Well, it's been awhile since I wrote anything of interest but I've been dying here waiting for the 2012 Phillies season to begin. Everyday I wait for some breaking news on the Phillies that I can pour over during my lunch break but being arbitration time, baseball is at an all time low right now. That got me thinking about my all time favorite Phillies from the time I started actually paying attention to baseball around the age of 10 in 1993 to, of course, the present day Phillies. Obviously, there's going to be a huge chunk of players from the '93 and '08 teams....so with out further adu:
10. Tyler Walker- Who in the world is this guy? Well, Tyler Walker was a relief pitcher for the 2009 Phillies. He was a decent relief pitcher who pitched quite well during the end of the season but he missed his one chance at achieving an extension with the Phillies when he blew one save in when the Phillies were rotating in relief pitchers to see who would play the Lidge replacement in the '09 playoffs. The reason I liked Walker was pretty easy to see. He was a fans player. He would talk to the fans, throw balls to them during batting practice and even went out of his way to acknowledge them. This may have to do with the fact that not many fans bothered with him in a town with MVPs but he always threw me a baseball during batting practice, so that's why he's awesome.
9. Mitch Williams- Seriously, was there any guy more exciting than the "Wild Thing" to watch during the Phillies run at the title in 93? This guy really knew how to put on a show. He even got the game winning hit at 4am during that crazy 1993 season. His hair, style, and play made the blood pressure of many Philly fans race through the roof every time he wound up to pitch. Even though he went into hiding for a few years, Mitch has come back big as sports announcer and we're loving it!
8. John Kruk- Great guy, great player even better commentator. Kruk finished his career batting .300 and made many Philly fans wonder if they could still play the game even at the age of 50. I'm guessing he was the inspiration for many people across the tri-state area who were contemplating many of their dreams. I mean if this guy can play baseball, why can't I finish my novel I've been thinking about for 20 years. Kruk was also a great field with an award winning personality.
7. Aaron Rowand- He ran into the wall to catch a ball, busting his face but turning a big page for the Phillies. In my mind, that play was the turning point for the Phillies. Rowand played a big part in transforming the Phillies into a die hard team that has led them to 5 straight NL East Divison Champions. He caught the ball for "His Team." That's not what this town is use to hearing with many selfish players giving the backhand to Philly time and time again.
6. Mike Liberthal- Probably the best all around Phillies catcher of all time. Not to say Ruiz or Daulton aren't super duper awesome people but Liberthal posted some great numbers playing on the most dismal Philly teams of all time. He was one of the few bright spots during the playoff drought after the '93 team to the '07 team. Libby at least made the games bearable. If he ended up playing on any of the winning Philly teams he would definitely have much more recognition.
5. Shane Victorino- This guy is just all out crazy. Always flying around the field. Giving his best, starting fights, getting the team going and just playing hard all the time. You can just see the look in his eyes every time he makes a great play. His fierce playing style makes all Philly fans hope Ruben signs him to an extension real soon.
4. Roy Halladay Day in and day out this guy give it his best. His composure on the mound is unmatched but what truly made Philly fans fall in love with Roy was his Perfect game during one of those pointless night games against the Marlins. It was even more amazing when he pitched a no hitter in his first playoff game. Even though he still chases that ring we always know that he will be giving his best every time he takes the mound.
3. Darren Daulton- The leader of the '93 Phillies really took the town by storm, surprising the nation with their never give up attitude. "Dutch" as he was known around the clubhouse. He was the sharpest looking individual amongst a bunch of hitchhiker looking fellows. His knees would soon fail him but he played good baseball for the Phillies in a very hard position while helping lead them to the '93 WS. What made Daulton a true Philly hero was his ability to constantly play through pain. From black eyes, to messed up knees he gave it his all everyday.
2. Cliff Lee- How in the world can you not like a guy who got traded numerous times throughout the last few years while still proving his worth in many uncomfortable trades. In 2009 when the Phils surprised the baseball world with a shocking trade for him we were a little upset because we didn't get Halladay but we he showed us he was worth every penny. Then Ruben had to prove he could get Halladay but wanted to trick all the Philly fans into thinking it was a three way trade and said goodbye to the only guy who kept the Phillies from falling flat on their faces in the '09 playoffs by trading him to Seattle. Cliff was pissed, as anyone would've been but he swallowed his pride by taking a huge salary cut by signing with the Phillies over the Yankees. Keep in mind, Ruben would've never done such a thing by swallowing his own pride in such a case. If he was a humble being like Cliff, we might still have Madson and Werth on the team.
1. Chase Utley- Do I really have to say anything about Chase? He is the best all around baseball player in my opinion. Albert Pujols is amazing too and his hitting is far superior to Utley's but he plays first base and doesn't get injured for playing so hard like Utley. Utley has done sooo many great things, from hustling out routine ground balls to faking a throw to first then going home in the World Series. If he doesn't get injured in 2007 or 2008, he's the MVP. Look up Utley's WAR and you will see just how amazing he really is for the number of seasons he has played.
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