A lot more than 25 years have passed since the Phillies’ magical summer of 1993, when a couple of guys nicknamed Dutch and The Dude played the leading roles in an unlikely run to the World Series. In fact, when that group of colorful characters gathers this weekend for a 25-year reunion that will include a tribute during Sunday’s game at Citizens Bank Park, it could be considered as much a memorial service as a celebration.
The biggest loss, of course, occurred last summer, when Darren Daulton’s battle with brain cancer ended on Aug. 6. He was the leader of that bunch and you can be sure his former Phillies teammates will raise a toast or two in his memory before the weekend is over.