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?
Compiling a list of the finest second basemen in the history of the Philadelphia Phillies franchise turned out to be a more challenging task than initially anticipated. While the top-ranked second baseman is undisputed, determining the order for the second through fifth positions presents numerous possibilities.
Given the Phillies’ extensive history and the abundance of qualified candidates, the distinctions between these rankings are exceedingly subtle. In this specific ranking, considerations include the players’ overall careers, their specific contributions during their time with the Phillies, the achievements of the teams they played on, and, finally, their significance to the city of Philadelphia and its passionate fan base.
5: Tony Taylor
Tony Taylor endeared himself to Phillies fans over the course of 15 seasons, becoming a true fan favorite. His tenure with the Phillies comprised two stints, the first spanning from 1960 to 1971 and the second from 1974 to 1976. While not the most prolific hitter, Taylor held his own at the plate with a slash line of .261/.321/.352 and accumulated 14.2 fWAR as a Phillie, ranking him fifth among Phillies second basemen.
In his inaugural year with the team in 1960, Taylor earned a spot in the All-Star game, and in 1963, he received MVP votes, marking his standout season. During this peak year, he boasted a slash line of .281/.330/.367, swiped 23 bases, recorded 180 hits, notched 10 triples, and scored 102 runs.
Known for his smooth defensive skills at second base, Taylor left an indelible mark with his glove. Despite the affection of fans during his two stints with the Phillies, he was traded in the midst of the 1971 season due to the team’s rebuilding efforts.
Like many players on this list, Taylor experienced limited team success. Throughout his 15 seasons with the Phillies, the team only made the playoffs once, in 1976, ultimately losing in the NLCS. In recognition of his contributions, the organization honored him with induction into the Wall of Fame in 2002.
