Third Baseman
1928-1933, 1936-1939
Career w/Phillies: .307 AVG / 69 HR / 734 RBI / 34 SB
A Phillie for most of 10 seasons, Arthur Carter “Pinky” Whitney was a good-hitting third baseman who, with Chuck Klein, led the Phillies through some lean times. Make no mistake, he drove in runs — 103 in his rookie season, 115 and 117 in the next two seasons and a career-high 124 in 1932. He finished in the NL top 10 in RBI three times, and his .341 average in 1937 was fourth-best in the league. Whitney also got MVP votes in three seasons: 1928, ’29 and ’37. He was also named to the 1936 NL All-Star team. He was also a very strong defensive player.
Comment: Is No. 47 too low for Whitney? Take into account that he was playing during the best offensive period in history and in one of the best hitters parks in history. When compared to players of his day, he was merely an average offensive player. Still, one cannot underestimate his solid play. He is truly one of the franchise’s greats.