That Balls Outta Here
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Chronological list of top rookie seasons in Phillies history

By Kerry Kauffman

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a double against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 6-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a double against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 6-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 04: Members of the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies stand with current players during the National Anthem before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on August 4, 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 04: Members of the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies stand with current players during the National Anthem before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on August 4, 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

The Phillies continue their free agent quest to bolster the roster.  Having already added Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura, the big names of Manny Machado and Bryce Harper are still on the radar.

Adding either would complete a very successful off season, adding to Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins, who was a rookie sensation in 2017.

Taking a look back, here are the top rookie seasons since the Rookie of the Year was first awarded in 1947.

Richie Ashburn (1948, center field, ROY voting: 3rd)

Ashburn was a 21-year old speedster out of Nebraska who patrolled center field during his 1948 rookie campaign. His rookie season was so good that he was named an All-Star and finished 11th in the MVP voting.

Ashburn hit .333 with a .410 on-base percentage, .810 OPS and led the league in stolen bases with 32.  His efforts placed him third in the Rookie of the Year vote.

He was a key member of the 1950 NL Championship team, leading the league in triples with 14.  Ashburn led the league in hits the following season with 221, in 1953 with 205, and in 1958 with 212.  He hit .300 or better nine times with a career-high .350 in 1958.  He also led the league in walks four times and on-base percentage four times and was a five-time All-Star.

Ashburn played for the Phillies through the 1959 season, with the Cubs in 1960 and 1961 before by selected by the Mets in the expansion draft of 1962. In his final season, Ashburn was an All-Star, hitting .306 in 135 games.

Ashburn ranks third in franchise history in hits and walks and fourth in runs scored. He retired with 2,574 hits, 1322 runs, and a .308 batting average.

Known as “Whitey”, Ashburn had a successful post-playing career, teaming with Harry Kalas to form one of the best baseball broadcasting duos in history. Ashburn was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995 and passed away in 1997.

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