Born March 19, 1927, in Tilden, NE, is a Baseball Hall of Fame Centerfielder known as the "Tilden Flash", "Whitey," and even "Putt-Putt", or Richie Ashburn. Ashburn also played the positions of Left Fielder, Right Fielder, and Second Baseman wearing the Number 1 on the Philadelphia Phillies (1948-59), Chicago Cubs (1960-61), and New York Mets (1962) for 15 seasons as he batted 0.308 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.382, with 29 career Home Runs, and six All-Star appearances.
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Richie Ashburn
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The Baseball Brilliance of Richie Ashburn
The life biography sketch of Baseball Hall of Fame centerfielder Richie Ashburn. known as the "Tilden Flash", "Whitey," and even "Putt-Putt", Richie Ashburn.
Yet, for two decades, his impact on the Philadelphia Phillies and the National League was undeniable. This essay explores the career of Ashburn, a two-time batting champion and a Hall of Fame outfielder who captivated fans with his talent and hustle.
Ashburn's professional journey began in 1948, immediately making a splash as a rookie with the Phillies. His .333 batting average and All-Star selection showcased his exceptional hitting ability and a keen eye at the plate. He wasn't a power hitter, but his consistency and speed on the basepaths made him a constant threat. In 1951, Ashburn led the National League in hits three times throughout his career, a testament to his consistent contact hitting.
Defense was another hallmark of Ashburn's game. He routinely led the league in outfield putouts, displaying a smooth glove and a strong arm in centerfield. His baseball IQ and instincts made him a valuable asset in the Phillies' defensive scheme.
Despite his talent, Ashburn's tenure with the Phillies wasn't without challenges. The team struggled to achieve consistent success, and in 1960, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs. Though many saw it as the end of his prime, Ashburn rebounded with several productive seasons with the Cubs and later, the New York Mets.
Ashburn also played the positions of Left Fielder, Right Fielder, and Second Baseman wearing the Number 1 on the Philadelphia Phillies (1948-59), Chicago Cubs (1960-61), and New York Mets (1962). He is considered one of the top MLB players to have worn the Number 1 Jersey.
Yet, for two decades, his impact on the Philadelphia Phillies and the National League was undeniable. This essay explores the career of Ashburn, a two-time batting champion and a Hall of Fame outfielder who captivated fans with his talent and hustle.
Ashburn's professional journey began in 1948, immediately making a splash as a rookie with the Phillies. His .333 batting average and All-Star selection showcased his exceptional hitting ability and a keen eye at the plate. He wasn't a power hitter, but his consistency and speed on the basepaths made him a constant threat. In 1951, Ashburn led the National League in hits three times throughout his career, a testament to his consistent contact hitting.
Defense was another hallmark of Ashburn's game. He routinely led the league in outfield putouts, displaying a smooth glove and a strong arm in centerfield. His baseball IQ and instincts made him a valuable asset in the Phillies' defensive scheme.
Despite his talent, Ashburn's tenure with the Phillies wasn't without challenges. The team struggled to achieve consistent success, and in 1960, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs. Though many saw it as the end of his prime, Ashburn rebounded with several productive seasons with the Cubs and later, the New York Mets.
Ashburn also played the positions of Left Fielder, Right Fielder, and Second Baseman wearing the Number 1 on the Philadelphia Phillies (1948-59), Chicago Cubs (1960-61), and New York Mets (1962). He is considered one of the top MLB players to have worn the Number 1 Jersey.
Baseball History on June 5 from Baseball Almanac
Baseball history on June 5, including every baseball player who was born on June 5, died on June 5, made their debut on June 5, and ended their big league career on June 5, by Baseball Almanac. — www.baseball-almanac.com
The Baseball Almanac website carries a plethora of June 5 events that had an impact on the game's history.
-1948 - Richie Ashburn of the Phillies was on a tear as the slugger hit safely for the 23rd straight game.
-1974 - Oakland A's stars Reggie Jackson and Billy North took part in a clubhouse fist-to-cuff.
-1987 - Dwight Gooden returned from drug rehabilitation to join his New York Mets teammates.
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Here are some jersey numbers in team sport history that stuck out. February 7, 1949 - Number 5, Joe DiMaggio became the first ball player to earn $100,000 a yearas he did so under contract with the New York Yankees . February 7, 1958 - The Brooklyn Dodgers official...
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February 6 Jersey Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 31 - 9 - 14 - 83 - 7 - 16 - 22 - 80 - 11 - 84 - 10 - 83 - 12 February 6, 1926 - St Louis Browns acquire catcher Wally Schang from ...
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February 5 Jersey Numbers
Here is what happened in Sports Jersey History on February 5: Kareem hits a new NBA high, Hines hauls in a big one and Bob Douglas is honored. Our Sports Jersey Take of the Day is from historian Joe Ziemba. Listen in to learn more about sports history along with me from the unif...
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The Oregon Agricultural Hard Court Stars
(image) Members of the 1922 Oregon Agricultural College men's basketball team. From left to rightː Gill (forward), Hjeite (enter), and Feraley (forward), from February 5, 1922. This image is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. We know the OAC by a different name today, Oregon State. The Oregon Ag...
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The 1897 Strathcona Hockey Team
.jpg?https://jerseydispatch.com/pfeL/p/c312642c0431e75b485e432232c99c1c/website/Sports-History-Photo-of-the-Day/February-Images/February-4-Image/images/.Strathconas_First_Hockey_Team_(21879505322).jpg ".Strathconas_First_Hockey_Team_(21879505322).jpg")
Formal portrait of Strathcona's First Hockey Team (1897). Stratchcona resides in British Columbian Province, and is the oldest residential neighbourhood of Vancouver, (image) Some players are labeled by number. 1. Bob Blain 2. Jim Blain 3. Billy Sharkles 4. Fred Richards 5. J. McIn...
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February 4 Jersey Numbers
Here is what happened in Sports Jersey History on February 4 : We talk about the great goaltending of Grant Fuhr and Ray Durbin of Row One Brand stops by to to discuss two of his favorite number 40s. Listen in to learn more about sports history along with me from the uniforms and jers...
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Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
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Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
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