Major League Baseball

Phillies: Brad Lidge to Relive Game Five of 2008 World Series in Radio Special

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:53 p.m. ET

Fansided, John Town/FanSided via That Balls Outta Here

Former Phillies closer Brad Lidge will tell the story of the wacky Game Five of the 2008 World Series on MLB Network Radio Saturday night.

Without a doubt, any Phillies fan knows exactly where they were when Brad Lidge struck out Eric Hinske and returned the World Series trophy to Philadelphia after 28 years. I was watching at home, on my couch, and all the adults around me who were alive in 1980 to see the first World Series title went ballistic.

It was certainly the high point of Lidge’s career as it was his only time ever winning a World Series. He will tell the story of Game Five on MLB Network Radio’s “My Best Day in Baseball” program, beginning Saturday night at eight o’clock PM E.S.T.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com has already had the chance to listen to the program. He said:

“The show is a fun listen. Not only does Lidge share his thoughts on the game, but also interspersed among his recollections are portions of the Phils’ radio broadcast and other audio clips, bringing fans back into the moment.”

Sealing the deal in the 2008 Series was Lidge’s redemption for three years prior while he was in Houston.

He was the losing pitcher in Game Four of the 2005 World Series, giving up the game-winning run to Jermaine Dye of the White Sox. It soured his image in Houston, and some of their fans will always associate him with the loss.

2008 was one of Lidge’s best seasons as a whole. He didn’t blow a single save all year, recording 48 between the regular season and postseason. Lidge was an All-Star, was fourth in Cy Young voting, and eight in MVP voting.

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Lidge pitched three more years in Philadelphia, but none of them matched up to his 2008 season. He especially struggled in 2009, when he had a 7.21 ERA in 55 games. He eventually lost the closing job with it falling back into the hands of Brett Myers.

Over his career, Lidge pitched 603 games in 11 seasons with Houston, Philadelphia, and Washington. He has a career 3.54 ERA (122 ERA+), 1.291 WHIP, and 11.9 K/9. Lidge racked up 225 saves and a 26-32 record.

Lidge is still associated with the Phils as he has been one of the team’s guest instructors in spring training.

He will be returning this year along with several others from the 2008 team. He and Chad Durbin will mentor some of the younger players expected to be in Philadelphia’s bullpen.

Baseball season is just around the corner, and revisiting the glorious moments of the past will help get us fans excited.