Call to the pen
Fansided

2 Phillies’ heroes and a villain

By Tal Venada

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 07: Fans watch the fireworks after the San Diego Padres beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 at Citizens Bank Park on July 7, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 07: Fans watch the fireworks after the San Diego Padres beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 at Citizens Bank Park on July 7, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /
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Rollins frequently received criticism for less than an all-out effort. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images. /

One of each:

Like southpaw Steve Carlton, right-hander Bunning was also an excellent trade for the Phils and one of the worst for the Detroit Tigers. He was the first modern-era pitcher with 100 victories in the American League and the Senior Circuit including a no-hitter for Detroit and a perfect game for Philadelphia.

Although Bunning’s career season had been for the Tigers in 1957 with a 20-8 mark and a 2.69 ERA, he went 74-46 in his first four summers with the red pinstripes. During which, he recorded four of his six sub-3.00 ERAs and three of his four 19-win campaigns.

Carlton’s most memorable 162 was in 1972: He went 27-10 with a 1.97 ERA. And when he started, his teammates called it win day. He also piled up five 20-victory campaigns and eight sub-3.00 ERA seasons.

Manning the hot corner, Mike Schmidt had his career year in 1980: He averaged .286 with 48 home runs and 104 RBIs. He also produced at least 100 RBIs nine times, bashed 20 homers or more from 1974 through 1987, and many consider him to be the greatest Phillie in franchise history. Boo?

Granted no mercy, the third sacker frequently received a cascade of boos from the stands. But things only started changing when he donned a shoulder-length wig and sunglasses in 1985. Previously, the faithful felt he was too cool and nonchalant. He cared, but he didn’t show his emotions like Bowa.

On one Phillies site, fans were ripping the team’s broadcasters. But nobody dared say a negative word about Schmidt’s time behind the microphone. Yeah, he finally silenced the critics.

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