Which Phillies left-handed hitters had the best single-season performances in franchise history?
With the start of the Major League Baseball season up in the air due to the lockout, there is time to reflect on the past.
Numerous all-time Philadelphia Phillies lists have been produced, so let’s go in a bit of a different direction with this one. As a lefty, I am partial to the left-handed hitters, so let’s run down the top single-season offensive performance by southpaws in Phillies history.
I must note that this “history” only includes players that I have seen play, which dates back to the late 1970s. In addition, no player can appear on the list more than once. Ironically, every player on this list has played during the 21st century.
5. Chase Utley, 2008 Phillies
Entering his 4th season as the Phillies starting second baseman, Chase Utley established himself as the best hitting second baseman in the Major Leagues. He hit .332 in 2007 with 48 doubles, 22 home runs, and 103 RBI.
Although Utley’s batting average dropped to .292 the following year, he hit a career-high 33 home runs, 104 RBI, and 41 doubles, while scoring 113 runs.
Any of Utley’s seasons from 2006 to 2009 could have made this list, but let’s pick the one from the World “bleeping” Championship team for the greatest second baseman in franchise history.