That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies Franchise History: Greatest Player to Wear Each Number

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 09: Former Philadelphia Phillies greats, Jim Bunning, Steve Carlton and Mike Schmidt were among many on hand to honor former manager Charlie Manuel who was to be inducted to the Phillies Wall of Fame during a ceremony before the start of a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 9, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 09: Former Philadelphia Phillies greats, Jim Bunning, Steve Carlton and Mike Schmidt were among many on hand to honor former manager Charlie Manuel who was to be inducted to the Phillies Wall of Fame during a ceremony before the start of a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 9, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 8: Center fielder Ben Revere #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies sits in the dugout with former Phillies outfielder Gary Maddox prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 8, 2014 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 8: Center fielder Ben Revere #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies sits in the dugout with former Phillies outfielder Gary Maddox prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 8, 2014 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Gary Maddox. 31. team. 6. . .

You don’t earn the nickname “Secretary of Defense” for no reason. Garry Maddox was one of the best center fielders of his era, and one of the best outfielders in franchise history.

San Francisco drafted the California native in the second round back in 1968, but joined the Army and fought in Vietnam. At the age of 22 he replaced Willie Mays in center field and was playing alongside Barry Bonds for San Francisco. In his sophomore season Maddox hit .319 and received MVP votes, cementing himself as the everyday center fielder.

In May of 1975 the Phillies traded first baseman Willie Montanez to San Francisco for the young center fielder Maddox, unknowingly adding one of the great players in franchise history.

The following season Maddox finished fifth in the MVP race after hitting .330, and earned his second Gold Glove, and the first of seven consecutive. In 1979 he, unknowingly, finished second in Phillies history with a 2.9 dWAR behind Larry Bowa, a record current held by Chase Utley.

Maddox played the final 12 seasons of his 15-year career in Philadelphia, and was a leading force towards their 1980 World Series championship with his defense and consistent hitting. In the NCLS Maddox made the final play to win the pennant and was carried off by his team.

He won the Roberto Clemente award in 1986, and Philadelphia inducted him onto the Wall of Fame in 2001.

Maddox is sixth among Phillies live-ball players with a career dWAR of 11.1, the best for an outfielder in franchise history.

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