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Philadelphia sports fans love Mike Schmidt.
You’ve given Schmidt nearly 55 percent of the vote in the final round, which meant Schmidt defeated Flyers legend Bobby Clarke in the championship of the Ultimate Philly Athlete bracket. In the semifinal round, he defeated basketball star Wilt Chamberlain.
Though Schmidt’s off-field persona often left him seeming aloof, he captivated fans on the field during his 18-year career, smashing home runs, wielding an excellent glove at third base and leading the Phillies to a championship.
Schmidt finished his career in 1989 having hit 548 home runs and won 10 Gold Gloves. He also won the National League MVP in 1980, 1981 and 1986.
1980 was the year the Phillies won their first World Series title. That season, Schmidt hit 48 home runs and had 121 RBI’s. In game five of the series, when the Phillies took a series lead they wouldn’t relinquish, Schmidt had two home runs. He was also named World Series MVP.
Image is from the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin courtesy of Temple University Libraries.
