Why do players always say, “I’m going to the World Series?”

When you think about it, should the World Series be held at the same place every year? And should we call it a “World Series” without other countries in it?

And who was Keith Moreland?

Moreland was part of a Phillies youth injection into their 1980 championship run. There’s plenty of memories that began to flow today as baseball’s World Series, or otherwise known as “The Fall Classic” is upon us. MLB couldn’t be happier having the Yankees and Dodgers in its centerpiece

In this version of my Yesterday column — reminiscing about sports and pop culture in the 1960s, 70s, 80s and sometimes before and beyond — I’ll take a look at the history of the World Series, some Phillies’ wunderkinds from the 1980 classic, and look back at some World Series facts and some pop-culture items dealing with “fall” themes.

What’s In A Name? ... Growing up as a kid, I always accepted the term, “World Series,” and the phrase about a team “going to the World Series.”

As I grew older, I began to think about the aforementioned sentences.

Baseball historians can trace back to the unofficial World Series in 1903 during which the Boston Americans beat the Pittsburgh Pirates in a nine-game series. That series was recognized as the Championship of the United States before it was shortened to World Series two years later.

I believe the Series should be renamed unless we are going to make it a true “World Series” having Japan and Cuba involved. If players are going to the “World Series,” maybe we should have a designated stadium for the site.

Along with baseball, I feel the same way about the Super Bowl, in which I believe one stadium should house it every season.

In addition, I do understand the economic ramifications for the host cities in baseball and football every year, but maybe it is time for some rewording about the sports.

Just a thought.

These Kids Were Alright ... We all know the story of rookie right-hander Marty Bystrom with his storybook September and postseason run.

But do we remember some other Phillies’ youngsters who helped make a difference?

Moreland had cups of coffee with the Phillies in 1978 and 1979, but the 26-year-old catcher/first baseman proved to be a valuable backup to Bob Boone, as he hit .314 with four homers and 29 RBIs in 62 games. The former University of Texas star also hit .333 in the World Series in a limited role.

Lonnie Smith was a fleet, 24-year-old top prospect who also spent some time with the 1978 and 1979 Phillies. If you recall, Smith may have been too fast for his own feet with his overslides and tumbles. In 1980, Smith had a breakout with a .339 average with 33 steals, 14 doubles and a .397 on-base percentage.

Bob “Whirlybird” Walk was a 23-year-old right-hander who went 11-7 in 27 starts after Larry Christenson went down with injuries and Randy Lerch struggled. He picked up a victory in the World Series.

Kevin Saucier was a 24-year-old left-hander who proved to be invaluable as a short and long reliever. He went 7-3 with a 3.42 ERA over 50 innings in 40 games.

Finally, there was right-hander Dickie Noles, who was a spot starter and reliever. Noles was 1-4 with six saves and posted a 3.87 ERA. However, he probably is most remembered for his knockdown pitch of the Royals’ George Brett in the World Series.

The Last Time ... With a rich history between both teams in the postseason, the Yankees and Dodgers last met in the Big Dance in 1981.

If you remember, that was the strike, split-season that saw the Yankees and Dodgers follow similar scripts during the season. In the first half of the season, the Yanks were 37-22, and they slipped to 20-26 in the second half.

The Dodgers were 36-21 in the first half and dipped to 27-26 in the second half.

The strike ran from June 12 until July 31, and the All-Star Game was played Aug. 9. It was the first time the game was played on a Sunday. Fernando Valenzuela, who recently passed away, won the NL Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award, as “Fernandomania” gripped the baseball world.

As for the Series, it was one of the more interesting ones that went six games with the Dodgers winning four games to two. Incidentally, Game Six of the series at Yankee Stadium still remains one of the more memorable ones in the last 50 years.

Due to a rain postponement, the game was played on Oct. 27, then the latest starting date of any game. This year’s Game Three will be Oct. 28.

Yankees’ manager Bob Lemon pinch-hit for starter Tommy John in the fourth inning, reportedly as an edict from owner George Steinbrenner who wanted his bullpen to finish. John and Dodger’s starter Burt Hooten — the same pitcher who became unraveled by Phillies’ fans in the ‘77 NLCS “Black Friday” game — were locked in a 1-1 tie.

Well, the Yanks’ strategy backfired with the Dodgers erupting for seven runs over the next two innings for an eventual 9-2 victory.

Remember Dave Winfield? He was signed as the Yanks’ next messiah, but he went 1-22 in the series. It also marked Reggie Jackson’s last days, as he left for free agency.

Another Classic Game (Toy) ... Keeping with the World Series theme. One of the more valuable items today is the Transogram 1969 Mets World Champion Collector Figures.

After they won the title, Transogram released 15 different player figures in a series of three in an orange and blue colored box. Today, they are very rare and can sell for more than $1,000 a box. If you have a set, keep it.

A few years ago, Coca-Cola released a Mike Schmidt replica 1980 championship ring. You can find one on eBay anywhere from $35-$50.

On The Air ... Joe Garoigiola, Tony Kubek and Tom Seaver called the 1980 World Series for NBC. Bryan Gumbel was the studio host, and he was at Veterans Stadium for the clincher. I don’t remember Seaver on that team. Garogiola and Kubek were consistently steady, and Gumbel was the ultimate pro.

Veteran Merle Harmon was the sideline reporter, and Bob Gibson and umpiring legend Ron Luciano were the pregame hosts. Luciano, known for his robust style, was a hot item during this time.

Also possibly forgotten were the USA Network telecasts of their Thursday Night Baseball games that were broadcast by Jim Woods and Nelson Briles — who replaced ex-Met and Phillie Bud Harrelson — for the early games, and Monte Moore and Wes Parker — who replaced Maury Wills — for the late games.

On the Charts ... When it comes to the word “fall” in popular songs through the years, here are a few that always stay with me:

• “Can’t Help Falling In Love with You,” - Elvis Presley (1961)

• “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” - BJ Thomas (1969)

• “Fallin in Love” - Hamilton, Joe, Frank and Reynolds (1975)

• “Don’t Fall in Love With a Dreamer” - Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes (1980)

Carnes also had the top hit in 1981 with “Bette Davis Eyes.”

Do you have a favorite song with “fall”in it? Let me know.

WWWF/WWE Wrap ... Every week, I’ll recount a former wrestler or personality from our youth watching the sport.

Do you remember the Grand Wizard? He was colorfully dressed and donned a turban with wrap-around sunglasses and sequined sneakers as one of the sport’s flamboyant managers.

Born as Irwin “Ernie” Roth, he began as a disc jockey in Detroit and began his managing career known as Abdullah Farouk and his first client was The Sheik.

The Grand Wizard arrived in the WWWF in the early 70s, and Stan “The Man” Stasiuk and Billy “Superstar” Graham both were WWWF champions under him. He also managed several tag-team championships.

He was active until 1983 when he suddenly passed away from a heart attack at the age of 57.

Your thoughts are always welcome at tnsports@tnonline.com.