Remembering those in the Phillies family whom we lost in the 2025 calendar year.
Outfielder Tommy Brown died on Jan. 15 in Nashville, Tenn.; age 97. Broke in with Brooklyn Dodgers at age 16 in 1944. Youngest ever to hit a home run on 8/20/45, age 17 years, 257 days. Played for Phillies, 1951-52.
Catcher Bob Uecker, Jan. 15 in Milwaukee; age 90. Affectionately known as “Mr. Baseball,” Mr. Uecker completed his 54th season as a Brewers broadcaster in 2024. He played for six years in the majors including 1966 and part of 1967 with the Phillies.
Infielder Bobby Malkmus, age 93, in Bricktown N.J., Feb. 23. Mr. Malkmus played for six years in the Major Leagues, including 1960-62 with the Phillies. He also played six seasons in their Minor League system and managed three other seasons (1967-69).
Lee Elia (pictured above), a product of Philly’s Olney High School, died in Odessa, Fla., on July 9 just days shy of his 88th birthday. Signed by Phillies as an amateur free agent out of the University of Delaware (1959). Spent most of his 53 years in the game with the Phillies: Minor League player; Major League coach (1980 World Series ring); Major League manager; Minor League manager (10 seasons). Played briefly with White Sox and Cubs; later managed the Cubs. Other than the Phils, coached in Majors for six other clubs. Pro career concluded as special assistant to the Braves GM (2011-2012).
Right-handed pitcher Jeff Bittiger, July 19, in Saylorsburg, Pa.; age 63. Four-season Major Leaguer, including 1986 with Phillies; homered in second at-bat in the big leagues. Pitched 33 games in Majors, 304 in the Minors (15 seasons).
Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg, July 28 in Lake Bluff, Ill.; age 65. Mr. Sandberg was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 20th round as a shortstop (1978); debut in 1981. Managed in the Cubs' Minor League system (2007-2010). Returned to the Phils as a Triple-A manager (2012), third-base coach (2013) before replacing Charlie Manuel as manager (2013-15). The Cubs unveiled his statue at Wrigley Field (2024).
Infielder Davey Johnson, Sept. 5 in Sarasota, Fla.; age 82. Played 13 years in Majors, including 1977-78 with the Phillies. Set Phillies record, most pinch-hit grand slams, season (2): 4/30/1978, 6/3/1978 (tied Major League record). Managed five different teams over 17-year span.
Catcher-coach Bob Oldis, Sept. 21 in Gilbert, Ariz. At age 97, he was the second-oldest Phillies alumnus (Bobby Shantz, 99). Mr. Oldis was with the Phillies as a catcher (1962-63), bullpen coach (1964-66) and scout (1967). MLB scout (2002-2019).
Left-handed pitcher John Morris, Oct. 15 in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 84. The Lewes, Del., native was signed by the Phillies in 1960 and made his MLB debut with them six years later.