Top 10 relievers in Philadelphia Phillies franchise history

The Phillies have had numerous relief pitchers in their 134 year history. But which relievers rank at the top in franchise history?

Over the course of Phillies history, many relievers have made their mark either briefly or long term. Many factors are considered when ranking the top relievers in franchise history including All-Star appearances, longevity, Cy Young Awards, saves, ERA, NLCS and World Series championships won. After extensive pondering, here is my list for top ten relievers in franchise history.

10- Kent Tekulve (1985-1988)

At the back end of an excellent career when arriving in Philadelphia, Tekulve was a very reliable set up man. He posted ERA’s under 3 in 1985 and 1986 and lead the league in appearances in 1987 with 90. Having a rubber arm, Tekulve threw 100 or more innings in both 1986 and 1987.

9- Ricky Bottalico (1994-1998, 2001-2002)

Bottalico posted 34 save seasons in 1996 and 1997 before struggling to a 6.44 ERA in 39 games in 1998. He had a solid season in 2001, pitching to a 3.90 ERA in 66 games. Bottalico ranks 8th in saves on the Phillies list and was an All-Star in 1996.

8- Ron Reed (1976-1983)

Reed was a two-sport athlete, having also played in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons. On the mound, Reed was a mainstay in middle to late relief. He pitched in 100 or more innings out of the pen four consecutive seasons from 1976-1979, winning 31 games and posting an ERA of 2.85. He was part of the World Series championship team of 1980 and won 9 games in relief for the 1983 National League championship team.

7- Al Holland (1983-1985)

Holland, known as “Mr T” during his short time with the Phillies, was a reliable and sometimes dominating closer for the 1983 National League championship team. He pitched to a 2.24 ERA in 1983, was an All-Star in 1984 and tallied 54 saves. Holland appeared in only three games with the Phillies in 1985 before being traded to the Pirates.

6- Mitch WIlliams (1991-1993)

Williams may be known for giving up the series deciding home run in the 1993 World Series, however the Phillies likely never make it to the series without the help of Williams. It was not always pretty with “Wild Thing” on the mound, but generally the job was done. Williams saved 102 games for the Phillies, including 43 in 1993. He also had 12 wins, a 2.34 ERA and sixth in the Cy Young Award voting in 1991. Sadly, Williams never regained form after the World Series defeat and posted a 7.96 ERA for three teams over parts of 1994, 1995 and 1997 before retiring.

5- Billy Wagner (2004-2005)

Wagner likely would be higher on this list had he pitched for more than two seasons with the Phillies. He was dominating while in Philadelphia, posting a 2.42 ERA in 2004 and 1.51 ERA in a league leading 70 appearances in 2005. Wagner averaged over 10 strikeouts per nine innings and a ridiculously low 0.81 WHIP in 120 games with the Phillies, while saving 59 games.

4- Steve Bedrosian (1986-1989)

It’s a rare feat for a reliever to lead the league in saves and take home the Cy Young Award. That’s exactly what Bedrosian did in 1987, going 5-3 with 40 saves and a 2.83 ERA.  He was solid the season before, saving 29 with a 3.34 ERA.  Although Bedrosian struggled somewhat in 1988 with a 3.75 ERA, he managed 28 saves. All told, he is third in club history in saves and his epic 1987 season pushes him near the top of this list.

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3- Jonathan Papelbon (2012-2015)

Certainly not a fan favorite due to his abrasive personality, Papelbon’s numbers are difficult to overlook. He saved 38 in 2012, 29 in 2013 and 39 in 2014. On  a contender, those totals would have been much higher. He’s the all-time franchise leader in saves and is second in ERA among those on this list. Papelbon was an All-Star in 2012, averaging 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

Papelbon’s numbers are better than those in the top two, but closers on a World Championship team have to rank at the top.

2- Brad Lidge (2008-2011)

Lidge makes this list solely on what he did in 2008, but what a remarkable season that was. He was perfect 48-for-48 in save opportunities, including the post season. He had a 1.95 ERA and averaged 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings during the regular season. Lidge saved 31 in 2009, but his ERA skyrocketed. While pitching in 50 games in 2010, Lidge saved 27 with an ERA of 2.96. Injuries limited Lidge to 25 games in 2011 and was out of baseball following a brief stint with the Nationals in 2012. He will be forever remembered for his 2008 season, ranking him second on this list.

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1- Tug McGraw (1975-1984)

Due to the era in which he pitched, McGraw’s overall numbers wont impress those who look at save totals as deciding factor in a reliever’s effectiveness. However, McGraw was the key component on the mound bringing the Phillies their first World Series Championship in franchise history. McGraw arguably had his best season in 1980, posting a 1.46 ERA and allowed only 62 hits in 92 1/3 innings. His strikeout of Willie Wilson to end the 1980 World Series may be the top moment in franchise history.

McGraw had five seasons with an ERA under three, was an All-Star in 1975 and is second in franchise history in relief appearances.

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Out of the hundreds of relievers to have pitched for the Phillies, these were the best.