Phillies all-time best starting lineup based on WAR

Left field: Ed Delahanty (64.8 fWAR)

Ed Delahanty’s 64.8 fWAR is the second-most impressive in franchise history. The Cleveland, Ohio native once totaled four home runs during a game on July 13, 1986. His home run total for his career was relatively low as he finished with 87 in 1,555 games during his career with the Phillies.

Delahanty was excellent at getting on base with 2,213 hits, which is the fourth most of any player in the organization's history. He is the all-time leader with 157 triples. The left fielder ranks second with 1,367 runs and 1,527 singles. His 1,286 RBI and 442 doubles are also second most among Phillies hitters.

He was also known for his speed. He had 411 stolen bases, which only trail Billy Hamilton (508) and Rollins (453) for the most in the franchise's history. Delahanty was the NL leader with 58 stolen bases during the 1898 season.

Delahanty's .348 batting average is third and he is sixth with a .415 OBP. The utility player's .508 slugging percentage is 12th in Phillies history and he is seventh with a .923 OPS. The Sporting News wrote that: "He was among the greatest batters the game ever produced. Great batters, like poets, are born, not made.”

The outfielder finished with an over .400 batting average in three seasons with Philadelphia. He hit .407 and .404 in 1894 and 1895 respectively, and .410 in 1899. Delahanty received the ultimate honor for a player, being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, in 1945.

Next: A Hall of Famer who possessed the characteristics of a successful hitter in the leadoff spot.