Phillies: Top Five First Basemen in Franchise History

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Ryan Howard
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Ryan Howard
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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)
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.

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