Writer: Kevin Durso
Phillies announce 2012 Wall of Fame Candidates; Curt Schilling the Favorite?
Curt Schilling and 2010 Wall of Fame inductee Darren Daulton guided the Phillies to the World Series in 1993. Schilling is on this year's Phillies Wall of Fame ballot. (6ABC.com)
With another season, and another schedule release, the Phillies will once again forever memorialize one player, coach or executive as a Wall of Famer. After popular campaigns in recent years, featuring fan voting, the Phillies are asking for the fans input once again.
This year's list includes the following:
Pitchers: Larry Christenson, Jim Konstanty, Ron Reed, Curt Schilling, Rick Wise
Catchers: Mike Lieberthal, Jimmy Wilson
Infielder: Pinky Whitney
Outfielders: Greg Gross, Von Hayes
Coach: Mike Ryan
Manager: Jim Fregosi.
Certainly some of those names stand out, and if you have tickets to the induction ceremony on August 10, like I do, then you're vote could determine who you see get inducted that night. Obviously, the standout name is Curt Schilling. He was the Phillie of the late '90s easily, and was the ace of the 1993 staff. In that case, leave a special place for guys like Jim Fregosi as well.
Other recognizable names that could take the spot are Jim Konstanty, Mike Lieberthal, Von Hayes and Rick Wise. Konstanty won the Cy Young Award in 1950 as the Phillies lights out closer. Lieberthal was the long-time Phillies catcher, who has started more games behind the plate than any other Phillies backstop. Hayes still coaches minor league ball in the area, as manager of the Camden Riversharks. Wise threw a no-hitter and hit two home runs in the same game against Cincinnati in 1971, but may be better remembered for being traded for Steve Carlton.
While Schilling is the favorite to be the fans' vote, there are many worthy candidates once again, and one of them will forever take their place on the Phillies' wall of legends.