PCP Sports

by John Ryan

With today’s signing of Theo Ratliff to a one-year contract, the 76ers have brought back an integral member of their group that led resurgence in the early part of this decade. Ratliff wasn’t the first (and won’t be the last) former athlete to come back to Philadelphia for a second go-round. Here are some of the more notable names that have had successful (or not so successful) returns to Philadelphia.

Memorable

1.)   Mark Recchi – Still had his scoring touch when he came back later in his career.

2.)  Jeremiah Trotter – When he came back the super bowl year, he went from special teams player to starter to pro bowler. He also netted himself a nice new FA deal.

3.)  Ron Hextall – The Flyers were kings (especially Bobby Clarke) at bringing back their former stars for another try. This move, despite some criticism, led to continued success for the organization and another Stanley Cup appearance.

4.)  Hugh Douglas – It only last one season, but when he came back after a disastrous stint in Jacksonville, he had a nice year in a reserve role and helped the Eagles depth along the all-important D-line.

5.)  Larry Bowa – True, he didn’t come back to play, but he was a darn good manager. Disagree? That’s not totally outlandish, but consider this: Until the nucleus of Lieberthal/Abreu/Burrell was broken up, Manuel didn’t get them to the playoffs either. The teams Bowa had were serial underachievers (and poorly constructed by Ed Wade). Also, Bowa made the Phillies relevant again after the city practically gave up on them. Not making the playoffs is what ultimately killed him, but he got them to a winning record in 2001 for the first time since 1993, and made the Phils relevant enough to 1.) Sign Jim Thome 2.) Get funding for a new ballpark 3.) People to CARE again!

Forgettable

1.)  Andy Ashby – The Phils re-acquired him for (yuck) a young Adam Eaton in order to solidify their rotation and put a veteran presence in there who actually was effective and not just an “innings eater.” Instead, he was a disaster, and will always be remembered for his one famous action toward the fans. A jackass if there ever was one, and a non-effective one to boot!

2.)  Moses Malone – Was a shell of his former self when he finally came back, and his 76ers were nowhere near the team they were when he was here the first time.

3.)  Adam Eaton – His second stint here, no matter how brief his first one lasted, has been a disaster since day one. He was awarded in 3 year deal from new GM Pat Gillick and has had less than a dozen quality starts in one and a half seasons.

4.)  Ruben Amaro, Jr. – I once told Ed Wade, when he asked me if I remember Ruben from his playing days, “I remember both stints.” What I didn’t tell Ed was how forgettable both stints really were. Boy he was bad, but the Phillies always liked him and always bring back stiffs if they’re friends of the organization. Now this desperate fan base can only hope he doesn’t destroy the team after Gillick retires. As of right now he would seem to be the front-runner. But here are some facts about Amaro that don’t exactly earn him any of my non-counting votes: 1.) He talks to fans like they know nothing. He talks as if him and only him knows a thing about baseball. Wrong city for that, Rub. 2.) He has a cockiness about him for someone that never did anything athletically or professionally. Again, wrong city Rub. 3.) He’s done nothing to garner any confidence from anyone here except continually isolate fans like most members of that organization. Like most effective players the Phils never land, Ruben always says one of two things 1.) “We kicked the tires and couldn’t find a match” or 2.) “We weren’t interested”. Great! Ladies and Gentlemen your Philadelphia Phillies GM for 2009!

5.)  Doug Glanville – Is it any wonder that the Phillies lead this portion of the list. Again, another favorite of management mostly because of his Penn ties, and another stiff. Nice guy, but a stiff of the highest degree.