Report: Former Phillie Brad Lidge plans to retire
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JUST IN front of the Citizens Bank Park pitcher's mound in October 2008, Brad Lidge fell to his knees and raised his arms in victory. Ultimate victory. A triumph soon joined by catcher Carlos Ruiz and the rest of the Phillies, as the Delaware Valley exploded in joy.
Lidge had struck out Tampa Bay's Eric Hinske to finish off Game 5 of the 2008 World Series, giving the Phillies their first championship since 1980.
On Sunday, Lidge's agent, Rex Gary, told ESPN that the relief pitcher planned to retire.
Lidge famously went 48-for-48 in save opportunities for the Phillies in 2008. His slider that season was nearly unhittable and he kept batters off-balance with his fastball.
In 2008, Lidge had a 1.95 earned run average. He struck out 92 batters in 69.1 innings.
Lidge, 35, pitched three more seasons with the Phillies, but was injured more than he was healthy. His final season was last year with the Nationals.
He pitched 11 big-league seasons, starting his career with the Astros. He had 225 saves and 18 postseason saves.
Not one save or one strikeout meant more to Lidge, or a victory-starved city, than that one on a cold, damp October night in Philadelphia.
