1988 SEASON

Went 2-for-3 including a home run off the Pirates' John Smiley on August 12th, then never played the rest of the season.

Underwent arthroscopic surgery September 7th by Dr. James Andrews (Birmingham, AL). In the 45-minute long procedure, Dr. Andrews shaved off the under surface of the acromion of Mike's right shoulder where a small tear in his rotator cuff was located and decompressed the subacromial space.

Homered on opening day for the fourth time in his career.

Broke up Nolan Ryan's no-hitter April 27th with a one-out single in the ninth inning. That began a string of reaching base nine straight times over three games.

Passed Jimmie Foxx for 8th place on the HR list on May 20th and Mickey Mantle for 7th on July 14th. The homer which passed Mantle was hit in New York and also put Mike in a tie with Joe DiMaggio for 24th place on the RBI list.

Struggled in the first half, batting just .236 and suffered through the longest ever slump of his career (0-for-30), playing with a slight muscle pull in his right side.

Broke slump with an infield single off Rick Reuschel at SF, May 16th. Also had longest homerless drought of his career 100 at bats and 111 plate appearances between May 21st and June 17th.

Came back to hit .292 after the All-Star break (29 games) with 6 HR and 23 RBI.. Started 103 games at third base and batted .333 vs LHP.

Broke Eddie Mathews' NL record for games played by a third baseman on July 26th with his 2,155th.

Filed for free agency, but re-signed with the Phillies on December 7th - signing for a $500,000 base and will receive an additional $500,000 if on the roster May 15th, another $500,000 on August 15th, plus the opportunity to make $300,000 in incentives based on games started and an MVP clause.