The 1998 Philadelphia Phillies season was the 116th season in the history of the franchise. Regular season The first game of the Phillies season was an unforgettable opening day game at Shea Stadium against their division rival New York Mets. Both of them were involved in the longest scoreless opening day game in the National League and the longest one in the MLB since 1926 when the Washington Senators beat the Philadelphia Athletics 1–0 in 15 innings. However, the Phillies lost the game 1–0 in 14 innings when Mets backup catcher Alberto Castillo delivered a full-count, two-out, pinch-hit single to right with the bases loaded off Philadelphia closer Ricky Bottalico. This was the first regular season baseball game played in New York in March. Season standings Record vs. opponents Transactions February 24, 1998: Midre Cummings was released by the Philadelphia Phillies. June 2, 1998: Pat Burrell was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1st round (1st pick) of the 1998 amateur draft. Player signed July 24, 1998. June 24, 1998: Rex Hudler was released by the Philadelphia Phillies. August 14, 1998: Paul Byrd was selected off waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies from the Atlanta Braves. Roster Player stats Batting Starters by position Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Other batters Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Pitching Starting pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Other pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Relief pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts 1998 Game Log |- style="background:#fbb" | 1 || March 31 || @ Mets || 0–1 (14) || Turk Wendell (1–0) || Ricky Bottalico (0–1) || None || 49,142 || 0–1 |- |- style="background:#bfb" | 2 || April 2 || @ Mets || 6–5 || Mark Portugal (1–0) || Al Leiter (0–1) || Ricky Bottalico (1) || 13,591 || 1–1 |- style="background:#fbb" | 3 || April 3 ||