That Balls Outta Here
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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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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) /

Why Trillo should make the Wall of Fame

Trillo goes down as arguably the best defensive second baseman in franchise history. His three Gold Glove awards lead franchise second basemen and are tied with Shane Victorino for fourth-most in franchise history.  Trillo had a stellar .994 fielding percentage in 1982 and 3.1 wins above replacement during his time with the Phillies.

More from That Balls Outta Here

Without Trillo, the Phillies very well don’t win the 1980 World Series. He hit only .217 during the World Series against the Royals, hardly noteworthy. However, he hit a robust .381 with two doubles, a triple and four RBI in the NLCS with the Astros, winning MVP honors. The Phillies trailed the Astros two games to one in the best of five NLCS. Manny Trillo went 2-for-4, knocking in two, including a key one late to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead in Game Four.

After trailing the Astros and Nolan Ryan by the score of 5-2 through seven in Game Five of the NLCS, the Phillies made the comeback for the ages.  After working their way to a tie with two outs and two on in the eighth, Trillo laced a triple down the left field line.

He scored Ramon Aviles and Del Unser, giving the Phillies a 7-5 lead. Although the Astros tied it, the Phillies won in extra innings, earning the NL Championship.

Trillo’s overall offensive numbers with the Phillies were solid but not eye-opening, hitting .277 with 561 hits. However,  his defensive ability and key contributions to the first World Series title in franchise history is enough to earn him a spot on the Wall of Fame.

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