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Randy Wolf & Placido Polanco to Retire as Phillies at Alumni Weekend

By George Stockburger

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Two Phillies who helped lead the team in the early 2000’s are set to finally call it a career.

Pitcher Randy Wolf, 39, and infielder Placido Polanco, 40, will both officially retire as members of the Philadelphia Phillies at Alumni Weekend later this month.

Wolf was the first opening day pitcher at Citizens Bank Park in 2004, and went 69-60 with a 4.24 ERA during his eight years in Philadelphia. He was drafted by the club in the second round of the 1997 MLB Draft, and stayed with the organization through the 2006 season.

During his eight years in Philadelphia, Wolf landed in the top 10 in franchise history for strikeouts (971), K/9 (7.437), and home runs allowed (157), which is not hard in Citizens Bank Park.

And of course, who could forget the Wolfpack.

He became a journey-man after leaving Philadelphia, pitching for the Dodgers, Padres, Astros, Orioles, Brewers, Marlins, and most recently the Tigers.

Wolf finishes his 16-year career with 133 wins, 1,814 strikeouts, and 13 complete games.

Placido Polanco served two stints with the Phillies, starting in 2002 when he was acquired at the trade deadline for Scott Rolen.

Jun 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tiger former player Placido Polanco throws out a ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tiger former player Placido Polanco throws out a ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Polanco started with the club at second until was traded in 2005 to the Detroit Tigers to make room for Chase Utley.

He would return to Philadelphia via free agency in 2009 to replace Pedro Feliz at third base following the Phillies loss to the Yankees in the World Series.

During his seven years in Philadelphia, Polanco hit 51 home runs, drove in 281 RBIs, stole 31 bases, and finished with a .289 batting average.

In 2011 he was named to his second All-Star team and earned a Gold Glove at third base. Over his 12 year career Polanco earned three Gold Gloves; two at second base and one at third.

Polanco has not played in a major league game since his stint with the Marlins in 2013.

You could always rely on Placido Polanco to make an outstanding play at third base or provide you with a quality at-bat.

Randy Wolf’s official retirement will be on August 13, while Polanco’s will come on August 14 during Alumni Weekend.

Former Phillie Jim Thome will be inducted into the Wall of Fame on Friday the 12th during a pregame ceremony featuring multiple Phillies legends.

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