The Philadelphia Phillies released the names of former players who are eligible for the Wall of Fame induction this August last week. Two names - Scott Rolen and Jim Thome - have garnered quite a bit of buzz and rightly so. Both men were integral to the Phillies process during their tenure in Philadelphia. Rolen was the bright spot during the Terry Francona and early Larry Bowa eras. Jim Thome arrived as a free-agent from Cleveland. He was a big name free-agent – actually, the big name free-agent in 2002 – that decided to sign with Philadelphia. His signing was the biggest free-agent signing that the Phillies had made since 1978 when Pete Rose arrived on scene.
But other candidates are on that list as well, some more familiar than others. Fans typically ignore some candidates because their playing days are so distant. Fred Luderus is one of those candidates, and he has my vote for 2016 induction.
Luderus was born on September 12, 1885 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He made his way into the low minor leagues early in the 20th century before the two-time World Series champion Chicago Cubs purchased his contract in 1909. He played a mere 35 games for the Cubs before he was traded to Philadelphia. "Ludy" was brought to Philadelphia to back up injured first baseman Kitty Bransfield and hit .294 for the Phillies in 21 games with 20 hits and 14 RBI. Luderus started at first base on Opening Day 1911 – something he would continue for a franchise-record nine seasons in a row and played in 1,298 games (18th all-time in Phillies franchise history). On May 1, 2015, Ryan Howard played in his 1,299th game at first base, overcoming a record set by Luderus 94 years earlier for the most games started at first. While Luderus lost this record, he still holds several Phillies franchise records.
- He registered 1,597 putouts in 1917, which is still a single-season record for a Phillies first baseman.
- Luderus was the first Phillie to hit two over-the-fence home runs in one game on July 15, 1911.
- He hit the first home run by a Phillie in World Series play in Game 5 of the 1915 World Series.
- His .438 batting average in the 1915 World Series was the highest World Series batting average by a Phillie until Jayson Werth hit .444 in the 2008 World Series.
- On June 2, 1916, Luderus played in his first of 533 consecutive games. He broke the Major League record for consecutive games played set by Chicago White Sox second baseman Eddie Collins in 1918, on August 3, 1919. Luderus' consecutive games streak remained a franchise record until Richie Ashburn broke his record in the 1950's.
Luderus ranks highly in several Phillies career offensive categories: games played (18th), hits (21st), doubles (18th), triples (23rd), RBI's (21st), and walks (29th). He also compiled a career .278 batting average with the Phillies. (A total of 1,979 players registered offensive statistics as Phillies since 1883.)
These numbers do not provide a complete picture of who Luderus was as a player. What makes his career numbers impressive is that he was able to achieve them during the deadball era and that they have remained high in the franchise record books. Baseball Magazine explained that when Luderus was an explosive hitter and a satisfactory fielder. "His record of 56 circuit clouts [home runs] in four seasons stands as the best mark of over a decade." According to the article, Christy Matthewson allegedly told a story about Luderus' determination and seriousness when he stepped into the batters box.
"'I hear you can jolly Luderus along,' said McGraw to Chief Meyers. 'Talk to him a little when he comes to bat.' In the second inning Fred ambled up to the plate…Meyers was ready for him. He fixed his fingers in a fake signal, and then addressed the first baseman. 'Look down into my glove,' invited the Indian. 'The best hitters steal the signs, you know.' Luderus did not move. The pitcher…shot one over the outside corner. Fred's bludgeon swung around with a crash, and he ambled easily around the bases. 'I don't need to steal the signs to hit that pitcher.' he told Meyers as he crossed the plate…'Don't talk to that fellow any more [sic].' ordered McGraw when the Chief came back to the plate. 'You can't rattle him.'"
The article concluded by stating that Ludy was a hard worker and good leader. Manager Pat Moran clearly felt the same because he named Luderus the team captain in 1915 – the year the Phillies won their first National League pennant. "He has played the part of an under-rated man in baseball long enough. Let the fans, with their knowledge of our national game, give credit where credit is due."
Give credit where credit is due; Luderus was one of the most productive and consistent players in franchise history.
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Information for this article was obtained from Baseball-Reference, SABR.org, MLB.com.
Matt Alberston (@mdalbert88) is a historical columnist on Philliedelphia.com.
