1903 Spring Training: Philadelphia
The Phillies begin the upcoming season with new ownership; in fact, rival Pittsburg owner Barney Dreyfuss bidding a cool $170,000 for the struggling franchise left by Colonel Rogers. Philadelphia finished last in the National League with a 55-85 record. The pitching corps has been an area of concern, having lost steady pitchers Red Donahue and
Al Orth in years past and recently Doc White to the White Sox. Young Bob Wicker returns, hoping to catch the lightning that sparked his 1901 performance.
Chick Fraser opted to not re-sign with the club and is currently looking for a new team. Fraser rebounded last year from a poor 1901 season, but still ended up in spot-duty and earned little support, going 5-15. He eventually won a regular spot when competing with
Frank Corridon, but soon grew unhappy with his role on the team.
Corridon continues his development and is eager to make a big splash in the starting rotation to replace the great Doc White but his chances may have been dashed when the team picked up young
Bob Rhoads in a virtual swap with Chicago.
It is within reason to consider Rhoad’s 1902 performance (11-4, 2.40 ERA) better than that of Patterson,
George Winter or Dummy Taylor, but the pitchers hot head often rubbed the wrong way with fellow pitcher and team co-captain, Nixey Callahan. In any respects, it will be a treat to see these two competitors, Corridon and Rhoads, push each other to make the team as it heads back north. Frank Owen, formerly of Detroit, but out of baseball last year, is also in the mix.
Fred Mitchell gets another shot at making a big league squad this spring, having spent the last two years in the minors. A move to Toronto netted him little playing time on the mound, but he was very effective, sporting a 0.70 ERA in nearly 52 innings in relief. He seems to have taken a liking towards Corridon, who has shared a similar path on his way to the majors. Frank will try to teach Mitchell his new pitch, but the new recruit, who has had more success and talent than his fellow journeyman, kept to his own devices.
The Phillies’ new management were also quick to grab respected Tommy Leach from the California League and veteran Joe Kelley. Kelley hit .394 in only 16 games, his season marred by off-the-field personal problems and contract disputes with both Boston and Cincinnati.