100 Greatest Phillies: 64 – Eddie Waitkus

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, January 22, 2009 09:35 PM

Eddie Waitkus
First Baseman
1949-1953, 1955

Career w/Phillies: .280 AVG / 9 HR / 197 RBI / 9 SB

Eddie Waitkus was traded to the Phillies from the Cubs in 1949. A top hitter, he was coming off a .295 season. Fifty-four games into the season, he was shot by a crazed female fan, ending his season and potentially his career. But no, no, Waitkus returned. He returned with gusto, backed by a score by Randy Newman. Yes, Eddie Waitkus was “The Natural.” Okay, okay, he was the inspiration, not the real thing. But he did return from the tragedy to play very well. He hit .284 and scored 102 runs for the 1950 Phillies, then — though struggling in 1951, had a fine 1952 campaign before an abbreviated 1953. He returned in 1955 and played well in 33 games. Sadly, the shooting did a number on his mind, and his body followed soon. He died of cancer at age 53.

Comment: Waitkus had a short Phillie career, but helped to contribute to the 1950 pennant winners. Though his story is tragic, his spirit lives on through the wonderful score of Randy Newman. Ah, Randy Newman.

Permalink Comments (3) | Trackback (0)

3 Responses to “100 Greatest Phillies: 64 – Eddie Waitkus”

  1. Philsphan111 Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 11:22 pm

    Love how you’re doing this; it’s great to hear the stories of less-known Phillies. Keep up the good work Tim.

  2. MikeMc26 Says:
    January 23rd, 2009 at 12:17 am

    This list is great, Tim. Thanks for the cool look back through Phils history.

  3. deal Says:
    January 23rd, 2009 at 9:24 am

    I knew that the Natural was loosely based on a Phils player, but I didn’t realize it was one from the 50s. I had assumed it was some guy from like 1910.

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