1993 Phillies World Series Team: Jordan - Morandini

Ricky Jordan - 1993 Stadium Club

Ricky was the Phillies 1st round draft pick in 1983. He made his major league debut on July 17, 1988. At first base, where he mostly played for his career. He lost his starting job when John Kruk was signed by the Phillies in 1989. Ironically, his best season was probably 1989 when he appeared in 144 games, hit 12 home runs with 75 rbis and a batting average of 0.285. By 1993, he was primarily a late inning replacement and pitch hitter. He appeared in 90 games but only in 33 games at 1st base (his only position). He had a batting average of 0.289 but only hit 5 home runs and 18 rbis. He had 11 at bats in the playoffs with 2 hits. Ricky became a free agent after the strike-shortened 1994 season It is my recollection that Jordan was among a few players that year that were especially hurt by the strike. These were guys who became free agents after the strike with hopes of making it big but didn't. Jordan was eventually signed by the Mariners in March of 1996 (after not playing in 1995 at all). He appeared in 33 games before shoulder problems forced him to retire.

John Kruk - Upper Deck SP

Kruk was the Padres 3rd round draft pick in 1981 and made his major league debut on April 7, 1986. In his first two years with the Padres he hit for a combined average of 0.312. An interesting stat while with the Padres - on April 13, 1987 (my oldest son's 3rd birthday), Marvel Wynne, Tony Gwynn, and Kruk became the first in major league history to lead off a game with home runs. The Padres went on to beat the Giants in that game 13-6.

In 1988, Kruk only hit 0.241 and started off the 1989 season hitting 0.184. My recollection is that Kruk had problems with Larry Bowa, the Padres manager in 1988. The Padres traded him with Randy Ready to the Phillies in 1989 for Chris James. In 281 at bats with the Phillies in 1989, Kruk batted 0.331. He was an All-Star in 1991, 1992 and 1993. In 1993, Kruk batted 0.316 with 85 rbis, 14 HR, 100 runs scored and 111 walks. He hit for a combined average of 0.281 in the playoffs.

In spring training of 1994, Kruk was diagnosed with testicular cancer after being hit in the groin by a wild pick-off throw by teammate Mitch Williams which broke his protective cup. He came back after surgery for 75 games and hit for a 0.302 average. Kruk was signed by the White Sox for the 1993 season but knee problems forced him to retire after only 45 games.

Since retirement Kruk has been a coach in the Phillies minor league system. Currently he appears on the Fox Sports show, The Best Damn Sports Show Period.

Mickey Morandini - Upper Deck


Morandini was the Phillies 5th round draft pick in 1988 and made his major league debut at 2nd base on 9/1/90. He was known primarily for his defense and never hit for average or power. On 9/20/92, he completed an unassisted triple play involving Barry Bonds. One of the few Phillie highlights in 1992. In '93, Mickey batted 0.247 , but had a fielding percentage of 0.990. He was an All Star in 1995. The Phillies traded him to the Cubs in December 1997 for Doug Glanville. He came back to the Phillies in 2000, but was traded to the Blue Jays in August or Rob Ducey. He retired at the end of the 2000 season.

I included the front and back of this card because it happens to be one of my favorite cards. It shows two photographs from the same play.