Philadelphia Phillies 101 is required reading for every Phillies fan! From the fun of cheering on the team with the Phillie Phanatic to the great 1980 World Series championship, you'll share all the memories with the next generation. Enjoy all the traditions of your favorite team, learn the basics about playing baseball and share your passion for America's pastime! Officially licensed by Major League Baseball.

Labeled illustrations on board pages introduce the players and symbols of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team.

The Philadelphia Phillies have lost more games and finished in last place more times than any other major league club. The lost seasons have established their reputation as one of the most unsuccessful teams ever to take the field--but even so the Phillies have had some unforgettable players and notable triumphs throughout their history. This work is a history of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball club from its inception in 1883, when the Worcester (Massachusetts) Brown Stockings moved to Philadelphia, through the 2000 season, 118 years later. It covers the team's finer seasons, moments, and players, including the great outfield of the 1890s, which was perhaps one of the best in big league history, Grover Cleveland Alexander and the 1915 pennant winner, Chuck Klein's slugging feats, Roberts, Ennis, and Ashburn, the era of Gene Mauch, Jim Bunning and the heartbreak of the lost pennant in 1964, Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton and the 1980 World Series championship, and the surprise pennant win in 1993. The book also covers the less than memorable times that are all too familiar to the fans. The team's relationship with the city of Philadelphia is also discussed at length.

The Philadelphia Phillies, one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball, have maintained a strong, loyal fan base for over 125 years. Despite historic set backs, the franchise has proven resilient and evolved into a perennial contender with consistently large attendance figures. In fact, the Phillies claim 37 Hall of Famers, two World Series championships, seven National League pennants, and nine division titles. The Philadelphia Phillies chronicles the greatness of Grover Cleveland Alexander, the remarkable career of Richie Ashburn, the perfection of Jim Bunning, and the teams of success and luster as well as those shining stars of the less successful eras.

With more losses and last-place finishes than any other club in Major League Baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies have earned a reputation as one of the most unsuccessful teams ever to take the field. Even so, the Phillies have boasted many unforgettable players and achieved a number of notable triumphs. This history of the Phillies begins with the club's inception in 1883 and goes through the 2012 season, highlighting the team's finer moments and players but also covering less memorable times. Among the people and events it recounts are the great outfield of the 1890s, Chuck Klein's slugging feats, the 1980 World Series, the surprise 1993 pennant win, and the very successful years in Citizens Bank Park, including the world champions of 2008. An exploration of the Phillies' special relationship with Philadelphia and numerous historic photographs complete this comprehensive celebration of the oldest continuous one-name, one-city franchise in professional sports history.

Over the last half-century, the Philadelphia Phillies have experienced epic highs—World Series titles in 1980 and 2008—and frustrating lows, and Larry Shenk has been there for every minute of it. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities and events that have shaped the franchise's history. The book gives the detailed scouting reports on Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley and takes readers into the clubhouse as Steve Carlton closes in on 300 career wins. Listen in on Pete Rose's phone call with President Reagan after Rose broke the National League hits record and see Richie Ashburn's face when he heard he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Giving fans a taste of what it's like to be a part of the Phillies' storied history from a perspective unlike any other, readers will also learn about a man whose work ethic and character has made an impact on the players and staff for 50 years.

Highlights the stories, athletes, and memorable moments that have defined the Philadelphia Phillies since the franchise's founding in 1883.

Presents a history of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team that also includes detailed information and statistics on one all-time great player from each position.

The Philadelphia Phillies franchise has been providing thrills and chills for its faithful fanatics for more than 125 years---with the 2008 World Series victory providing the ultimate high for the team and its city. The Phillies have boasted great legends of the game, including sluggers like Chuck Klein, Richie Ashburn, Mike Schmidt, and Ryan Howard; beloved characters like Tug McGraw, Lenny Dykstra, and John Kruk; and stellar hurlers from Pete Alexander to Robin Roberts to Steve Carlton to Cole Hamels. The team has left its fans alternately inspired and frustrated, while forever retaining their loyalty and passion through more than a century of baseball. Philadelphia Phillies Past & Present offers a richly illustrated tour of the players, managers, ballparks, and moments that have defined the Phillies of the past and of the present.

Encompassing the extraordinary history of Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies, this photo-laden narrative underscores significant players, team accomplishments, and noteworthy moments that will stand out in young sports fans' minds.