The Mount RushWAR series will allow us to take a more in-depth look at the careers of the four players with the highest bWAR in franchise history.
Mike Schmidt (106.8)
Background
Mike Schmidt was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. After graduating from Fairview High School, Schmidt attended Ohio University where he played shortstop.
He was drafted by the Phillies in the second round of the 1971 June Amateur Draft. Schmidt went straight to Double-A Reading after the draft where he was respectable, if not impressive.
He played the bulk of the 1972 season at Triple-A for the Eugene Emeralds. He was largely moved off of shortstop, instead splitting his time between second and third base. Offensively, he dominated the Pacific Coast League. Schmidt posted a .960 OPS and hit 26 homers. He earned his first taste of the big leagues with a September call up.
Phillies Career
Although he didn’t play until the team’s 11th game in 1973, Schmidt had played his last game in the minors. He quickly took over as the team’s regular third baseman, but struggled to adjust offensively. Schmidt finished his rookie year hitting just .196/.324/.373.
Breakout
At 24 years old in 1974, Mike Schmidt was heading for a breakout season. After averaging more than one strikeout per game as a rookie, Schmidt proved that the swing and miss in his game was not a fatal flaw.
Although he would lead the National League in strikeouts in each of the next three seasons, he more than compensated by leading the league in home runs each year as well.
A Golden Age
By 1976, the 26 year old Schmidt was universally recognized as one of the best players in baseball. He had been an All Star in 1974 while finishing 6th in the MVP race. After receiving down-ballot consideration again in 1975, it was easy to wonder what was next for the emerging young star.
With Schmidt leading an incredibly deep lineup, the Phillies were one of the most feared teams of the late 1970s. A solid starting rotation led by fellow Franchise Phenom Steve Carlton, and a deep bullpen, allowed the Phillies to win three straight National League East Championships from 1976-1978.
The Phillies were defeated in the NLCS each season. Despite setting a new franchise record with 101 wins in back-to-back seasons in 1976-1977, the Phillies failed to even reach the World Series. It seemed possible that the Phillies would waste this unprecedented run
When the Phillies slipped to fourth place in 1979, it seemed fair to wonder if they had missed their window for a World Series. The performances of several key players fell off considerably, but Schmidt remained excellent. He set a new career high with 45 homers, and led the league with 120 walks.
1980
The 1980 Philadelphia Phillies finished second in the NL in runs scored despite half of the regular players being below-average hitters. Mike Schmidt picked up the slack.
Schmidt led the league with career-highs in homers (48) and RBI (121). He also paced the circuit in slugging (.624) and OPS+ (171)– his second best marks in those categories. Schmidt made the All Star Team, and won both the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger at third base. He was the unanimous National League MVP.
The Phillies won the NL East at 91-71. Though Schmidt struggled in the NLCS, his teammates carried him to victory over the Houston Astros in five games.
The 1980 World Series pit the Phillies against the Kansas City Royals, themselves winners of 97 games. On baseball’s grandest stage, Mike Schmidt came back to life.
Philadelphia took the opener at home. Schmidt played the hero in Game Two. His one-out double off Dan Quisenberry in the bottom of the 8th broke a 4-4 tie and put the Phillies up for good.
The Royals tied the series at two games each back home in Kansas City. Schmidt’s solo homer broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning of Game Five. It was his second of the series. The Phillies won 4-3 to retake the series lead.
Back home in Philadelphia for Game Six, Schmidt led the charge again. His RBI single in the bottom of the third put the Phillies ahead for good. After the game, Schmidt was named the World Series MVP. He hit .381/.462/.714 over the six games. His two homers, seven RBI, and six runs all paced the Phillies during the series.
In plain and simple terms, there is no way the Philadelphia Phillies win the 1980 World Series without Michael Jack Schmidt.
What do you do for an encore?
The Phillies returned the bulk of their 1980 championship squad in 1981. When the players went on strike on June 12, the Phillies were sitting atop the NL East at 34-21.
Mike Schmidt was still at the peak of his powers in 1981. He would finish the strike-shortened season as the NL leader in runs, homers, RBI, walks, OBP, slugging, and OPS+. Schmidt was one of the great casualties of the strike. He played 102 of Philadelphia’s 107 games and was on pace to challenge for career highs in just about every statistical category. Although it wasn’t unanimous this time, Schmidt was named NL MVP for the second straight season.
Play did not resume until August 10. For playoff purposes, the league announced that the season would be divided into two halves. The division leaders for each half of the season would play each other in an additional playoff round. The Phillies went 25-27 in the second half, finishing third in the east behind the Montreal Expos. The Division Series went the full five games, but the Expos defeated the Phillies, ending their championship defense.
In 1982, the Phillies missed the postseason for what would be just the second time in eight seasons. Schmidt led the NL in OPS+ for the third straight season at 161. He was also tops in walks (107), OBP (.403), and slugging (.547).
1983
The 1983 season was yet another vintage Mike Schmidt campaign. Now 33 years old, Schmidt once again put the Philadelphia offense on his back. He led the NL in OPS+ for the fourth straight season at 156. His career-high 128 walks fueled a .399 OBP– both marks were tops in the NL. His 40 homers also led the league.
The Phillies won 90 games, and the NL East, in 1983. Schmidt terrorized the Dodgers in the NLCS. He finished the series with a .467/.529/.800 line as the Phillies won in four games.
The World Series matched Philadelphia with a 98-win Baltimore Orioles team. The Baltimore pitching staff proved too much for the Phillies to handle. Schmidt struggled, and with his fortunes went those of the Phillies. Baltimore took the series in five games, winning three of them by just one run.
Final Stage
It would be a decade before the Phillies would return to the playoffs. In the final six seasons of Schmidt’s career, the Phillies had a winning record just once more, a second-place finish in 1986.
For his part, Schmidt remained excellent for much of that stretch. From 1984-1988, Schmidt posted a .279/.377/.520 line, good for 144 OPS+. He made the All Star team three more times in his mid-30s, and was the NL MVP for the third and final time in 1986.
Despite a sub-par start by his standards, Schmidt was selected to the All-Star team for the 12th and final time in 1989. Unfortunately, May 28 would be his last game of any kind.
Legacy
For a franchise whose overall track record has been pretty poor, Mike Schmidt was the driving force behind some of the best teams in Phillies history. Philadelphia made seven playoff appearances during Schmidt’s career. They also played in three World Series, including the first championship in franchise history.
Mike Schmidt is easily the best player in Phillies history. He is the franchise leader in games played (2404), runs (1506), total bases (4404), homers (548), RBI (1595), walks (1507), and times on base (3820).
Schmidt was, by any measure, one of the greatest players of his era. He led the NL in bWAR for position players four times. He paced the senior circuit in homers eight times, OPS+ six times, slugging five times, RBI and walks four times each, OBP three times, and runs once.
Schmidt received MVP votes in 12 different seasons. He finished in the top-three five times, and won the award in 1980, 1981, and 1986. He ranks 11th all-time in career MVP Shares. He was a 12-time All Star who won 10 Gold Gloves, and six Silver Sluggers.
At 25th all-time in bWAR, Schmidt is arguably the greatest third baseman in history. No player who played a majority of his games at the hot corner has more career WAR than Schmidt. His truly unique combination of power, patience, and elite defensive play at third base has no true parallel in the annals of our great game.
Robin Roberts (71.8)
Background
Robin Roberts was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois. After graduating from Lanphier High School, Roberts enrolled in Michigan State University. Initially a basketball player for the Spartans, Roberts walked on to the baseball team as a pitcher in 1946. By the end of 1947, Roberts had signed a contract with the Phillies.
Roberts began his professional career by going 9-1 with the Wilmington Blue Rocks in the Class-B Interstate League. From Delaware, he was summoned to the big club in June, 1948.
Phillies Career
Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, the 21-year-old Roberts was immediately inserted into the starting rotation. Over his first two seasons, he established himself as an effective pitcher, posting a 112 ERA+ in 373.1 innings.
Breakout
1950 was a big year in Phillies history, and Roberts was at the center of it. At age 23, Roberts took a step forward into the upper-echelon of National League pitchers. Roberts was second in the NL with 304.1 innings, second with 20 wins, and fifth in ERA+ at 133. His 7.4 bWAR was tops among NL hurlers.
With Roberts leading the way, the Phillies won the National League pennant with a 91-63 record. 1950 was just the second World Series appearance in Phillies history. In the series, the Phillies ran into a juggernaut in the New York Yankees. Roberts allowed just two runs in 11 innings during the series, but the Phillies offense only mustered five runs total. New York won three one-run games, and swept Philadelphia. It would be 30 years before the Phillies would return to the fall classic.
Peak Roberts
From 1950-1956, Roberts was regarded as one of the best pitchers in the National League. He averaged 319 innings per season at 125 ERA+ during this stretch to accumulate a 157-96 record. He was an All Star during each of the seven seasons. He received MVP votes each year as well, peaking at second place during his 28-win campaign in 1952.
Roberts was the definition of durable during his prime. His excellent control allowed him to pile up effective innings year after year. He led the league in games started six times, innings and complete games five times each, and wins four times. He also had the lowest walk rate, and highest strikeout/walk ratio, in the NL four times. Roberts paced the NL in strikeouts and FIP twice each, and had the lowest WHIP in the league once as well.
For all of his personal excellence, Roberts was unable to lead a Philadelphia return to the postseason after 1950. The club would finish no better than third for the remainder of his tenure.
Decline
Although Roberts made the National League All Star team for the seventh straight time in 1956, his decline had already begun. That season was his worst up to that point in his career, and marked the beginning of a decline from excellence to mediocrity.
In his final six seasons in Philadelphia (1956-1961) Roberts saw his yearly averages drop sharply from his peak. While he maintained his excellent control, he proved to be increasingly hittable. He averaged 238 innings at 94 ERA+ for some of the worst Phillies teams in history. Following a terrible 1961 campaign for Roberts, and the club, it was time for a change.
Post-Phillies Career
After the 1961 season, the Phillies sold Roberts to the Yankees. He was released by the Yankees in May without making an appearance for the club.
Baltimore signed him shortly after his departure from New York. In parts of four seasons with the Orioles, Roberts reestablished himself as an above average pitcher. He worked 761.1 innings at 115 ERA+ for Baltimore before they released him July, 1965.
The Astros brought him on board shortly thereafter. Roberts was excellent down the stretch for Houston in 1965. 1966 was a different story. Roberts was adequate, but below-average for Houston through early July. He was again released, this time hooking up with the Cubs to finish out the season, and his career with 48.1 final innings.
Legacy
While he isn’t the most famous pitcher in Phillies history, Robin Roberts produced more value over the course of his career than any other. What he lacked in dominance he made up for with control, reliability, and durability.
Roberts remains the franchise’s all-time leader in games pitched (529), innings (3739.1), and complete games (272). He was a seven-time All Star.
Roberts was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976. Although he lacks the big strikeout numbers, or win totals of some of his fellow Hall of Famers, his career resume speaks for itself. Ultimately, he has a case to be included among the top 25-30 pitchers in big league history.
Steve Carlton (69.6)
Background
Steve Carlton was born and raised in Miami, Florida. After graduating from North High School in Miami, Carlton stayed in town and attended Miami-Dade College. In October, 1963 while still enrolled in college, Carlton signed as an amateur free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Still just 19 years old, Carlton spent the 1964 season climbing the ladder in the Cardinals farm system. In a season split between three levels of the minor leagues, Carlton demonstrated his overwhelming stuff as he struck out 191 hitters in 178 innings. Although his control was still a work in progress (he had 102 walks), it was clear that he had big league stuff.
Cardinals Career
Carlton broke camp with the big club in 1965. He was effective, but used sparingly. The following season he opened up back at Triple-A Tulsa before returning to St. Louis in late July. He made the starting rotation for good in 1967, at the age of 22.
In seven seasons with the Cardinals from 1965-1971, Carlton proved to be one of the most tantalizingly talented left-handers in the game. Though he was a three-time All Star in St. Louis, the best was yet to come.
While demanding a pay raise in early 1972, Carlton held out. The Cardinals ownership, frustrated with their inability to make progress with the talented 27-year-old, traded him to Philadelphia.
In the type of deal you almost never see in the modern game, Carlton was dealt for 26-year-old right-hander Rick Wise, himself coming off an All Star campaign with the Phillies. Wise was an above-average starter for two seasons with the Cardinals– even making the All Star Team in 1973– but it was the Phillies who altered the direction of their franchise with this move.
Phillies Career
Carlton began his career in Philadelphia furious over having been traded. The motivation to prove his worth to the baseball world served to help elevate his game to a new level. Upon arriving in Philadelphia, Carlton immediately became the best pitcher in the league. Lefty won the pitching triple crown, leading the league in wins (27), ERA (1.97), and strikeouts (310). He also paced the circuit in innings (346.1) and complete games (30). Although the team limped to a sixth place finish, Carlton flourished. He was unanimously selected as the NL Cy Young winner and finished 5th in the MVP voting after the season.
From 1973-1976, Carlton remained a workhorse for the Phillies. He averaged 273 innings, 16 complete games, 16 wins, and 212 strikeouts per season during that stretch. At the same time, he was never quite as dominant as he had been in 1972. Although he won 20 games and finished fourth in the Cy Young in 1976, his ERA+ was just 113. His total ERA+ over these four years was just 108.
As a team, the Phillies were on the upswing. They finished second in the NL East in 1975 on the strength of an emerging core of talented hitters led by Mike Schmidt and Greg Luzinski. In 1976, the Phillies won 101 games, but were swept by the Reds in the NLCS.
Rebirth
In 1977, the 32-year-old Carlton was reborn. He led the NL with 23 wins, and finished third in ERA+ at 153. The Phillies won 101 games for the second straight season. As the ace of their staff, Carlton cruised to his second career Cy Young. He also finished 5th in the MVP voting. Unfortunately, his command abandoned him in two starts in the NLCS, and the Dodgers took the series in four games.
Lefty was excellent again in 1978, working 247.1 innings at a 126 ERA+. The Phillies won the NL East for the third straight year. Facing the Dodgers again, Carlton was better this time around. His complete game effort in Game Three was the only Phillies win in the series.
At age 34, Carlton had a bit of a down year in 1979. He worked 251 innings at 106 ERA+, still managing to win 18 games and make the All Star team. The Phillies finished fourth.
1980
In 1980, it seemed fair to wonder if the world had already seen Carlton’s best. Instead, the 35-year-old turned in one of the best seasons of his career. He led the NL in wins (24), innings (304), strikeouts (286), and ERA+ (162). The Phillies won 91 games, and returned to the playoffs. Carlton received all but one first place vote to win his third Cy Young.
Up to this point in his career, Steve Carlton had been a mixed bag in the postseason. Whether early in his career in St. Louis, or more recently with the Phillies, Carlton had often failed to live up to his reputation as one of the game’s best hurlers. All that was about to change in October, 1980.
In the NLCS, the Phillies were matched up with the Houston Astros. Carlton got the ball in the opener. He allowed just one run in seven innings to give the Phillies an early series lead. The Astros won the next two games, setting Carlton up for Game Four. He battled through 5.1 innings, allowing just two runs before turning the game over to the bullpen who eventually secured the win in 10 innings. The Phillies took Game Five, once again in 10 innings to secure their first National League pennant since Robin Roberts led the staff in 1950.
The 1980 World Series would pit the Phillies against a 97-win Kansas City Royals club. The Phillies won the opener, 7-6 at home, setting up Lefty for Game Two. Carlton fought his control all night, but battled through eight innings, allowing just three earned runs and striking out 10 to earn the win.
Back in Kansas City, the Royals took the next two games to even the series. In Game Five, the Phillies offense rallied for two runs in the top of the ninth off of AL saves leader Dan Quisenberry to retake the lead in the series. The table was set for Carlton back home in Philly.
In the biggest game of his career, Steve Carlton delivered. He went seven innings, scattered seven base runners, struck out seven, and allowed just one run before handing the ball over to fellow Franchise Phenom, Tug McGraw for the save. Steve Carlton had led the Phillies to their first World Championship in franchise history.
Age Is Just A Number
Although it seemed Carlton had slowed down in his early-thirties, 1980 proved he had something left in the tank. 1981-1982 proved he had plenty.
In 1981, the Phillies championship defense was caught up in the drama of that year’s players strike. In a seasoned shortened by the labor stoppage, Carlton proved he was still dominant. He led the NL with 8.5 K/9 and posted 151 ERA+ in 190 innings. For all his dominance during the regular season, he was less effective in the playoffs. Carlton suffered two losses in the NLDS as the Phillies lost to the Expos in five games. Carlton was again an All Star, finished third in the Cy Young voting, ninth in the MVP race, and won his only career Gold Glove.
1982 would serve as icing on the cake of a Hall of Fame career. At age 37, Carlton had one more Cy Young run in him. He led the league in wins (23), innings (295.2), complete games (19), and strikeouts (286). The Phillies finished second in the NL East.
Although he was nearly as good in 1983 as he had been the year before, Carlton received less recognition. Teammate John Denny exploded for a Cy Young of his own in a career year. With Denny and Carlton fronting the rotation, the Phillies won the NL East at 90-72. The veteran lefty shredded the Dodgers in the NLCS, allowing just one run in 13.2 innings to help propel the Phillies to another World Series. Unfortunately, the Philadelphia bats went quiet, and Baltimore took the series in five games.
Decline Phase
By the time he finished his age 38 season, Lefty had 4558.2 big league innings under his belt. Father time finally caught up with Carlton beginning in 1984. Although he had two more above-average seasons left in him, durability was a concern where it never had been before. Carlton averaged just 160 innings in 1984-1985.
When Carlton started 1986 with a 6.18 ERA in 16 starts, it was clear that his best days were well behind him. The Phillies released the most dominant pitcher in their history on June 24.
Carlton spent the remainder of 1986-1988 bouncing between the Giants, White Sox, Indians, and Twins. After four rough outings with the Twins in 1988, Carlton was done for good at 43 years old.
Legacy
Over his incredible 24 seasons in the big leagues, Steve Carlton cemented his place among baseball’s all-time greats. His combination of elite durability, dominance, and longevity puts him in special company.
Carlton should probably be considered one of the 15-20 greatest pitchers in big league history. Among his fellow southpaws, Lefty is probably in the top-five.
Carlton finished his career as a 10-time All Star with seven of those selections coming as a member of the Phillies. With four Cy Youngs, he is tied for third most in history. He ranks fifth all-time in Cy Young shares.
He ranks among baseball’s career top-10 in strikeouts (4th), games started (6th), and innings (9th).
Carlton still holds the Phillies franchise records for wins (241), strikeouts (3031), and games started (499). His 329 wins are 11th most in baseball history.
Chase Utley (61.8)
Background
Chase Utley was born and raised in Southern California. Utley was selected by his hometown team, the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round of the 1997 amateur draft out of Polytechnic High School in Long Beach. Rather than sign with the Dodgers, he enrolled at UCLA. Following his junior season for the Bruins, Utley was selected 15th overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2000 draft.
Utley quickly rose through the Philadelphia farm system. By 2002, the 23-year-old infielder was in Triple-A, clearly among the best prospects in the minors.
Time Lost
The Phillies sent Utley back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to begin 2003 in what would prove to be a foolish maneuver. He dominated the International League during his second stint in Triple-A while the Phillies received brutal production from a pair of veteran third basemen. Utley held his own in a 43-game trial, most of which was in August and September. The Phillies won 86 games, and finished five out of the postseason.
Inexplicably, the Phillies jerked him around again at the start of the 2004 season. Utley spent April back in Triple-A before finally earning a permanent place with the big club. David Bell was better at third than he had been the year before, and Placido Polanco was steady at second. Utley managed just 287 plate appearances in the big leagues in his age 25 season. The Phillies again won 86 games, this time finishing six out of the playoffs.
In light of the career that Utley went on to have, it is fair to wonder how much different Phillies history may have been if they had committed to him sooner. For a team in playoff contention for most of 2003-2004, an earlier emergence for one of the greatest players in franchise history could have swung the balance in their favor. Unfortunately, we will never know.
Phillies Career
The Phillies finally committed to Utley more completely in 2005.
Polanco was dealt to Detroit in June, and second base in Philadelphia belonged to Chase Utley. In 147 games, he hit .291/.376/.540, good for 132 OPS+. He received some down ballot MVP votes at the conclusion of the year. The team’s inexcusable decision to stick with David Bell through his second miserable season in three years probably cost them the playoffs. With 88 wins, they finished one game out of the Wild Card, and two games out of the Division lead.
2006 would be the sixth straight 80+ win season, none of which resulted in a playoff appearance. Utley made his first All Star team and led the league with 131 runs. He also won his first Silver Slugger, and finished seventh in the MVP voting. With 85 wins, the Phillies were three games out of the Wild Card.
Getting Over The Hump
Following an extended run of respectable mediocrity, better days were ahead for the Phillies starting in 2007. Chase Utley would be right at the center of things.
From 2007-2011, the Phillies won five straight division championships. Utley hit .290/.386/.583, 132 OPS+, and averaged 6.9 bWAR during that stretch. On teams littered with some of the greatest players in franchise history, Chase Utley was arguably the best of them all.
2008
The 2007 Phillies won the NL East, but were swept in the NLDS by the Rockies. With the roster largely intact, Philadelphia repeated as division champs in 2008. Franchise Phenoms Cole Hamels and Jimmy Rollins were excellent. Ryan Howard was still among the game’s most feared sluggers, and Brad Lidge was arguably the best reliever in baseball.
On a team loaded with talent, Chase Utley was clearly the best player on the roster. 2008 was Utley’s career year as his usual stellar offense was accompanied by perhaps the best defensive season of his career. He finished with a career best 9.0 bWAR.
2008 Playoffs
In the NLDS the Phillies were matched up with Wild Card team, the Milwaukee Brewers. Although Utley was the least productive regular in the Phillies lineup, his teammates carried him. Philadelphia won the series in four games and rolled into the NLCS.
In the NLCS, the Phillies had home field advantage over the NL West Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. With their ace, Cole Hamels, rested and at the height of his powers, Philadelphia was at a decided advantage.
After a rough NLDS, Utley was excellent against the Dodgers.
Hamels controlled Game One, holding L.A. to two runs in seven innings. It was Utley’s two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth that tied the game. Left fielder Pat Burrell followed suit two batters later to put the Phillies on top for good.
Utley walked four times in five trips to the plate in Game Two. His teammates slugged out an 8-5 win to take commanding position in the series.
Out west, the Dodgers took Game Three. The Phillies answered back in Game Four. Utley had three hits and an RBI in the win. In Game Five, Utley was 0-4 but walked twice and scored. Hamels allowed one run over seven innings, and the Phillies clinched their first World Series trip since 1980. Utley hit .353/.522/.647 in the series to lead the offense.
2008 World Series
Coming off an incredible Game Seven victory over the Red Sox in the ALCS, the Tampa Bay Rays were riding hot. Themselves winners of 97 games in the regular season, the Rays were loaded with some of their own franchise greats.
Hamels was rested enough to start Game One. Utley delivered the first blow with a two-run homer off Scott Kazmir in the top of the first. Hamels allowed two runs in seven innings before turning it over to the bullpen. Philadelphia took the opener 3-2.
James Shields held the Phillies at bay in Game Two. Tampa won 4-2 to even the series.
Utley delivered again in Game Three. This time it was a solo homer off Matt Garza to lead off the bottom of the sixth to extend the Phillies lead to 3-1. They held on to win 5-4.
The Philadelphia offense exploded in Game Four behind Joe Blanton. Ryan Howard homered twice, and drove in five runs. Utley walked twice and scored a pair of runs. The Phillies won 10-2 to take a 3-1 series lead.
Game Five featured Hamels against Kazmir again. Hamels cemented his place as the World Series MVP allowing just two runs over six innings. In a game that was ultimately decided by the bullpens, Philadelphia won 4-3 to secure their second championship in franchise history. Utley hit just .167 in the series, but homered twice, walked five times, ultimately leading the Phillies with five runs scored.
Repeat?
The 2009 Phillies returned the core of their championship team. The additions of veterans Raul Ibanez and Cliff Lee as well as the emergence of J.A. Happ helped infuse the team with new blood as well. With 93 wins, the Phillies took their third straight NL East title.
For the fourth straight season, Chase Utley was an All Star and received MVP votes. His 8.2 bWAR was only slightly lower than his 2008 career year. His consistently excellent play was once again a driving force in the team’s success.
In a series that featured three one-run games, the Phillies defeated the Rockies in four games in the NLDS. Utley hit .429/.556/.643 to help lead the way.
For the second straight season, the Phillies met the Dodgers in the NLCS. Utley struggled, but still managed to reach base eight times in five games. The offense and starting rotation carried a suspect bullpen in blowout wins in the third and fifth games. The Phillies took the series in five to win their second straight National League pennant.
In the World Series, the Phillies were matched up with the New York Yankees. Utley was otherworldly. In six games, he hit .286/.400/1.048. His five homers, seven runs, and eight RBI were tops for the series. Unfortunately, the pitching staff was less impressive. The Yankees took the series in six to dethrone the defending champs.
Super Teams (2010-2011)
With their remarkable core of position players still under team control, and nearing the end of their respective primes, the clock was ticking after 2009. To their great credit, Phillies management went all in. In December 2009, they traded for another ace in Roy Halladay.
When the 2010 team made a late push to close the gap in the division to 3.5 games in late July, the front office acted again. They shipped three talented young players, including Happ, to the Astros for veteran ace Roy Oswalt.
With three of the best pitchers in baseball on their staff, the Phillies finally overtook the Braves in September. They finished the season with 97 wins and their fourth straight NL East title.
2010 Playoffs
Utley was yet again at the heart of things when the Phillies swept the Reds in the NLDS. His three runs, and four RBI led the way. When Roy Halladay tossed a no-hitter in Game One, it seemed the Phillies might be the favorites heading deeper into October.
Unfortunately, the Phillies ran into another loaded pitching staff in the NLCS. The San Francisco Giants matched the Phillies pitch for pitch. After three one-run victories, the Giants sent the Phillies home in six games.
2011
With the core of their offense returning, and one of the most talented starting rotations in modern history, the 2011 Phillies were a juggernaut. At 3.8 bWAR, Utley ranked just fifth on the team behind the trio of aces Lee, Halladay, and Hamels as well as center fielder Shane Victorino. Their 102-60 record is the best in franchise history.
When the most talented team in franchise history lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in five games in the NLDS, it was a crushing blow. A veteran team with dominant starting pitching, and a core of position players who had won rings just a few years before, the Phillies were widely considered the favorites in 2011. For his part, Utley was excellent leading the Phillies offense with a .438/.571/.688 line in the series.
It Ended Without Us Knowing
With the bulk of the team returning yet again in 2012, it seemed the Phillies were as good a bet as anyone to head back to the postseason. Then the season began, and it quickly became apparent that 2012 was a new year. By June 12, the Phillies were 9.5 games out. They never led the division after opening day.
Utley and catcher Carlos Ruiz were still solid on offense. Hamels and Lee were still among the games best starters. Unfortunately, everyone else struggled. The remaining core group of veterans looked significantly older. The optimism that persisted even after their disappointing loss in 2011 was quickly gone as the team had to confront the prospect of an expensive core of veterans aging in a less than graceful fashion.
Utley remained one of the top second basemen in the game in 2013-2014. Most efforts to patch the roster failed, however. The core of some of the greatest teams in Phillies history was depleted beyond repair.
In 2015, father time finally caught up to Utley as well. After 73 rough games, the Phillies traded one of the greatest players in their history to the eventual NL West champion Dodgers in an under the radar August deal.
After Philadelphia
After moving to the Dodgers, Utley instantly went from being the face of a franchise to just another player. He was acquired not to save the team, but to support it.
From 2015-2018, Utley served as a semi-regular player, platoon option, and veteran leader in Los Angeles. On a wonderfully deep and versatile roster, Utley was just one of the boys. Still, he contributed to three straight division champions. He even returned to the World Series in 2017 when the Dodgers were defeated by the Houston Astros.
Utley announced his intention to retire after the 2018 season before it concluded.
Legacy
I suspect that many modern baseball fans have severely underappreciated Chase Utley. There are probably a variety of factors at play here.
His particular contributions were diverse and wide-ranging. Chase Utley was good at just about everything on a baseball field. At the same time, he was not elite at most of those things outside of the occasional peak season in one skill or another. Because he was above-average or better at just about everything, he was always great even when it wasn’t totally obvious.
Beyond his sneaky greatness, or perhaps because of it, Utley was often not identified as the best player on his own team. Howard and Rollins each won NL MVP awards in seasons when Chase Utley was actually the best player on the Phillies.
Finally, his delayed ascension to big league stardom is probably still a factor even after a stellar 16-year career. Utley didn’t debut until he was 24. He wasn’t an everyday player until he was 26. Most all-time great players simply get started younger. That lost time cost him some important counting stats in the end.
Chase Utley was a six-time All Star and won four Silver Sluggers. He received MVP votes four times, but never finished higher than seventh. Viewing him in the context of his place among the all-time Phillies greats might be the most favorable light in which to appreciate his excellent career.
