How the Whiz Kids got their name
The youthful 1950 Phillies were dubbed the "Whiz Kids." According to Robin Roberts, the name was coined by longtime sports writer Harry Grayson. Grayson spent more than 30 years as the sports editor of the Newspaper Enterprise Association. He retired in 1964. Grayson died after a yearlong bout with cancer in 1968 at age 74.
The youthful 1950 Phillies were dubbed the "Whiz Kids."
According to Robin Roberts, the name was coined by longtime sports writer Harry Grayson. Grayson spent more than 30 years as the sports editor of the Newspaper Enterprise Association. He retired in 1964. Grayson died after a yearlong bout with cancer in 1968 at age 74.
Manager Eddie Sawyer's team was led by centerfielder Richie Ashburn (23); rightfielder Del Ennis (24); third baseman Willie Jones (24); shortstop Granny Hamner (22); second baseman Mike Goliat (24); catcher Stan Lopata (24); righthanders Bubba Church (24), Bob Miller (23) and Roberts (23); infielder Putsy Caballero (22); outfielder Jackie Mayo (23); and lefthander Curt Simmons (20). All came up through the farm system.
Other regulars included catcher Andy Seminick, first baseman Eddie Waitkus and leftfielder Dick Sisler, each 29 years old. *