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.
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.
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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.
Why Trillo shouldn’t make the Wall of Fame
When considering who to make the Wall of Fame, many think of longevity as being a prerequisite. If using that as part of the criteria, Trillo falls short after playing a relatively short four seasons with the Phillies. Jim Thome and Roy Halladay are the only players on the Wall of Fame who only spent four seasons as a Phillie, and they were both first-ballot Hall of Famers, while Trillo never received a single vote.
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In terms of rankings among second basemen in franchise history, Trillo also falls short, mainly due to his lack of longevity. He ranks 14th in games and hits, 17th in runs and home runs, 15th in doubles and 16th in home runs.
Trillo never reached 30 doubles or 10 home runs of 50 RBI in any season with the Phillies.
Trillo only racked up 150 hits once. Even his 162 game averages of six home runs, 52 runs batted in. and .277 batting average isn’t Wall of Fame worthy.
So where does this place Trillo? Does his defensive play during his time with the Phillies and 1980 NLCS trump his overall weak offensive performance over four years? What names do people come up with when thinking of the top second baseman in franchise history? Chase Utley leads the way, followed by Tony Taylor, Juan Samuel, and Manny Trillo. Taylor is on the Wall of Fame, as is Samuel. Utley is a lock to make it, and Trillo rightfully should have his spot among the best at his position.