The best Philadelphia Phillies players of all time include some of the greatest players in baseball history. As a team that has been around since 1883, the Phillies have a long and storied history. To come up with this top five list, some criteria are necessary. First, the stats players may have accumulated with other teams will not be considered. What a player did solely in a Phillies uniform is what is being considered. The impact they had on the Phillies overall is also taken into consideration. Another requirement is that a player must have been with the Phillies for at least seven seasons.
The Best Philadelphia Phillies
5. Richie Ashburn
Richie Ashburn, the namesake for Ashburn Alley at Citizens Bank Park, is one of the best outfielders in Phillies history. In 12 seasons with the team, Ashburn had a .311/.394/.388 line with 22 home runs and 499 RBI. Ashburn made four All-Star appearances with the Phillies and won two NL batting titles. The impact Ashburn has on Phillies history puts him on this list. Currently, Ashburn ranks in the top five in at-bats, runs scored, hits, and games played in Phillies history, among other categories. Ashburn was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.
4. Jimmy Rollins
Jimmy Rollins is the best shortstop the Phillies have had in the 21st century. In 15 seasons with the Phillies, Rollins had a .267/.327/.424 line with 216 home runs and 887 RBI, along with 2306 hits. In 2007, Rollins won the NL MVP while on the Phillies. While on the team, Rollins made three All-Star appearances and won four Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger. During his time in Philadelphia, Rollins had ten seasons with at least 30 stolen bases. This includes a 30-30 season during the 2007 MVP campaign. Additionally, Rollins is currently on the BBWA Hall of Fame ballot in his third year of eligibility.
3. Chase Utley
Chase Utley is among the best second basemen of the 2000s and 2010s. In 13 seasons with the Phillies, Utley had a .282/.366/.481 line with 233 home runs and 916 RBI, along with 1623 hits. Furthermore, Utley made six All-Star appearances and won a Silver Slugger four times in a Phillies uniform. One underrated ability Utley had was speed. In his time with the Phillies, Utley recorded 142 stolen bases. In addition, Utley had a 20-20 season in 2009. Having retired after the 2018 season, Utley is in his first year of eligibility on the BBWA Hall of Fame ballot and worthy of election.
2. Steve Carlton
Steve Carlton is the best pitcher to have played for the Phillies. In 15 seasons with the Phillies, Carlton had a 241-161 record, a 3.09 ERA, and 3031 strikeouts. Carlton also won each of his four Cy Young awards with the Phillies and a Gold Glove while on the team. Carlton made the All-Star team seven times with the Phillies. In 1972, Carlton achieved the pitching Triple Crown and won his first Cy Young in the process in his first season with the Phillies. Moreover, Carlton was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.
1. Mike Schmidt
Mike Schmidt is the greatest player in Phillies history, without a doubt. In addition, Schmidt is the greatest third baseman of all time. In 18 seasons, all with the Phillies, Schmidt had a .267/.380/.527 line with 548 home runs and 1595 RBI, along with 2234 hits. Schmidt won three NL MVP awards along with 10 Gold Gloves and six Silver Slugger awards. In 12 seasons, Schmidt was named to the All-Star team and was a member of the Phillies 1980 World Series championship team, where Schmidt won World Series MVP. In 1995, Schmidt was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Honorable Mentions
Bobby Abreu
Grover Alexander
Larry Bowa
Ryan Howard
Robin Roberts
Main Photo Credits: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
