1988 PBA Season - Season Highlights

Season Highlights

• The Tanduay Rhum Makers filed a leave on absence for the 1988 season on January 16, 1988, citing realignment of corporate objectives.
• After Tanduay filed a leave of absence, some remnants were absorbed, along with several amateur prospects by Purefoods Corporation.
• PBA deputy commissioner Rudy Salud became the league's third commissioner and the PBA soared to greater heights under Salud's leadership, Purefoods' entry along with the never-say-die attitude of the league' most popular team, the Anejo 65ers contributed largely to a box-office success in gate attendance.
• Purefoods Corporation joined the league after buying a franchise worth P300,000.
• Amateur standout Alvin Patrimonio, who was a subject of a bitter tug-of-war between the PBA's newest team, Purefoods Hotdogs and his mother ballclub in the PABL, corporate rival RFM-Swifts, finally made his PBA debut on June 30.
• A blockbuster trade took place before the opening of the Third Conference as veterans Ramon Fernandez, who was bench in the All-Filipino title-series, and Abet Guidaben were traded to each other by their respective ballclubs.
• Ramon Fernandez won his 4th MVP plum, as he continued his tradition of winning the prestigious award every two year starting in 1982.