Skip to main content

Sunday School: History Lesson 32

Del Ennis was an outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1946-1956. Ennis, a Philadelphia native, played for the "Class B" Interstate League team in Trenton, NJ for one season prior to enlisting in the Navy to serve during World War II. While serving, he played on a Navy Service team which included Pee Wee Reese, Mickey Vernon and other big name ball players.

Ennis was released from the Navy in early April 1946, and within a couple weeks was playing baseball with the Phillies. Ennis would become the Phillies' first rookie to be named an all star. By the end of the season, his .313 batting average and 73 RBI got him named The Sporting News Rookie of the Year.

The following season, Ennis' 81 RBI led the team. The next best total by a Phillie was 51. In 1949, Ennis was part of a record setting inning, when the Phillies struck 5 homers in the same inning. Ennis, Andy Seminick (who hit 2), Willie Jones and Lynwood "Schoolboy" Rowe completed the feat.

Ennis had his greatest season in 1950. A member of the famed Whiz Kids team, Ennis helped lead the Phillies into the post season that year with his .311 average, 31 HR and league leading 126 RBI. That year, when Del had 39 RBI in July, he drove in 7 in a single game against the Cubs. Ennis had two separate streaks where he bashed homeruns in 4 straight games, in 1950. In the World Series, Ennis was just 2-for-14 as the Phillies were swept by the Yankees.

In his 11 years as a Phillie, Ennis drove in over 100 runs 6 times. On top of that, he exceeded 25 homers 7 times with Philadelphia. Until Mike Schmidt came along, Del Ennis was the Phillies all time team leader in homeruns. Schmidt and Ennis are the only Phillies to drive in over 1,000 runs.

Following the 1956 season, Ennis was traded to St. Louis for Bobby Morgan and Rip Repulski. Ennis made a big impact with the Cardinals offense in '57 with 24 HR, 105 RBI and a .286 average. He played two more seasons in the majors before retiring. Del Ennis was inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame in 1982.


---------------------------------

It has been a terrific season, thus far. PhoulBallz has had a great first year of running daily content. Part of that content has been our outstanding exclusive interviews. Be sure to CLICK HERE to read Q&A's you may have missed with current Phillies like Pedro Martinez, JC Romero and Greg Dobbs, as well as big name prospects like Kyle Drabek and Michael Taylor, and of course your SAL Champion BlueClaws like Justin De Fratus, Travis Mattair and Travis D'Arnaud.

Be sure to follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE!

BallHype: hype it up!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Caption This....

Jayson Werth was hit by a pitch thrown by Jeff Bennett on Friday. This picture shows where the ball made contact with Werth. Drop YOUR caption in the comments area.

Who is Your Favorite Willie 'Mays' Hayes?

PhoulBallz.com is wondering which individual who has portrayed Willie "Mays" Hayes is the favorite of the public. Hayes, of course, is the character made famous in the Major League motion picture series. In Major League , Willie "Mays" Hayes was portrayed by budding Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes, who would go on to action movie superstardom. Snipes has starred in major motion pictures like the Blade trilogy, Passenger 57 , Undisputed and many more. Snipes remains an impact Hollywood actor, despite legal troubles related to income tax evasion. Snipes was replaced for the sequel, Major League II when his busy career, and possibly the film's budget, would not allow him to return, by Omar Epps. Another budding actor, Epps had previously worked with director David S. Ward, on the film The Program , and landed the role of Hayes, who had become a Hollywood action star over the off-season that occured between the two films. Epps' career portraying athletes rolle

Harry Kalas Phorever...

Legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away today. Harry collapsed while preparing to call today's game against the Washington Nationals. So many phans will feel as though we've lost a member of our own families. I feel as though I've lost a part of myself, but Harry enhanced my love of the great sport we call baseball and I will always carry that love, and Harry, in my heart. I've stated on this page before that I consider Harry more of a Phillie than anyone who wears the uniform as an active member of the roster. Harry Kalas was a Phillie. Moreso, Harry Kalas was the Phillies. Please share your thoughts and memories of Harry in the comments section, or send them to PhoulBallz (at) verizon (dot) net.