Ranking the Phillies franchise’s top five second basemen in history
The Phillies have produced a number of outstanding second basemen. Which players rank among the team's top five all-time second basemen?
2: Manny Trillo
While Manny Trillo’s tenure with the Phillies spanned just four years, it coincided with the pinnacle of his career. Between 1979 and 1982, he garnered acclaim, securing three Gold Glove Awards, two Silver Slugger Awards, and earning two All-Star game selections. Trillo shared the infield with iconic Phillies figures such as Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa, Pete Rose, and Bob Boone. Notably, Trillo’s journey to the Phillies had a unique twist – originally signed by the team as an amateur free agent from Venezuela in 1968, he was later selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 1969 Rule 5 Draft. After stints with the Athletics and Chicago Cubs from 1973 to 1978, Trillo returned to Philadelphia through a trade for the 1979 season.
While Trillo’s offensive statistics may not be eye-popping, characterized by a solid average and timely hits, he contributed significantly to the 1980 World Series-winning team. Across his Phillies career, he posted a slash line of .277/.321/.369, showcasing a disciplined approach with just 195 strikeouts over four full seasons. Trillo’s defensive prowess was his hallmark, evident in the multiple Gold Glove Awards he received.
Being an integral part of a World Series championship team naturally endears a player to the passionate Philadelphia fan base, solidifying Trillo’s legacy as one of the finest second basemen in Phillies history. In recognition of his contributions, Manny Trillo was rightfully inducted into the Wall of Fame in 2021.
One Comment