Phillies Franchise History: Greatest Player to Wear Each Number

Larry Andersen became a veteran voice and a dominant reliever for the Phillies through two stints, most notably for the 1993 Phillies.

Andersen started his career as a seventh-round draft pick of the Cleveland Indians in 1971 out of high school. After appearing in 24 games for Cleveland as a reliever he was traded to the Pirates and subsequently to the Mariners within 14 months.

MLB Network named Andersen the 12th-best personality in the history of baseball, and he remains a beloved member of the broadcast team as the home radio color “analyst.”

After six years of bouncing between clubs and the minors Andersen got an opportunity with Seattle and pitched with a 2.66 ERA in 1981. Two years later he was on the move again, this time to Philadelphia, who purchased his contract.

Andersen joined the bullpen for the 1983 World Series run, and over his first 138 games in Philadelphia had a 3.13 ERA and a 1.274 WHIP.

Philly failed to retain Andersen after the 1986 season, and he joined the Astros in free agency. After five years in Houston with a 2.57 ERA, Andersen was infamously traded straight-up for prospect and future Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell.

Andersen finished the 1990 season in Boston and pitched two years in San Diego before returning to Philadelphia. He pitched in 64 games for the 1993 Phillies at 40-years-old and had a 2.92 ERA.

MLB Network named Andersen the 12th-best personality in the history of baseball, and he remains a beloved member of the broadcast team as the home radio color “analyst.”