The Philadelphia Phillies are a professional baseball team situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1883, the Phillies rank among the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB) and belong to the National League (NL) East division. Their home games are held at Citizens Bank Park, which is part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. The team's first World Series victory in 1980, featuring Hall of Famers such as Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton, stands out as a pivotal moment in the history of sports in Philadelphia.
Throughout their existence, the Phillies have garnered significant achievements, including several National League championships and two World Series titles, one in 1980 and another in 2008. Mike Schmidt, a Hall of Fame third baseman, is often regarded as the franchise's greatest player ever.
Philadelphia Phillies Captain History
The Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball have had four captains throughout their inception. The team's first captain was announced in 1927. As of 2024, the team does not have a current captain.
| Name | Tenure |
| Jimmie Wilson | 1927–1928 |
| Fresco Thompson | 1928–1930 |
| Granny Hamner | 1952–1959 |
| Mike Schmidt | 1978–1979 |
Jimmie Wilson (1927–1928)
Jimmie Wilson served as a captain for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1927 to 1928. Before joining the Phillies, Wilson played for the St. Louis Cardinals and helped guide them to a World Series title in 1926. After retiring from MLB on September 29, 1940, Jimmie served as a manager of the Philadelphia Phillies from 1934 to 1938.
Fresco Thompson (1928–1930)
Fresco Thompson served as a captain of the Phillies from 1928 to 1930. Primarily a second baseman, Thompson was known for his consistent batting and solid defense. He began his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and went on to play for the New York Giants before joining the Phillies. After his playing days, Thompson had a successful career in baseball management, eventually becoming the general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played a key role in building the team's success during the 1950s.
Granny Hamner (1952–1959)
Granny Hamner was the captain of the Philadelphia Phillies from 1952 to 1959, a long tenure marked by his leadership and versatility as a player. He was announced as the captain of the team in March 1952 by manager Eddie Sawyer. Primarily a shortstop, Hamner was a three-time All-Star and played a key role in the Phillies' "Whiz Kids" team that won the National League pennant in 1950. Known for his strong arm and reliable hitting, Hamner's leadership extended both on and off the field, as he was also called upon to pitch in certain situations late in his career.
Mike Schmidt (1978–1979)
Mike Schmidt served as captain of the Phillies from 1978 to 1979. Widely regarded as one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history, Schmidt was known for his power-hitting and outstanding defense. During his time as captain, Schmidt was an integral part of the Phillies' success, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances. Over his career, he won three National League MVP Awards, 10 Gold Gloves, and hit 548 home runs. Schmidt’s leadership during his captaincy helped set the foundation for the Phillies’ first-ever World Series championship in 1980.
FAQs on Philadelphia Phillies
A. The Philadelphia Phillies play in Major League Baseball's National League East division.
A. The Philadelphia Phillies have won two World Series titles, in 1980 and 2008.
A. The Philadelphia Phillies play their home games at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A. The Philadelphia Phillies colors are red, white, and blue.
A. The Philadelphia Phillies is commonly referred to as "The Phils."
