The Five Most Under Appreciated Athletes in Philadelphia History- Part 5

Part 5 of 6

2 Mike Schmidt

Michael Jack Schmidt was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995 and is largely recognized as the greatest third baseman in the history of the game. To follow him throughout his 18-year career in Philadelphia—all in a Phillies uniform—those accolades would not have always been apparent by reading the newspaper, tuning into sports talk radio or listening to the Veteran Stadium crowds.

As Schmidt once put it in an interview, "Only in Philadelphia can you experience the thrill of victory one night, and the agony of reading about it the next day." And, early in his tenure he blurted out "I've just accepted my role as the guy the fans are going to take their frustrations out on."

For all the prolific statistics and majestic home runs, these two statements pretty much sum up how Schmidt perceived his existence in Philadelphia. And, although fans and the media recognize his greatness retrospectively, both would have to admit that he was often the target of their criticism over almost two decades.

The numbers and the hardware do not lie. Three MVP trophies, 12 All-Star appearances, six Silver sluggers, and 10 Gold Glove awards provide ample testimony. And, of course, let's not forget in 1980 World Series ring that "Schmitty" complements with the MVP trophy for his efforts.

The numbers, un-inflated by small ballparks and performance-enhancing drugs, were among the best of his era. Thirteen times he clubbed more than 30 home runs and nine times he exceeded 100 RBIs. Today, he ranks 14th all-time with 548 home runs and is among the top 75 in many different offensive career categories (cheaters included.)

All in all, his detractors interpreted his calm as being aloof and uncaring. They saw his fluid movement as nonchalance and possibly lack of hustle. They viewed his discipline to work deep into the count as un-aggressive or even fearful. His own teammates even referred to him as "Captain Cool", which certainly didn't help his public image.

After his abysmal rookie season when he hit below the Mendoza line, Schmidt had a breakout year in 1974 that somewhat set the bar for future seasons. Fans now had high expectations that were measured one at-bat at a time.

While he played, his critics tended to remember his strikeouts and believe that he never came through in the clutch. Looking back now, though, the memories are somewhat reversed.

Batting Third: Mike Schmidt- Third Base

Philadelphia Phillies All-Time Line Up (Part 3 of a 9 Part Series)

Like Utley, this is an easy choice. Phillies fans as well as baseball players and pundits view Michael Jack Schmidt as the greatest player in team history. He has also been largely recognized as the best player to have ever graced the position in the rich history of the sport.

After an ignominious start to his career when he failed to break the "Mendoza line" with a .196 batting average and striking out more than once per game in 1973, Schmidt pulled a reverse "sophomore jinx" by emerging as an All-Star the next year. That season launched a phenomenal career that garnered many awards and culminated in a first ballot Hall of Fame selection in 1995.

Schmidt played before the "Steroids Era" that propped up stats, yet currently sits in 14th place on Major League Baseball's home run list with 548. He may end up back in the unqualified top ten if baseball officials elect to apply asterisks to some of the "juice" inflated totals of players after him.

Throughout his 18 year career (all with the Phillies), Schmitty collected a large amount of hardware for his mantel, including six Silver Slugger, 10 Gold Glove, and three Most Valuable Player Awards. He was also named to 12 NL All-Star Teams.

His best seasons coincided with the MVP trophies. In the Phillies 1980 Championship year, the smooth third third baseman clubbed 48 home runs and collected 121 RBI while batting .286 with .624 OBP.

Schmidt followed that up with what was on track to be his greatest season in 1981, but a mid-season strike eliminated more than 1/3 of the scheduled games. In just 102 games, he banged out 31 home runs and drove in 91. Additionally, he registered career highs with a .316 batting average, .435 on base percentage and a .644 slugging percentage.

For all his accomplishments, Schmidt periodically drew criticism from the Philadelphia fans and media for what sometimes appeared to be indifference. His calm demeanor and effortless style were occasionally misinterpreted as lack of hustle or intensity. Of course, another sore spot related to his high strikeout totals, but this also enabled him to draw a high number of free passes.

Through the repetitive opportunity that he provided, Schmidt is somewhat intertwined with former broadcast legend Harry Kalas through a trademark call. Phillies fans will always remember the congenial baritone voice excitedly exclaimed, "Its ha long drive to deep left field....that ball is outta here- Michael Jack Schmidt!"

Statistics R HR RBI AVG SB OBP SLG

Phillies 1506 548 1595 .267 174 .380 .527

Career 1506 548 1595 .267 174 .380 .527

Honorable Mention:

Dick Allen- No matter whether you called him Rich, Richie, Dick or Crash, Allen is arguably the most talented player ever to wear a Phillies uniform. The prodigious slugger played the first half of his career in Philadelphia and then later returned for a couple seasons. Unfortunately, his career was often interrupted by injury and controversy, but he still managed to amass 351 home runs and a .292 batting average. Allen was a seven time All-Star, the 1964 NL Rookie of the Year, and the 1972 AL MVP.

Previous Posts in the Series

Philadelphia Phillies All-Time Line Up

Batting First: Richie Ashburn- Center Field

Batting Second: Chase Utley- Second Base