100 Greatest Phillies: 82 – Rick Wise
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Sun, January 04, 2009 10:42 PM | Comments: 9
100 Greatest Phillies, Posts
Rick Wise
Starting Pitcher
1964-1971
Career w/Phillies: 1244.1 IP / 75-76 / 3.60 ERA / 717 K
Forever known as the man who the Phillies traded for Steve Carlton, Wise was a pretty good pitcher in his own right. Signed as an amateur free agent in 1963, Wise made his pro debut a year later with the ’64 Phils, at age 18. He became a regular fixture in Philadelphia in 1966, throwing a few solid seasons until the trade in 1971. During that time, Wise is probably best known for his heroic one-man show. On June 23, 1971 in Cincinnati, Wise tossed a no-hitter, while just walking one. But that wasn’t all — Wise hit two home runs, accounting for three of the team’s four runs. One of the greatest one-man performances in sports history. After leaving Philadelphia, he’d put up a string of great seasons for the Cardinals and Red Sox, helping the 1975 Sox win the American League with a 19-12 record.
Comment: Wise didn’t quite hit his stride with the Phillies (his ERA is actually high for the era), but definitely pitched enough to be a true fixture in those late Connie Mack Stadium days. A workhorse with a clear great moment, Wise will always be remembered in Philadelphia. Of course, sometimes it’s for the wrong reason.
Posts: 1650 Tim Malcolm
Wise also hit two homers in a game later in 1971. Moreover, he went into the ninth with no-hitters twice more in his career.
Posted: 10:46 PM on January 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Phillies Phan SC
Good choice. While we got the better end of the deal long-term with Lefty, I still assert it was a fairly even trade in 1972. Wise was a good pitcher. In fact, I bought the 1975 World Series DVDs to watch some old games, and watched him pitch. I had forgotten about all the different “rules” that existed, such as the two leagues’ strike zones, the marron unpires coats, etc. But back to Wise, an even 1972 deal, although NOW it was to our advantage!
Posted: 11:18 PM on January 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Jim
He also retired 32 straight cubs one day. I’m not sure about the date but I’m sure someone can look it up. It was in 1970 i think.
He gave up a leadoff homerun to the game’s first batter. Then retired 32 consecutive cubs, before being pulled in the 11th inning. An amazing feat.
Posted: 11:30 PM on January 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Jim
Let me reaffirm that previous comment, he retired 32 cubs on September 18, 1971. He actually won the game in the 11th inning. His 32 consecutive batters is 4 shy of the nl record (which i assume is harvey haddix in his perfect loss)
Posted: 11:32 PM on January 4, 2009
Posts: 0 ashmidt
wow, thats amazing that i dont even remember that cub game, i do remember being really pissed off when they traded him, then lefty had one of the greatest seasons ever for a pitcher. but i always wished the phils could have gotten wise back for those mid to late 70s teams, think he should be a bit higher then 82.
Posted: 12:39 AM on January 5, 2009
Posts: 0 T
Wow, nice career.
Posted: 12:42 AM on January 5, 2009
Posts: 0 john of Albuquerque
Wise was a bright spot for the Phils when they really struggled. He was a workhorse and put together an excellent career. It is good to see him on this list.
Posted: 03:43 PM on January 5, 2009
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Posted: 01:21 PM on March 8, 2009
Posts: 0 Philly the Kid
I remember that game like it was yesterday. Richie Allen was my favorite player as a little kid, Rick Wise was my fave post-Allen. I was bummed when they traded him, though I learned to get over that quickly in ’72. Wise could hit and he and Ken Brett used to bash a few as hitters in that era — I watched that entire game in real-time –
Posted: 09:03 PM on March 5, 2010