Billy Beane Says '93 Phillies Inspired Moneyball

Billy Beane spoke at a recent Villanova Law School symposium and told the crowd that the genesis of his Moneyball theory started right here with the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies team.

"I was right here in Philadelphia watching the World Series [which the Phils lost to Toronto]," said Beane, who was part of a panel discussing "Moneyball's Impact on Business and Sports." "Those '93 Phillies took a ton of pitches, walked a ton, and scored a ton of runs. That's when it hit me."

Just imagine if those 1993 Phillies had their own Moneyball style movie? They were certainly a collection misfits not entirely unlike Billy Beane's A's teams. "Macho Row" as they were called included John Kruk, Darren Daulton, Lenny Dykstra, Curt Schilling, "Wild Thing" Mitch Williams closing games, Jim Eisnereich (who had tourrette's), Pete Incavilgia and Jim Fregosi leading the bunch. And of course, a young outfielder named Ruben Amaro Jr...

I'd pay to see that movie.