2009 Phillies Season Trivia Quiz

Answer: Eric Bruntlett

Bruntlett was playing second base with the Phillies clinging to a 9-7 lead. The Mets hitter, Jeff Francoeur, lined a shot to Bruntlett for the first out. Bruntlett then stepped on second base before the runner (Luis Castillo) could return to the bag for the second out. Finally, Bruntlett tagged out the advancing runner (Daniel Murphy) from first base to complete the triple play and win the game for the Phillies. Mickey Morandini was the first Phillie to turn an unassisted triple play.

Answer: Shane Victorino

Victorino won the final vote contest, beating out Pablo Sandoval, Mark Reynolds, Matt Kemp, and Cristian Guzman to make the team. In an unique marketing ploy, the Phillies and Victorino teamed up with the Detroit Tigers and Brandon Inge to get both elected to the game under the slogan, "Bran Torino". Utley was selected by the fans in regular balloting to be the starting second baseman. Howard was selected as a reserve for the team, while Werth made the squad as an injury replacement for the Mets Carlos Beltran.

Answer: Pete Mackanin

Mackanin took over as the bench coach from the retiring Jimy Williams. In addition to coaching with the Phillies, Mackanin has managed the Pirates and Reds in interim assignments. Lopes served as the first base coach, Billmeyer was the bullpen coach, and Dubee was the pitching coach in the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Answer: To honor the recently deceased Harry Kalas

Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away earlier in the week while the team was on the road playing the Washington Nationals. April 17 marked the first time the Phillies were home since his death. The Phillies planned a series of tributes to honor Kalas, including having a "silent inning" to indicate that no announcer could truly replace him. Kalas also became the fourth person to have his body lie in repose in a baseball stadium, after Babe Ruth, Jack Buck, and Miller Huggins.

Answer: Michael Bourn

The Phillies traded four minor league prospects; Lou Marson, Jason Knapp, Jason Donald, and Carlos Carrasco to the Indians in exchange for Lee and Francisco. Lee was an instrumental part of the Phillies winning their second straight National League Championship.

The Phillies traded Bourn after the 2007 season, along with Geoff Geary and Mike Costanzo to the Houston Astros, for Eric Brunlett and Brad Lidge. Lidge played a huge part in the Phillies winning the 2008 World Series, converting all his save chances and winning the Comeback Player of the Year Award.

Answer: Jamie Moyer

Although he struggled throughout the year, Moyer managed to pick up the milestone victory in May. At 46 years of age, Moyer was the oldest player in the big leagues over Randy Johnson of the San Francisco Giants, who picked up his 300th career win in 2009 as well.

Answer: Prince Fielder

Howard and Fielder both tied for the National League RBI lead with 141 RBIs apiece. Teixeira led the American league with 122 RBIs. Pujols had 135 RBIs, and Gonzalez knocked in 99 runs. Pujols, Gonzalez, Fielder, and Howard all made the National League All-Star game as first basemen.

Answer: Jim Tracy

While Hurdle started the season as the manager, Tracy took over the reigns of team in May after Hurdle's dismissal. Tracy led the team on a stunning turn-around that led the team to capture the National League Wildcard. Baylor, a former American League MVP, served as the first manager in the history of the Rockies and was the 2009 hitting coach for the team. Hill was also on the Rockies coaching staff, serving as the first base coach.

Answer: Cole Hamels

Hamels started game 1 and game 5 of the NLCS, as the Phillies eliminated the Dodgers 4 games to 1. Hamels pitched the same games in the 2008 NLCS when he won the MVP award of the series. While not as sharp in 2009, Hamels managed to win game 1, and had a no-decision in the Phillies' game 5 series clinching win. Martinez started game 2, followed by Lee in game 3, and Blanton in game 4.

Answer: Atlanta Braves

The Braves were the last team to accomplish the feat, winning the NLCS in 1995 and 1996. They went on to win the World Series in 1995 against the Cleveland Indians, but lose to the New York Yankees the following year. The Reds were more fortunate, winning both the NLCS and World Series in 1975 and 1976, beating the Boston Red Sox and the Yankees.

The Dodgers were not as lucky, as they won the NLCS in 1977 and 1978, but lost the World Series to the Yankees both years.