From the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, there were few teams better than the Philadelphia Phillies. Perennial winners of the National League East Division, the Phillies captured two pennants and earned a World Series title during that span. Organized in 1883, the Phillies fielded some incredible talent during the late 1800s, including future Hall of Fame outfielders Ed Delahanty, Billy Hamilton and Sam Thompson. Pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander posted 31 wins and crafted a 1.22 ERA in 1915 as the Phillies grabbed their first N.L. flag. Right fielder Gavvy Cravath claimed home run and RBI titles that season. Alexander came back with 33 wins in 1916 and they finished second two years running. The club fell on hard times for the next several decades, despite the stellar play of Chuck Klein, Lefty O'Doul and Cy Williams. Following five consecutive last-place finishes (1938-42), a successful rebuilding program featured stars Del Ennis, Richie Ashburn and Robin Roberts. Finally in 1950, the Whiz Kids outlasted Brooklyn for the pennant on the last-game heroics of Dick Sisler and Ashburn before being swept by the New York Yankees in the World Series. With Steve Carlton mowing down hitters and Mike Schmidt and Greg Luzinski providing the power, the Phillies began their greatest era with an East Division crown in 1976. The club also corralled division titles in 1977, 1978 and 1980, finally winning the NLCS over Houston in '80 and bouncing Kansas City in a six-game World Series. Among the heroes on this title team were senior circuit MVP Schmidt (48 homers, 121 RBI) and Cy Young Award winner Carlton (24 wins). Pitcher Curt Schilling reached the 300-strikeout plateau in both 1997 and '98, the club improved by 21 games from 2000 to 2001, and players including Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu and Jim Thome kept the Phils in contention. After narrowly missing a Wild Card berth the past two seasons, the Phillies are anxious for a return to the postseason.
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