Alfred J. Reach and Colonel John Rogers started off the Phillies in 1883. They were 17-81 in their first season. Harry Wright was hired with high hopes. From 1891-1895 Ed Delahanty, Billy Hamilton, and Sam Thompson had some spectacular years. They helped the Phillies get three team batting titles.

Delahanty and the rest helped the Phillies until 1901. Delahanty left and the Phillies didn't have a serious run at the playoffs until 1911. Grover Cleveland Alexander began a great career. Then in 1917, Alexander was traded ending an era of goodness that even had a pennant for the Phillies. Then they started a drought that lasted for 31 years.

In 1950, the Phillies were hot. The "Whiz Kids" were good and won the pennant. But the hopes were chopped when the mighty Yankees swept them. Robin Roberts helped out, but 9 years passed before there was another winning year. A 7th place finish.

Then in 1964 newly acquired Jim Bunning and Dick Allen were very useful. The Phillies pushed up to 1st place. Then in September, they had ten straight losses which pushed them down.

Once again a lot of bad seasons still brought hope. In 1972, Steve Carlton came and then Mike Schmidt. The Golden Age had begun. For nine straight years, from 1974-1983, the Phillies had winning seasons. These seasons were highlighted by Tug McGraw, Mike Schmidt, and Steve Carlton. The Phillies even took the world title in 1983. Since then, they have wandered around hoping to find the ray of hope they found in 1974.