Phillies MVP History

Reliever Jim Konstanty, pitching out of the 1950 National League champion Whiz Kids bullpen, was the second Phillies player to win the MVP Award.

The 33-year-old right-hander set modern pitching records with 74 appearances (all in relief) and 62 games finished on his way to a 16–7 record and 2.66 ERA. His 74 G, 62 GF and 22 saves led the NL. As the closer he often worked multiple innings as witnessed by his innings pitched, 152.0. His busiest month was September, 36.2 innings, including a 10-inning outing. Not a hard thrower, he walked 50 and struck out 56 that season, both career highs. His WAR was 4.7.

BBWAA voting: 1st place — 286 points out of 336 (85%)… 18 first-place votes, 3 second (not listed on three ballots) … Handily defeated the Cardinals’ Stan Musial (158 points). Musial led the league in hitting .346.

(Tomorrow Mike Schmidt)