Looking back at The Times on Oct, 4, 1977, when the paper looked
ahead to the playoff series between the Dodgers and the Phillies:

–Don Merry writes about Dodger starter Tommy John, who threw out
the first pitch in the 1974 series against the Pirates with his right
hand. It had been only two weeks since the left-hander had the
innovative operation that’s now referred to as Tommy John surgery.
"I’d much rather see Frank Sinatra throw out the first ball," says
John, who will face Steve Carlton in the opener.

–Charles Maher talks with Philllies Manager Danny Ozark, a former
Dodger coach. "From what I’ve read their only weakness is that Tommy
Lasorda has been putting on weight," Ozark jokes about the Dodgers.

–Both teams have power to spare. The Dodgers became the first team
with four players (Steve Garvey, Reggie Smith, Roy Cey and Dusty Baker)
who each hit 30 or more home runs. The Phillies are led by Greg
Luzinski (39 home runs) and Mike Schmidt (38), who are profiled by the
Washington Post’s Thomas Boswell.

–The Dodgers are 2-3 favorites to win the series and face the Yankees, who are favored to defeat the Kansas City Royals.

–Lasorda says he’s pulling for the Yankees: "It’s strictly a
personal thing. Billy [Martin, Yankees manager] and I are friends."