100 Greatest Phillies: 85 – Hal Carlson

Hal Carlson
Starting Pitcher
1924-1927

Career w/Phillies: 768.2 IP / 42-48 / 4.13 ERA / 214 K

A mediocre starting pitcher for his career, Carlson had two of his best seasons as a Phillie. In 1925, he went 13-14 with a 4.23 ERA. Sounds mediocre indeed, but when the league averages a 4.73 ERA (at the top of the live-ball ERA), it’s an impressive feat. In 1926 he was even better, posting a 17-12 record with a 3.23 ERA, scoring a 13th place MVP vote. In his four seasons as a Phillie, Carlson garnered 42 wins. Sadly, he died during the 1930 season at age 38.

Comment: He had a few really good seasons with the Phils, and was one of very few bright spots during a really bad era in franchise history. Give him his due.