100 Greatest Phillies: 82 – 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.
