Several duos for the Philadelphia Phillies have been a part of the most important moments in team history. This would include members of the 1980 and 2008 World Series championship-winning teams. Each of these duos has played an important role for the Phillies. These groups will come in many forms, whether it be a pair of outfielders, a pitcher and catcher battery, or a middle infield tandem. Many eras of Phillies baseball will be represented on this exciting list of the Phillies’ greatest duos. There may be some crossover of duos that cover similar years. However, that will be limited if it is present at all. This is being done so that many great Phillies duos can be placed on the list without much overlap.
The Phillies’ Greatest Duos
Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley
The middle infield pairing of Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley is the greatest in Phillies history. The two were teammates in Philadelphia starting in 2003 (when Utley debuted) through the 2014 season. In addition, the two were teammates with the Los Angeles Dodgers for part of the 2015 season. Both players played an important role in the Phillies’ 2008 World Series championship. The two rank in the top five in dWAR in Phillies history and both are in the top ten in oWAR as well as games played in Phillies history. Rollins and Utley also led the greatest five-year stretch in Phillies history from 2007 to 2011. In these five seasons, Rollins won the NL MVP in 2007 and the Phillies won five consecutive NL East titles along with a World Series victory in 2008.
Larry Bowa and Mike Schmidt
Larry Bowa, Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose and Manny Trillo of the Phillies during spring training in Clearwater, Florida, 1979. Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images pic.twitter.com/GfRJLJ6j00
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The duo of Larry Bowa and Mike Schmidt served as the core of the Phillies’ 1980 World Series championship team. From when Schmidt made his major league debut in 1972 through the 1981 season, the pairing covered the left side of the Phillies infield. Schmidt ranks first in dWAR in Phillies history while Bowa ranks third. The duo above them on this list has the second and fourth ranks in dWAR in Phillies history. In most offensive categories, Schmidt ranks first in Phillies history. Bowa does not rank as highly as Schmidt in most statistical categories, but he ranks in the top five in games played for the Phillies. In addition, Bowa would serve as Phillies manager from 2001 to 2004. This duo is one of the most beloved pairings in Phillies history.
Terry Mulholland and Curt Schilling
While their time as teammates with the Phillies may have been brief, Terry Mulholland and Curt Schilling made a significant impact. The duo helped pitch the Phillies into the World Series in 1993. Having been teammates for the 1992 and 1993 seasons and part of the 1996 season, this duo has the shortest time together of any on the list. However, the regular season success of Mulholland and the postseason success of Schilling in 1993 was enough to put this tandem on the list of the Phillies’ greatest duos. That season, Mulholland made the NL All-Star team and had a 12-9 record with a 3.25 ERA and 116 strikeouts. Meanwhile, Schilling was named the 1993 NLCS MVP. Schilling had a 1.69 ERA and 19 strikeouts during the series.
Greg Luzinski and Garry Maddox
Another duo from the Phillies 1980 World Series championship team, Greg Luzinski and Garry Maddox patrolled the outfield together from 1975 to 1980. For most of their time spent together, Luzinski and Maddox were joined by Bake McBride in the outfield. Furthermore, Luzinski and Maddox were teammates with another duo on this list, on Phillies teams that featured the likes of Bob Boone and Pete Rose along with Manny Trillo. Luzinski and Maddox helped the Phillies to four NLCS appearances and a World Series championship. The Phillies do not win the World Series that year without having a Gold Glove center fielder in Maddox along with a powerful corner outfielder in Luzinski.
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