MLB Franchise Four – Biggest Snubs for Each Team
Philadelphia Phillies – Ed Delahanty
Franchise Four: Richie Ashburn, Steve Carlton, Mike Schmidt, Robin Roberts
Established in 1883, the Philadelphia Phillies are one of the oldest franchises in the Major Leagues. As such, they have pretty extensive history in which to pull from for their Franchise Four. That includes six players in Cooperstown that currently sport the Phillies cap.
The selections of Carlton, Schmidt, and Roberts are about as solid as they get. All three are among those six that represent the team in the Hall of Fame. Ashburn himself is also in there as a Phillie and is a worthy selection. That said, a case could be made for Ed Delahanty, who didn’t even appear on the ballot.
Delahanty, who spun his craft at the turn of the 20th century and goes back all the way to the time when the team was still known as the Quakers, perhaps gets forgotten because he proceeds most of the living generation of fans. A career .348/.414/.508 hitter during the Dead-ball Era, Delahanty still ranks second on the club in career WAR (64.8) and his wRC+ of 145 is still fourth among qualified position players in team history.
Alas, he is WAAAYY back in team history.
Next: Pirates - Wilbur Cooper