100 Greatest Phillies: 49 – Lefty O’Doul

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Fri, February 06, 2009 04:32 PM

Lefty O’Doul
Outfielder
1929-1930

Career w/Phillies: .391 AVG / 54 HR / 219 RBI / 5 SB

Lefty O’Doul sprouted into the majors as a pitcher, but couldn’t hack it. He moved down to the Pacific Coast League and converted himself into an outfielder. The Giants picked him up at age 31, and O’Doul did well in a platoon role. But the Giants traded him to the Phillies for young star Freddy Leach. The Giants had no idea. Actually, the Phillies probably didn’t have an idea, either. But for two years, O’Doul would put on a display almost unmatched in baseball history. In 1929, he hit .398 with 32 home runs. He had 254 hits. He scored 152 runs. His on-base percentage was .462. He slugged .622. And somehow, some way, he finished just second in MVP voting to Rogers Hornsby, who actually had better numbers. O’Doul’s 1930 wasn’t shabby either, as he hit .383. But the Phils must’ve wanted something else, because they traded O’Doul to the Brooklyn Robins. O’Doul wouldn’t match his ‘29 or ‘30 output again, but he’d still have great numbers. After retiring, O’Doul became a coach and did very well in the minors, but here in Philly, he’ll always be remembered for two unbelievable offensive seasons.

Comment: Seriously, wow. Those numbers are ridiculous. If O’Doul played longer in Philadelphia, he cracks the top 30 at least, and even has a shot at the top 10.

Permalink Comments (4) | Trackback (0)

4 Responses to “100 Greatest Phillies: 49 – Lefty O’Doul”

  1. Jason B. Says:
    February 6th, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    It’s what beer drinkers drink when they’re not drinking beer.

  2. Tom G Says:
    February 7th, 2009 at 11:43 am

    famous for his trading Joe D to the Yanks…and was the original ONE YEAR wonder…but of course, he had several good years, and two monster years…

  3. willie the phillie Says:
    February 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    Was he as good as Pete Rose??? Or as valuable? WS1980

  4. ryan Says:
    February 8th, 2009 at 8:37 pm

    this is one of the old-timers that I actually am familiar with. He is a very underrated player in the history of the game.

    also, if you are ever in San Francisco, right downtown just a few blocks from union square is Lefty O’Doul’s Pub. It is a great great place for any baseball fan to sit and have a few beers.

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