That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

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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CLEARWATER, FL – FEBRUARY 24: Pat Burrell of the Philadelphia Phillies poses during Photo Day on February 24, 2007 at Brighthouse Networks Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL – FEBRUARY 24: Pat Burrell of the Philadelphia Phillies poses during Photo Day on February 24, 2007 at Brighthouse Networks Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Pat Burrell (2000, left field, ROY voting: 4th)

After being selected by the Phillies in the first round in 1998, Burrell made quick work through the minor leagues, batting over .300 with 36 home runs in 164 games.  In his rookie season of 2000, Burrell displayed a glimpse of his power, hitting 18 home runs with a .260 average and .822 OPS in 111 games. He got Rookie of the Year consideration, finishing fourth in the voting.

The following season, Burrell started a string of eight consecutive seasons hitting at least 20 home runs when he belted 27 with 89 RBI.  He had his best season in 2002, hitting 39 doubles, 37 home runs and a .282 batting average, all career highs.

In 2005, Burrell earned seventh place votes in the MVP race when he hit .281 with 32 home runs and a career high 117 RBI.  The 2007 season was the first of two consecutive seasons with at least 30 home runs. In fact, Burrell was a key component to the 2008 World Series championship team, hammering 33 home runs with 86 RBI.

Perhaps  Burrell’s biggest hit in his career was in the seventh inning of Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. With the score tied, he ripped a double, which led to the go ahead and what proved to be the winning run.

Burrell became a free agent following the season and signed with the Rays, here he struggled for the most part. He hit just .218 with 16 home runs and 77 RBI in 146 games before being designated for assignment.  A few days later, he signed with the Giants and hit .252 with 25 home runs in 188 games.  Burrell signed a one-day contract with the Phillies in 2012 to officially retire with the team with a career average of .253 with 297 home runs.

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