With the Phillies taking part in what would become a down-to-the-wire divisional race, McCarver was signed on September 1, 1980 to return as a player. He would serve as a veteran voice in the clubhouse, a lefty pinch-hit bat, and emergency insurance at first base and catcher.
Phillies 50: Forgotten 1971 – Manny Muniz
Manny Muniz was a 23-year-old right-hander who made his big-league debut during a September promotion in the first Phillies season at Veterans Stadium.
Phillies 50: Forgotten 1972 – Pete Koegel
The position player representative from the 1972 Phillies appeared in 41 games during his final of three MLB seasons that year.
Phillies 50: Forgotten 1972 – Bob Terlecki
Right-handed pitcher Bob Terlecki made his only nine MLB appearances in the late summer of 1972 with the Philadelphia Phillies.
1972 Phillies: Super Steve and whacky promotions
The 1972 Philadelphia Phillies were bad on the field, but a super performance from newcomer Steve Carlton and some whacky promotions helped ease fans pain.