Phillies: Five worst teams over the last 50 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Starting pitcher Alec Asher #49 of the Philadelphia Phillies listens to pitching coach Bob McClure #22 as Cameron Rupp #29 looks on in the first inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

3 – 2015 (63 – 99, 27 games behind)

After a great run from 2007 through 2011, the Phillies began a downward spiral, hitting rock bottom in 2015. Losing 8-0 on Opening Day was an omen for things to come. The team managed to win three of their next four to move a game above .500, but it was the only time the team would be above .500 all season and the Phillies were never in first place.

The Phils were already seven games back at the end of April, posting a record of 8-15. A six-game winning streak in mid-May put the Phillies at 17-23 and hopeful signs of getting back to .500. However, a 1-9 stretch to end the month put the club at 19-33.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 18: Pete Mackanin #45, Larry Bowa #10 and Ryne Sandberg #23 of the Philadelphia Phillies stand during the National Anthem before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Citizens Bank Park on June 18, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 2-1. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

A nine-game losing streak in June leads to the eventual resignation of manager Ryne Sandberg. Pete Mackanin took over as manager of the team that was 26-48 at the time. The team responded somewhat under Mackanin playing nearly .500 ball over July and August. After stumbling in September the Phillies won on the final day of the season on October 4 to avoid the dreaded 100-loss mark.

Offensively, the Phillies ranked 13th in runs and home runs, last in walks, and 11th in batting average. Ryan Howard was a shell of his former self, but still led the team in home runs (23) and RBI (77). Chase Utley struggled to the tune of a .217 batting average with five home runs before being traded to the Dodgers. Odubel Herrera led all regulars in hitting with a .297 average and Cesar Hernandez was the top stolen base threat with 19.

As bad as the offense was, the starting pitching was even worse. No starter had more than six wins and 22-year old Aaron Nola has the best ERA at 3.59 in 13 starts. Jonathan Papelbon and Ken Giles combined to save 32 with an ERA of 1.74.

The highlight of the season was a no-hitter by Cole Hamels against the Cubs on July 25 in his final start in a Phillies uniform. All told, the Phillies ranked 14th in the NL in ERA, last in hits and home runs allowed.