Who are the greatest third basemen in Philadelphia Phillies franchise history?
In the long and storied history of the Philadelphia Phillies, there have been quite a few legendary players.
Since MLB is still locked out and teams can’t sign anyone new or make trades, we’re looking back at the most legendary players to ever wear the Phillies uniform. We started with starting pitchers, then called to the bullpen, followed by catchers, first base, second, short, and now third.
Discussing this position is particularly timely, as Alec Bohm struggled mightily at the hot corner in 2021.
But since the lockout has basically rendered Bohm nonexistent for the time being, here are the five most legendary third basemen in Phillies history…
5. Placido Polanco, Phillies 2002-05, 10-12
Ironically, Placido Polanco is linked to another third baseman on this list, as he came to the Phillies from the Cardinals in the Scott Rolen trade.
Though Polanco played a lot of second base during his first stint with the Phillies, he moved to third when he returned in 2010, as Chase Utley was playing second.
Polanco really was quite excellent in Philadelphia. Over seven years (his most with any team), he slashed .289/.341/.398 with a .739 OPS. His second and final All-Star season and third Gold Glove came with the Phillies in 2011, their most recent NL East champion season.