Top five first basemen in Phillies history

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 02: Ryan Howard /

While the Phillies rebuilding process continues with numerous changes in the coaching staff and likely player personnel, we take a look back to list the top five first basemen in franchise history.

Honorable mention: Don Hurst (1928 – 1934)

Likely known only to a Phillies historian, Don Hurst had seven solid seasons with the Phillies. Among first basemen in franchise history, Hurst ranks second in batting average, third in home runs, OPS and runs scored and fourth in slugging percentage.

In 1929, Hurst hit 31 home runs with 125 RBI and led the league in RBI with 143 in 1932, earning MVP consideration. He hit .300 or better four consecutive seasons with the Phillies. Hurst played 40 games with the Phillies in 1934 and 51 games with the Cubs, retiring following the season.

5. Jim Thome (2003 – 2005, 2012)

Although Jim Thome’s time with the Phillies was limited, he made his mark in 2003 and 2004, earning him a place in the Phillies Wall of Fame.

Thome belted 47 home runs and 131 RBI in 2003 and 42 home runs and 105 RBI in 2004, earning him an All-Star appearance. Injuries plagued Thome in 2005, opening the door for Ryan Howard. Thome returned to the Phillies in 2012, hitting five home runs mainly as a pinch hitter before being traded to Baltimore.

Thome posted solid defensive numbers for a big man with .997, .994 and 1.000 fielding percentages from 2003-05.

Had Jim Thome’s tenure in Philadelphia been longer, he undoubtedly would be higher on this list.

CINCINNATI, OH – JULY 14: Former player and manager Pete Rose looks on prior to the 86th MLB All-Star Game at the Great American Ball Park on July 14, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

4. Pete Rose (1979 – 1983)

Clearly on the downside of a great career when this Phillies signed Rose in 1979, he was the spark the Phillies needed to get over the top to win the first World Series in franchise history.

Rose still had some left in the tank, hitting .331 in 1979, leading the league in on-base percentage at .418. He also led the league in doubles in 1980 and hit .325 in 1981. In addition, Rose was a plus defensive player, posting a .996 fielding percentage in his time in Philadelphia.

Truly a player who excelled in big games, Rose hit .326 in the 1980 post season and .326 in 25 post season games with the Phillies.

3. John Kruk (1989 – 1994)

Part of the throwback team in 1993 that defied odds to win the National League pennant, John Kruk was a consistent .300 hitter during his time in Philadelphia.

Kruk demonstrated his offensive prowess early, hitting .339 in 81 games in 1989. His best season was in 1991, when he hist 21 home runs and knocked in 92. This began a string of three consecutive All-Star appearances for Kruk. In the field, Kruk was above average, posting a .995 fielding percentage.

John Kruk became a free agent following the 1994 seasons. He signed with the White Sox and on July 30, 1995, following a single, Kruk removed himself form the game and retired. He finished his career with a .300 batting average and 100 home runs.

PHILADELPHIA – OCTOBER 07: Dick Allen, former player for the Philadelphia Phillies, throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Game One of the NLDS between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Colorado Rockies during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park on October 7, 2009, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) /

2. Dick Allen (1963 – 1969, 1975 -1976)

Dick Allen was one of the top power hitters of his generation, and many believe he deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame. Allen was Rookie of the Year in 1963 and had six consecutive seasons of 20 or more home runs, including 3 of 30 or more.

His best season with the Phillies was in 1966 when he hit 40 home runs, knocked in 110 and lead the league in slugging percentage. After five successful seasons with the Cardinals, Dodgers and White Sox, which including an MVP award, Allen returned to the Phillies in 1975.

Allen retired following a stint with the A’s in 1977 with 320 doubles, 351 home runs, .292 batting average and seven All-Star appearances.

PHILADELPHIA – OCTOBER 29: Ryan Howard /

1. Ryan Howard (2004 – 2016)

It didn’t take long for Ryan Howard to make his mark in Philadelphia. After two home runs in 42 at-bats in 2004, Ryan Howard won Rookie of the Year in 2005, hitting 22 home runs in 348 at-bats. He followed with a monster 2005 season in which he hit .313 with 58 home runs and 149 RBI, earning MVP honors.

Howard continued his torrid power production with 40-plus home run seasons from 2007-2009. He led the league in home runs and RBI in 2008, helping to lead the team to the World Series title.

Although production declined somewhat over the next two seasons, Howard still posted 33 home runs in 2010 and 31 in 2011.

Injuries took their toll on Howard in 2012 and 2013, limiting him to 151 games and 25 home runs combined. Clearly not the player once was, Howard hit .225 and .199 in his final two years with the Phillies.

Howard signed a Minor League contract with the Braves in April this season but was released on May 8. He later signed a Minor League deal with the Rockies, but didn’t appear in a Major League game.

Next: Top 10 Phillies Starting Pitchers of the Last 10 Years

First in home runs, RBI and runs scored among first basemen in team history, Howard has 358 career home runs and 1194 RBI.

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Phillies: Top Five First Basemen in Franchise History

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