All-time all-defensive team in Phillies franchise history
Richie Ashburn – outfield
The first Gold Glove award was given in 1957, towards the end of Ashburn’s stellar career. While playing during an era when Willie Mays got all the accolades in center field, Ashburn was one of the top defensive center fielders of his era. He had 10 or more assists 10 times with the Phillies with a career high 23 in 1952.
Ashburn consistently was well above average in fielding percentage with a career best .990 in 1953. He committed 10 or more errors in a season only twice in his 15 year career. Ashburn played two season with the Cubs and one with the Mets following his days in Philadelphia. He enjoyed a successful post playing career as a broadcaster with Harry Kalas and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- Does Bailey Falter have a future in Phillies’ rotation?
- Prospect Andrew Baker could help Phillies bullpen in 2023
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
Garry Maddox – outfield
Known as the “Secretary of Defense”, Maddox was the best center fielder of his era and one of the top in league history. He won eight consecutive Gold Gloves from 1975 through 1982. Only seven outfielders in Major League history won the award more than Maddox.
Maddox had a career-best .995 fielding percentage with just two errors in 140 games in 1979 and posted a .992 fielding percentage with only two miscues in 1982. Hall of Famer and broadcaster Ralph Kiner once quoted that “two-thirds of the Earth is covered by water, the other one-third by Garry Maddox”, which says it all.
Shane Victorino – outfield
Known as “The Flyin’ Hawaiian”, Victorino spent eight of his 12-year Major League career with the Phillies. He took home his first of three consecutive Gold Gloves in 2008, adding a fourth with the Red Sox in 2013. He committed just five errors in 435 games during that stretch with amazing fielding percentages of .994, .997 and .995, respectively.
Next. Phillies predicted to sign Manny Machado, 2 others. dark
Prior to playing in Philadelphia, Victorino appeared in 36 games for the Padres in 2003. Following his time in Philadelphia, he played for the Dodgers, Red Sox and Angels, last playing in 2015. He officially retired as a Phillie on Aug. 3, 2018.