The Philadelphia Phillies were founded way back in 1883 as the Philadelphia Quakers, they officially took on the name Phillies in 1890 and have been a staple of Philadelphia sports ever since. The Fightin' Phils have won a total of two World Series titles to go along with seven National League pennants.
Coming up with a list of the top 25 players in team history was not an easy task, but we have narrowed down the list to 25 players that have shown the grit, elegance, and fighting spirit of the Philadelphia Phillies. Here are the 25 greatest players in Philadelphia Phillies history!
Honorable mentions: Shane Victorino, Brad Lidge, Gary Matthews, Chris Short.
25. Lenny Dykstra - CF
Stats: HR: 81, RBI: 404, BA: .285
Accolades: 3-time MLB All-Star
Championships: 1
It’s hard to place Lenny Dykstra, in many ways he should be higher on the list, in others he shouldn’t even be on the list. We will focus on Dykstra’s on-field numbers for this one, “Nails” arrived in Philadelphia after being traded from the Mets in 1989. Dykstra was a hard nosed center fielder with a good knack for getting base hits, his rugged mentality and toughness made him a fan favorite. Dykstra was absolutely clutch for the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies team that fell short in the World Series. His life off the field can be described as a mess.
24. Curt Simmons - P
Stats: 193-183 W-L Record, Strikeouts: 1,697, ERA: 3.54
Accolades: 3-time All-Star, Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 1
Curt Simmons played 13 seasons with the Phillies, his story is also quite impressive, the Phillies played an exhibition game against a Pennsylvania high school all-stars team, Simmons was on the mound and impressed so much he was offered a contract. Simmons also served in the military during his years in Philadelphia and was considered one of the toughest pitchers in the MLB.
23. Dick Allen - 3B
Stats: Home Runs: 351, RBI: 1,119, .259 BA
Accolades: 7× All-Star, AL MVP (1972). NL Rookie of the Year (1964), 2× AL home run leader (1972, 1974), AL RBI leader (1972), Philadelphia Phillies No. 15 retired, Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 0
One of the most storied players to put on a Phillies uniform Dick Allen had it all and did it all, known for his power, he hit over 300 Home Runs in his career. Unfortunately much like Lenny Dykstra, Allen had issues off the field that hindered his playing career, nonetheless he had his number 15 retired.
22. Bobby Abreu - RF
Stats: Home Runs: 288, .291 BA, 400 Stolen Bases
Accolades: 2× All-Star, Gold Glove Award (2005), Silver Slugger Award (2004), Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 0
Bobby Abreu was a rock solid contributor for the Phillies teams of the late 90’s early 2000’s, a player that could defend as well as attack, Abreu had impressive offensive numbers and stole 400 bases in his career. There was talk that Abreu was a “cancer” in the locker room and many Phillies fans balk at Abreu being one of the best, but really, Abreu was prime-time during his days in Philadelphia.
21. Mitch Williams - P
Stats: 45-58 W-L, ERA: 3.65, Strikeouts: 660, Saves: 192
Accolades: 1989 All-Star
Championships: 0
Mitch Williams was known as the “Wild Thing” he had a funny haircut and a quick tongue which made him perfect for Philadelphia. Williams was stellar in the 1991 season and had an equally impressive 92 season. While Williams did give up the home run to Joe Carter of the Blue Jays, no one can question that Williams was a good closer for the Phillies in those championship run years.
20. Bob Boone - C
Stats: .254 BA, 105 Home Runs, 826 RBI’s
Accolades: 4× All-Star, 7× Gold Glove Award (1978, 1979, 1982, 1986–1989), Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 1
Bob Boone was one of the best catchers of the MLB during his era, known for the way he could read the game and handling that Phillies pitching staff, he was pure gold behind the plate. Boone was the catcher for the Phillies 1980 World Series win and played 10 years in Philadelphia.
19. Pat Burrell - LF
Stats: .253 BA, 292 Home Runs, 976 RBI’s
Accolades: Golden Spikes Award (1998), Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 2
Pat “the bat” Burrell was pure offense for the Phillies and a not too bad left fielder. Burrell hit 251 home runs for the Phillies and had a OPS of .852, and he was one of the main pieces of the 2008 World Series title the team won.
18. Jim Bunning - P
Stats: 224-187 W-L, ERA 3.27, Strikeouts: 2,855
Accolades: 9× All-Star, AL wins leader (1957), 3× Strikeout leader (1959, 1960, 1967), Pitched a perfect game on June 21, 1964, Pitched a no-hitter on July 20, 1958, Philadelphia Phillies No. 14 retired, Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 0
One of the best pitchers in Philadelphia Phillies history Jim Bunning, in his first season with the team he pitched a perfect game. During his stint in Philadelphia Bunning led in games started, innings-pitched, strikeouts, and batters faced at least once. He would later get into a life of politics becoming a Senator.
17. Greg Luzinski - LF
Stats: .276 BA, Home Runs: 307, RBI: 1,128
Accolades: 4× All-Star, Roberto Clemente Award (1978), NL RBI leader (1975), Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 1
Greg Luzinski was as tough as they come, a hard nose left fielder that was built like a wall. Luzinski was a power hitter, hitting over 300 home runs in his career. Luzinski was on the roster and a key piece in the 1980 World Series for Philadelphia.
16. Johnny Callison - RF
Stats: .264 BA, Home Runs: 226, RBI’s 840
Accolades: 4× All-Star, Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 0
Johnny Callison was the face of the franchise in the 1960’s, as talented as they come he was a four time All-Star and was the National League leader in doubles 1966. He also led the league in triples in 1962 and 1965.
15. Larry Bowa - SS
Stats: .260 BA, 2,191 Hits, RBI’s 525
Accolades: 5× All-Star, 2× Gold Glove Award (1972, 1978), Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 1
Larry Bowa may not have been the best offensive player, but he was a defensive asset. Bowa was a huge part of the 1980 World Series Phillies run, in total he played over 11 years for the team. Bowa would later return as manager in 2001.
14. Robin Roberts - P
Stats: 286-245 W-L, ERA: 3.41, Strikeouts: 2,357
Accolades: 7× All Star, 4× MLB wins leader (1952–1955), 2× MLB strikeout leader (1953, 1954), Philadelphia Phillies No. 36 retired, Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 0
Robin Roberts was a dominating pitcher during his run in Philadelphia. During 1950-1956 Roberts led the MLB in wins, games started, and innings pitched. Considered one of the most popular players in team history and one of the MLB’s best pitchers ever.
13. Darren Daulton - C
Stats: .245 BA, Home Runs: 137, RBI: 588
Accolades: 3× All-Star, Silver Slugger Award (1992), NL RBI leader (1992), Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 1
Darren Daulton was a leader behind the plate for the Phillies, and he tried to be a leader in the club house. Daulton was an RBI master driving in 100 runs or more in 1992 and 1993. He was traded to the Marlins in 1997 and was able to win a World Series.
12. Curt Schilling - P
Stats: 216-146 W-L, ERA: 3.46, Strikeouts: 3,116
Accolades: 6× All-Star, World Series MVP (2001), NLCS MVP (1993), Roberto Clemente Award (2001), 2× MLB wins leader (2001, 2004), 2× NL strikeout leader (1997, 1998), Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame, Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame
Championships: 3
Curt Schilling truly became a great pitcher in Philadelphia where he struckout 1,554 batters in nine seasons. Schilling was one of the best pitchers in the rotation in 1993 considered the Phillies ace. When Schilling was traded he went on to win 3 titles 1 in Arizona and 2 in Boston.
11. Cole Hamels - P
Stats: 163-122 W-L, ERA: 3.43, Strikeouts: 2,560
Accolades: 4× All-Star, World Series MVP (2008), NLCS MVP (2008), Pitched a no-hitter (July 25, 2015), Pitched a combined no-hitter (September 1, 2014)
Championships: 1
The 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels was drafted out of high school and became one of the best starting pitchers of his era. Hamels is in the top 10 in many pitching categories and will forever be remembered as the MVP of the 2008 series.
10. John Kruk - Outfielder
Stats: .300 BA, Home Runs: 100, RBI’s: 592
Accolades: 3× All-Star, Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 0
John Kruk was pure heart, a tough and hard nose first baseman and later outfielder. Kruk was a contact hitter, getting on base often and being a three time All-Star in 1991-1993. Off the field Kruk was known as something of a clown and he was Lenny Dkystra’s drinking buddy, nonetheless he is one of the clubs most famous and favorite Phillies players ever.
9. Del Ennis - Outfielder
Stats: .284 BA, Home Runs: 288, RBI’s: 1,284
Accolades: 3× All-Star, NL RBI leader (1950), Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 0
Del Ennis was known as a power hitter, he played for the club for 11 seasons. Ennis hit 259 home runs and 310 doubles. Ennis was a three time All-Star, one of the best players in the 1950s for the club.
8. Pete Rose - Various Positions
Stats: .303 BA, 160 Home Runs, 4,256 Hits
Accolades: 17× All-Star, NL MVP (1973), World Series MVP (1975), NL Rookie of the Year (1963), 2× Gold Glove Award (1969, 1970), Roberto Clemente Award (1976), 3× NL batting champion (1968, 1969, 1973), Cincinnati Reds No. 14 retired, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, Major League Baseball All-Century Team
Championships: 3
The infamous Pete Rose played 5 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and won 1 championship with the club. What can be said about Rose which hasn’t already been said? One of the games best players, Philadelphia had him and won with him.
7. Ryan Howard - FB
Stats: .258 BA, 382 Home Runs, RBI’s: 1,194
Accolades: 3× All-Star, NL MVP (2006),NL Rookie of the Year (2005), NLCS MVP (2009), Silver Slugger Award (2006), 2× MLB home run leader (2006, 2008), 3× MLB RBI leader (2006, 2008, 2009)
Championships: 1
A one team man, Ryan Howard is Philadelphia. Just take a look at his accolades he did it all in a Phillies uniform, to cap it off he won the 2008 World Series. At one point Howard won every major award while playing for the Phillies.
6. Chase Utley - 2B
Stats: .275 BA, Home Runs: 259, RBI’s: 1,025
Accolades: 6× All-Star (2006–2010, 2014), 4× Silver Slugger Award (2006–2009)
Championships: 1
Chase Utley was all intensity, he played in all of his All-Star games while being a Philadelphia Phillie player. A central piece of the infield in the 2008 championship, in 2009 he stole 23 bases. Utley also participated in seven no-hitters in which he won 4 of them.
5. Tug McGraw - P
Stats: 96-92 W-L, ERA: 3.14, Strikeouts: 1,109, Saves: 180
Accolades: 2× All-Star (1972, 1975), New York Mets Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 2
Tug McGraw won two World Series in his career and 1 with the Phillies, he was a clutch relief pitcher for the club for 10 seasons. McGraw is famous for this statement he made upon winning the 1980 series: “All through baseball history, Philadelphia has had to take a back seat to New York City. Well, New York City can take this world championship and stick it! 'CAUSE WE'RE NUMBER ONE!”
4. Richie Ashburn - CF
Stats: .308 BA, 29 Home Runs, 586 RBI’s
Accolades: 6× All-Star, 2× NL batting champion (1955, 1958), NL stolen base leader (1948), Philadelphia Phillies No. 1 retired, Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 0
Richie Ashburn was all hustle, known as "Whitey", Ashburn led the league in games played, hits, triples, walks, and stolen bases at least once. In Philadelphia he hit for .311 and when his playing days ended he became one of the most recognizable voices in the broadcast booth.
3. Jimmy Rollins - SS
Stats: .264 BA, 231 Home Runs, 470 Stolen bases
Accolades: 3× All-Star, NL MVP (2007), 4× Gold Glove Award (2007–2009, 2012), Silver Slugger Award (2007), NL stolen base leader (2001)
Championships: 1
Jimmy Rollins is a modern day Philadelphia hero, not only did he just light up the scoreboard when playing for the Phillies, he also was a strong community activist. The 2007 NL MVP was clutch for the team in their 2008 title run. One of the best players in the Phillies modern era.
2. Steve Carlton - P
Stats: 329-244 W-L, 3.22 ERA, Strikeouts: 4,136
Accolades: 10× All-Star, 4× NL Cy Young Award (1972, 1977, 1980, 1982), Triple Crown (1972), 4× NL wins leader (1972, 1977, 1980, 1982), 5× NL strikeout leader (1972, 1974, 1980, 1982, 1983), Philadelphia Phillies No. 32 retired, Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Championships: 2
Steve Carlton was the greatest pitcher in Phillies history, with 4 Cy Young Awards during his stint and the ace of the 1980 World Series team. No pitcher has dominated like Carlton dominated while with the Phillies.
1. Mike Schmidt - 3B
Stats: .267 BA, 548 Home Runs, 2,234 Hits
Accolades: 12× All-Star, 3× NL MVP (1980, 1981, 1986), World Series MVP (1980), 10× Gold Glove Award (1976–1984, 1986), 6× Silver Slugger Award (1980–1984, 1986), 8× NL home run leader (1974–1976, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986), 4× NL RBI leader (1980, 1981, 1984, 1986), Hit 4 home runs in one game on April 17, 1976, Philadelphia Phillies No. 20 retired, Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame, Major League Baseball All-Century Team, Major League Baseball All-Time Team
Championships: 1
Mike Schmidt is the greatest Philadelphia Phillie of all-time, no questions asked. Just take a look at his accolades. Does it get any better than that? Schmidt has a statue of himself outside the teams stadium and is a living legend. Mike Schmidt is the Philadelphia Phillies, like Babe Ruth is to the New York Yankees. Simply the best.
