Great Phillies Moments of All-Star Game Greatness: 1993 - John Kruk Emasculated by Big Unit

by WholeCamels on Jul 6, 2011 1:45 PM EDT

The 1993 Phillies were one of the hottest teams in baseball at the All-Star Break, and Phillies' first baseman was no small reason -- known now primarily for being the fat mulletted face of the "Macho Row" National League Champs, Kruk was also a fine hitter, posting a .316/.430/.474 line in 1993, and was elected to start the All-Star Game at first base for the National League. Kruk was one of three Phillies starters that year, joining Darren Daulton and Terry Mulholland (really).

Enter Mariners' All-Star Randy Johnson. Finally harnessing his potential in what would eventually be a Hall of Fame career, Johnson's reputation in 1993 was still that of a wild fireballer. In the days before Interleague Play, there was real novelty in seeing matchups between the leagues that you'd never otherwise see. Before the game, Kruk stated that he wanted no part of Randy Johnson. In the top of the third, Kruk's nightmare came to pass.

Johnson hurled the first pitch two feet above Kruk's head. Kruk scrambled, pounding his chest, while Johnson kept a straight face. Three pitches later -- including two bailout swings from Kruk, and the at-bat was over. Kruk lived, but Johnson ruled the day.

The American League would go on to win the game 9-3, but the game would be most widely remembered for the hilarity of these two loveable lugs.

Watch it all here!

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Comments

In fact, Mulholland was the starter. He was a really good pitcher for a while there.

by taco pal on Jul 6, 2011 1:46 PM EDT reply actions

FML. I can’t read.

by taco pal on Jul 6, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

At first, I read this as “John Kruk emaciated…”. Then I thought about John Kruk being emaciated and I realized that would be impossible.

The Good Phight, Big Black Kids, and now NotGraphs. Fun!

by FuquaManuel on Jul 6, 2011 1:48 PM EDT reply actions

the actual word

A pun on his later illness? You make the call.

by taco pal on Jul 6, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Big Unit vs. Big Eunuch.

The Good Phight, Big Black Kids, and now NotGraphs. Fun!

by FuquaManuel on Jul 6, 2011 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

That was great

by chase8008 on Jul 6, 2011 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

In a perfect world

This video would be played every tme John Kruk criticizes someone for not being a professional hitter™

We are the Phightin' Irish

by Veni Vidi Vici on Jul 6, 2011 1:54 PM EDT reply actions

wall of fame worthy

"A flute without holes, is not a flute. A donut without a hole, is a Danish."

by DirtyWaters on Jul 6, 2011 1:58 PM EDT reply actions

I remember watching that game at a bar in college. I still laugh when I see it. good times.

25.8/106 CURRENTLY HOT!!!

by Joecatz on Jul 6, 2011 2:00 PM EDT reply actions

Daulton was talking about this on the Fanatic a week or two ago. He said the Cito Gaston called over to the NL bench phone while Kruk was in the on-deck circle and told the Fregosi it was coming and was just for fun so that no one would get upset about it. He said the NL bench was dying of laughter the whole time.

by heyelander on Jul 6, 2011 4:43 PM EDT reply actions