Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
By Kevin Henry
The Philadelphia Phillies, one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises, have a rich and storied history dating back to 1883. Founded as the “Quakers,” the team adopted the name “Phillies” in 1884. The early years saw a mix of successes and struggles, but the team’s fortunes began to change in the early 20th century.
In 1915, the Phillies reached their first World Series, though they were defeated by the Boston Red Sox. It wasn’t until 1980 that the Phillies secured their first championship, led by stars like Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton. The team’s next peak came in 2008 when they clinched their second World Series title with key players such as Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins.
Throughout the decades, the Phillies have produced legendary players like Schmidt, who became one of the greatest third basemen in baseball history, and Richie Ashburn, known for his exceptional fielding and hitting. The franchise also holds the unfortunate record for the longest losing streak in professional sports history, enduring 23 consecutive defeats in 1961.