Ú2 game lead [on Cincinnati], IÕd say we have this thing pretty much in hand, wouldnÕt you?Ó smiled manager Gene Mauch yesterday, enjoying an early victory cigar in his office at Connie Mack Stadium. ÒJust have to finish out the stringÑand then itÕs on to either New York or Chicago!Ó
 Rookie third baseman Richie Allen was similarly excited for the teamÕs upcoming spot in the World Series. ÒTo win the pennant my first year here is just great,Ó said the power-hitting Rookie-of-the-Year candidate. ÒI really think IÕm going to enjoy my time here in Philadelphia.Ó Shortstop Bobby Wine agreed. ÒLook at this here,Ó he said, holding up a brand-new copy of TV GuideÕs World Series preview. ÒConnie Mack [Stadium]Ñright on the cover! Boy, is this ever a thrill!Ó
Rightfielder Johnny Callison, however, was a bit more cautious. ÒI know itÕd take some sort of epic thing to knock us out of first at this point, but weÕve got to stay on the ball,Ó said the two-time all-star. ÒYou canÕt take anything for granted, is all IÕm saying.Ó Mauch, though, seemed convinced that the pennant was well in hand. ÒIn a couple weeks, thereÕs going to be a big party in this town,Ó he nodded, leaning back in his chair. Ò1964 is going to go down in Phillies history. I can feel it!Ó |
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February 12, 2003 Ð EskinÕs Hunger Strike Reaches 64 Days
610-WIP AM afternoon host Howard EskinÕs hunger strikeÑwhich he began to spur the trade of 76ers point guard Allen IversonÑreached an astonishing sixty-four days yesterday. ÒI neverÉ never thoughtÉ it would go this long,Ó wheezed an emaciated Eskin from the stationÕs N. 5th St studios. ÒButÉ but IÕm gonna stick to myÉ my guns.Ó
 EskinÕs coworkers marveled at his incredible resolve. ÒWhen he said he wouldnÕt eat Ôtil Iverson was traded, I thought heÕd, yÕknow, skip lunch or something like that,Ó laughed morning host Angelo Cataldi. ÒBut that was two months agoÑand he still hasnÕt eaten. He really, really doesnÕt like AIÕs game.Ó Overnight host Big Daddy Graham agreed. ÒI passed Howard in the hallway the other day, and I didnÕt even recognize himÑhis cheeks were all sunk, and he could barely stand up straight,Ó he said concernedly. ÒI asked him if he was okay, and all he said was, ÔIversonÕs gotta go.ÕÓ
WIP station manager Jeff Whitestone admitted that he was beginning to fear for the drivetime hostÕs healthÑboth physical and mental. ÒThe first couple days, it was kind of funny, like, ÔGee, Howard, you must be pretty hungry!Õ But now itÕs really getting frightening. If [the Sixers] donÕt make a deal, I donÕt know whatÕs going to happen.Ó Eskin, meanwhile, seemed to understand the gravity of his actions. ÒIverson doesnÕtÉ doesnÕt distribute theÉ the ball enough,Ó he croaked. ÒTooÉ too selfish.Ó He paused to suck on an ice cube, then, with great effort, rasped, ÒIf he doesnÕt go soonÉ I will.Ó
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