Last night when the Philadelphia Phillies played the Marlins, we saw old friend Jean Segura playing third base for Miami. It reminded me of this tweet that I posted in April of 2021.
Something random that hit me this morning that we can have some fun with
— Andrew Salciunas (@asalciunas975) April 2, 2021
I can't help but think, unless the Phillies win something, that Jean Segura will be one of those forgotten players who were somewhat productive in Philly.
Can we come up with a lineup of players like that?
The Phillies got to the World Series last season, so Segura will always have a special place in our hearts. But at the time of the tweet, it didn’t look like they were heading to October baseball. Segura would have been another player on a long list of Philadelphia Phillies who were forgotten or considered a “bust out.”
So here are my 8 position players who had successful careers in Philadelphia, didn’t win anything, and you may even forget that they were here and how good they were.
Catcher- Mike Lieberthal
This one was easy, but doesn’t totally fit the narrative. Unlike outfielders and starting pitchers, the Phillies have been successful with catchers. Boone, Dutch Daulton, Ruiz, and now JT Realmuto. All have been a part of a World Series, and all have been vital parts of the team. Unfortunately for Lieberthal, who played 13 seasons with the Phillies and is now on the Wall of Fame, he came in during the 94 season and left before the Phillies won the division in 2007.
Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport
First Base - Rico Brogna
You are laughing. I know you are. But in the late 90s when the Phillies were bottom feeders, Brogna was a dim bright spot. He hit at least 20 home runs in each of his 3 full seasons with the Phillies and drove in over 100 runs twice. After leaving the Phillies he hit 4 home runs and only had 29 RBI. Something about the Vet helped Brogna’s career.
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Stockman /Allsport
3B- Placido Polanco (Screw You Scott Rolen)
Scott Rolen would be the obvious answer here, but people remember Rolen. Heck, the dude is being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. So the guy that fits this conversation is Polanco. A guy who had two stints with the Phillies. He ushered in Chase Utley to second base in the early 2000s, and then came back to play third base. When I ask you to name third baseman in Phillies franchise history, your first, second, third, or fourth thought would be Polanco. In total, his 7 seasons with the Phillies were productive but didn’t lead to anything big.
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
SS- Freddy Galvis
If you are my age, you’ve had it good at shortstop. Jimmy Rollins for over a decade and now Trea Turner. You can’t go wrong there. But there was a shortstop in between who wasn’t bad (except when he came back) and that is Freddy Galvis. A guy who played almost every game had enough pop to hit 20 home runs, and was an excellent fielder. Do I miss Galvis? Absolutely not. Was he a decent ball player during the bad days of the Phillies post 07-11? Yes.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Outfield- Kenny Lofton
Kenny Lofton played one season here. One. You forget that he played with the Phillies. When you look at what he did, you are amazed that you forget what he did. In 2005 Lofton hit 335, THREE THIRTY-FIVE. He didn’t hit bombs, he didn’t drive in runs, but he was a staple at the top of the order for a young team.
(Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Outfield- Aaron Rowand
I will start with Rowand. You will always remember Aaron Rowand, but only for the catch where he broke his nose. In 2007, the guy did way more than just that. He hit .309 and smashed 27 home runs. If it wasn’t for Shane Victorino, Rowand is your centerfielder when they win the World Series in 2008. After leaving Philly and going to the Giants, he was a mediocre player. But that 2007 season got him paid, and the Phillies finally won the division.
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Outfield- Bobby Abreu
Last but not least, and definitely not least, even though he gets 0 respect from Phillies fans, Bobby Abreu. I have him in this just so he gets a little love. A bubble Hall of Famer, a guy you could pencil in for 20-30 home runs and 80-100 RBI every single year. He was a great baseball player, 5 tool, and just played with bad Phillies teams. In 9 seasons with the Phillies, he finished hitting over 300. Someone that gets no respect but deserves it.
(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
