1981 Philadelphia Phillies Team Profile: Key Players and Season Overview
The 1981 Philadelphia Phillies Team Profile from the National League Green Book highlights the team's challenges and roster strengths as they aimed to defend their World Championship title. From 1976 to 1978, the Phillies dominated the Eastern Division, but their subsequent playoff shortcomings, particularly against the Houston Astros, hindered their progress. Key players included Pete Rose, who led the league with 42 doubles, and Bob Boone, the starting catcher, whose batting average was a concern at .229. The profile mentions Keith Moreland, who batted .314, and Garry Maddox, known for his defensive skills. Mike Schmidt, despite a drop in performance to .286, maintained a strong slugging percentage. Pitching ace Steve Carlton posted a 24-9 record and a 2.34 ERA, with Tug McGraw contributing significantly in relief.