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Phillies Wall of Fame candidate: Second baseman Manny Trillo

By Kerry Kauffman

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 09: A C-130 does a flyover during the national anthem before the game between the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies during the home opener at Citizens Bank Park on April 9, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 09: A C-130 does a flyover during the national anthem before the game between the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies during the home opener at Citizens Bank Park on April 9, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /
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CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – MARCH 02: Bryce Harper is introduced to the Philadelphia Phillies during a press conference at Spectrum Stadium on March 02, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – MARCH 02: Bryce Harper is introduced to the Philadelphia Phillies during a press conference at Spectrum Stadium on March 02, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Manny Trillo was a key part of the Phillies 1980 World Series team. Were his accomplishments in Philadelphia enough to warrant a spot on the Wall of Fame?

Manny Trillo began his professional career as a 17-year old in 1968. After nearly five full seasons in the Minor Leagues, the Venezuelan-born Trillo made his major-league debut with the Oakland Athletics on June 28, 1973. He went 3-for-12 with the A’s that season and returned to the minors for most of 1974. Upon returning to the majors, Trillo hit .152 in 33 at-bats. Trillo was traded along with Darold Knowles, and Bob Locker to the Cubs in the offseason for Billy Williams.

During his rookie season of 1975, Trillo showed he belonged in the Major Leagues, knocking in 70 and finishing third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.  After continued solid play in a starting role, Trillo made his first All-Star team with the Cubs in 1977.  During his time in Chicago, Trillo became one of the best fielding second basemen in the National League.  After four seasons with the Cubs, he was traded to the Phillies, where he began his best run in his career.

Trillo won his first Gold Glove award in 1979 and hit .270 with six home runs and 42 RBI. He was an integral part of the 1980 World Series Championship team, hitting .381 in the NLCS, winning MVP honors. Trillo was an All-Star and won the Gold Glove award in both 1981 and 1982 before being part of the “5-for-1” trade to Cleveland for Von Hayes.

Trillo made his final All-Star appearance in 1983, splitting time with the Indians and Expos. Trillo went on to play for the Giants, Cubs, and Reds before retiring in 1989. He retired with 1562 hits, 61 home runs 571 RBI and solid .981 fielding percentage at second base.

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