That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: Top individual seasons in team history by age

By Kerry Kauffman

Mike Schmidt, Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Mike Schmidt, Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK – CIRCA 1978: Greg Luzinski #19 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the New York Mets during an Major League Baseball game circa 1978 at Shea Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. Luzinski played for the Phillies from 1970-80. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
NEW YORK – CIRCA 1978: Greg Luzinski #19 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the New York Mets during an Major League Baseball game circa 1978 at Shea Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. Luzinski played for the Phillies from 1970-80. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Which Phillies individual seasons stood out as the best ever at their age?

With the potential start of the Phillies season, at best, nearly two months away, we have plenty of time to reflect on greats from the past.  A list of best offensive seasons in Phillies history is a great place to start.

But let’s add a little wrinkle to create more of a challenge than have a list dominated by Mike Schmidt. The compilation includes one player from each age from 21 through 40 with no player eligible to appear more than once.

Many on the list didn’t have their best seasons at the age selected, but fit the list best according to the criteria provided.

*Note that only players from 1970 to present are eligible.

Age 21: Greg Luzinski (1972)

Luzinski went 2-for-12 as a 19-year old in 1970 and hit .300 with three home runs in 100 at-bats the following season in 28 games.  During his full rookie campaign in 1972, “The Bull” showed a glimpse of what was to come. He hit .281 with 33 doubles, 18 home runs and 68 RBI for the woeful club that won just 59 games.  Luzinski’s home run total, RBI total and batting average were team highs.

Luzinski hit 29 home runs the following season before an injury-plagued 1974 limited him to 85 games and seven home runs. From 1975 through 1978 he was one of the top power threats in the NL, posting at least 30 home runs three times, twice finished second in the NL MVP vote, and made four consecutive All-Star appearances.  He struggled over his final two campaigns with the Phillies and finished an 11-year run with the Phillies with 223 home runs and 811 RBI.

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