The Greatest Phillies of All Time
Mt. Rushmore of Philadelphia Major League Baseball
Through online voting, ESPN has asked viewers to select their home state’s Mt. Rushmore of Sports. In this first story of a six part series, the Philadelphia Phillies’ Mt. Rushmore is unveiled. Each professional team in Philadelphia along with the Big Five will have their own Mt. Rushmore before the final Mt. Rushmore of Philadelphia Sports in unveiled. All current and former players, executives, owners and broadcasters are eligible.
Philadelphia Phillies
Richie Ashburn (1)
Affectionately known as “Whitey” in the Phillies’ organization, Ashburn spent most of his adult life with the organization. The six-time all star and two-time batting champion was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995. In addition to his 12 years covering center field for the Phillies, Ashburn spent 34 years as an announcer. Fans still pay homage to “Whitey” in Ashburn Alley at Citizens Bank Park where his statue stands as a reminder of his dedication to the Phillies organization.
Mike Schmidt (20)
Despite a tenuous relationship with Philadelphia fans, Mike Schmidt claims his spot on Mt. Rushmore as the most prolific hitter in the franchise’s history. Schmidt spent his entire 18-year career in Philadelphia and amassed record breaking power numbers. Schmidt went to the All Star Game 12 times, won three MVP awards and was ultimately elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995. Schmidt still holds the Phillies’ all-time home run record with 548 long balls. What set Schmidt apart from other power hitters is the fact that he also won 10 Gold Gloves while manning the hot corner at Veteran’s Stadium.
Steve Carlton (32)
As the greatest pitcher in Phillies’ history, “Lefty” is a clear choice to be on the Phillies’ Mt. Rushmore. In his 24 year career, Carlton amassed 329 wins and 4,136 strikeouts. Lefty won four Cy Young Awards and went to the All Star game 10 times throughout his career. Despite winning the World Series in 1980, Carlton’s most impressive stats came from 1972 when the Phillies were among the worst teams in baseball. Carlton won 27 games and maintained a 1.97 ERA on a team that finished 59-97. When the pressure was on, Carlton went 2-2 with a 2.56 ERA in World Series appearances for the Phillies.
Harry Kalas
With his easy-to-listen-to voice and pure child-like excitement for the game, Harry Kalas, entering his 39th season as the voice of the Phillies, is a legend in Philadelphia. With his famous “Outta Here!” home run call and his love affair with the fans of Philadelphia, Harry the K fittingly takes the final spot on the Phillies’ Mt. Rushmore. For 26 years, Kalas and his best friend Whitey called Phillies’ games in good times and bad. Yet, throughout the years and generations, Kalas’ voice has been synonymous with summer as much as trips down the shore, water ice on a hot night or a cheesesteak and a Yuengling for dinner. Since his 2002 induction into Cooperstown, Kalas has been able to fulfill one void in his career – calling the final out as the Phillies won the World Series in 2008.
To read the other Mt. Rushmore of Philadelphia sports articles, follow the following choices.
Philadelphia Flyers: http://national-hockey-league-nhl.suite101.com/article.cfm/mt_rushmore_of_philadelphia_sports
Philadelphia 76ers: http://nba.suite101.com/article.cfm/mt_rushmore_of_philadelphia_sports
Philadelphia Eagles: http://national-football-league-nfl.suite101.com/article.cfm/mt_rushmore_of_philadelphia_sports
Big Five Basketball: http://college-basketball.suite101.com/article.cfm/mt_rushmore_of_philadelphia_sports
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