The Phillies released the ballot for candidates for the 2014 Phillies Wall of Fame. The list includes some Phillies of every generation; many of us were not alive when some of the names on the ballot played. Two names really resonate with Phillies fans: 2008 World Champion Phillies left fielder Pat Burrell and 1993 Phillies National League Champion team manager Jim Fregosi, who passed away last year.
The ballot includes:
- Outfielder Pat Burrell
- Manager Jim Fregosi (posthumously)
- Pitcher Larry Christenson
- Pitcher Gene Garber
- Outfielder Tony Gonzalez
- Pitcher Jim Konstanty
- First baseman Fred Luderus
- Pitcher Ron Reed
- Catcher/long-time bullpen coach "Irish Mike" Ryan
- Third baseman Pinky Whitney
- Catcher/manager Jimmy Wilson
- Pitcher Rick Wise
The elibility rules state:
Players with five or more years of service are eligible. Managers and coaches need four or more years of service. All candidates must be retired for three years before they can be eligible for the 12-man ballot. In addition to a player's statistical record, consideration is given to longevity, ability, contributions to the Phillies and baseball, character, plus special achievements
The Phillies did make special exceptions for John Vukovich, Harry Kalas, and Charlie Manuel in recent years.
The winner will be inducted on July 31 prior to the Phillies game against the Atlanta Braves. The two favorites likely are Fregosi and Burrell, whom most voters will have had the opportunity to get to know. Fregosi was on the ballot in previous years that included the last vote in 2013, but fans chose 1993 pitcher Curt Schilling.
If only we had known Fregosi would not be with us much longer, I am sure that fans would have voted. In 2014, there was no vote; Manuel was named shortly after his firing.
Phillies fans may vote here.
