Johnny Podres, the pitching coach who helped mold the Phillies ragtag staff into a unit that helped the franchise reach the World Series in 1993, has died after a long illness. He was 75.
Known to everyone as Pods, he succumbed to heart and kidney problems and a leg infection at a hospital in Gen Falls, New York.
The lefthander began his 15-year playing career with the Dodgers and was best known nationally for beating the Yankees on October 4, 1955 to give Brooklyn its first - and what turned out to be only - world championship.
Hired by the Phillies on October 31, 1990, he spent five years in that position, during which time he was known for his knack for developing young pitchers. Curt Schilling, who came to the team as a talented but unproven prospect, has frequently credited Podres with helping him become successful.
He was renowned for his ability to teach pitchers the value of throwing the changeup.
During that time, he became a beloved character locally, not only for his mastery of pitching but his love of the horse track.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; sons John Jr. and Joseph and brothers Thomas and Walter.