On this day, 18 years ago, World Series Game 5 was suspended

On this day in 2008, Game 5 of the World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays was suspended due to torrential rain. After starting in cold conditions at Citizens Bank Park, heavy downpours flooded the field, leading to severe playing issues by the sixth inning. Once Carlos Peña's RBI single tied the game at 2-2, Major League Baseball officially suspended the contest.

MLB president and COO Bob DuPuy announced the suspension on FOX, putting the World Series on hold for 48 hours. The delay triggered intense anxiety across Philadelphia as fans waited out the rain, debated manager Charlie Manuel's upcoming pinch-hitting choices, and dealt with ticket logistics prior to the eventual resumption of the game.