Stinkin' Phils

More amazing facts from the Times article on the Phillies approaching the 10,000 loss milestone – the most by any professional sports franchise in history:

* They lost their inaugural game on May 1, 1883

* They lost 23 consecutive games in 1961

* They had a team ERA of 6.71 in 1930

* From 1938 to 1942 they lost at least 103 games every year

* and of course they blew a 6 1/2 game lead over the final 12 games in 1964

* In the 27 seasons from 1919 through 1945, Philadelphia finished last in the National League 16 times and second to last 7 times.

* "The Phillies also have the dishonorable distinction of having had two owners banned from baseball for life."