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Ricky Jordan

 Ricky Jordan

 In the spring of 1983 just before the start of the baseball season, Grant coach Mike Alberghini convinced his prized student athlete Ricky Jordan that baseball, rather than football, was the right sport for his future. “Ricky”, the decorated coach counseled, “There are little defensive backs out there who will take your knees right out.”

Ricky took the advice and had a monster senior year hitting .356 with 4 home runs and 43 RBI’s. He made the All-City team and was the 22nd overall pick in the 1983 MLB draft. Ricky had a number of college offers, but the infamous scout Eddie Bockman made a nice offer on behalf of the Philadelphia Phillies, and soon Ricky was off to Butte, Montana in the Pioneer League. Ricky quickly established himself as one of the organization’s top prospects as he climbed the ladder towards the majors.

In 1987 Rickey hit .318 with 16 home runs and 95 RBIs. In 1988 he was called up to the Phillies. Few players have ever enjoyed a more auspicious debut than Ricky Jordan in Philadelphia on July 17, 1988. The Houston Astros were in town, and veteran pitcher Bob Knepper was on the mound. Ricky drew a walk in his first at-bat. Back in the dugout, future Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton gave Ricky counsel: “He’s going to throw you the same sequence of pitches, so be ready for that first pitch curve ball.” Ricky was, and in his first official at-bat in the big leagues he launched a three-run homer into the left field stands. He hit another home run the following night and would finish with 11 in just 69 games.

He finished his rookie season with a .308 batting average. Ricky would spend the next 7 seasons in Philadelphia playing a steady and reliable first base. He was an excellent contact hitter and collected 585 hits, slugged 54 homers, drove in 300 runs, and finished with a solid .282 batting average. Ricky was invited to spring training with the California Angels in 1995. He had a solid camp, but while participating in a fielding drill, he felt a burn in his shoulder and would spend the year rehabbing in the minors. After a brief stint in Seattle, Ricky retired after the 1996 season. 

Ricky loved playing for the Phillies and when asked what he thought of the rabid fan base there, He said: “They are very blue collar, and they know the game. If you hustle and dive for balls, they will respect you, but they have no tolerance for showboats.” The Philly fans still love Ricky. He is one of the most popular players at their annual Fantasy Camp in Florida. While some former players merely walk around and mingle, Ricky suits up and plays against the camp participants in the big exhibition game. Most of the fantasy campers are amazed, and they go away saying: “Wow, Ricky could still play in the big leagues.” He probably could. 

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