It’s June 20th, 1883: Krakatoa has recently erupted, Treasure Island has arrived in book stores, and the Brooklyn Bridge is now open after 13 years of construction. Meanwhile, the Phillies are in their first season in the National League. They’re in Boston, facing the Red Caps (the future Atlanta Braves) for their 35th game of the year, and their record stands at 8-26. Batting third in the top of the first inning, shortstop Bill McClellan will do something no Phillie has done yet: he will hit the new franchise’s first ever home run.
Almost 141 years later, the Phils are sitting at 13,998 homers, about to become the 9th major league franchise to reach 14,000.