Remembering those in the Phillies family whom we lost in the 2022 calendar year. Included was a long-time pitching coach, pennant-winning general manager, last survivor of the 1950 pennant-winning Whiz Kids and a 20-year-old Minor League prospect.
Catcher Vic Roznovsky, age 83, on Jan. 18 in Fresno, Calif. Spent five years in the Majors concluding with 13 games with 1969 Phillies.
Outfielder Jeremy Giambi, 47, on Feb. 9 in Claremont, Calif. Appeared in 82 games with 2002 Phillies during a six-year career in the Majors.
Right-handed pitcher Bob Conley, 88, on Feb. 14 in Whiting, N.J. Appeared in two Phillies games (both starts) in 1958, his time in the Majors.
Left-hander David West, 57 on May 14 in Palm City, Fla. Ten-year Major Leaguer, concluding with four Phillies seasons, 1993-96. Led 1993 staff with 76 relief appearances; 6-4 record, 2.92 ERA, 3 saves.
First baseman Costen Shockley, 80, on May 30 in Georgetown, Del. 1961-64 in Phillies Minors. Briefly in bigs, 1964 Phillies, 1965 Angels.
John Wockenfuss, 73, on Aug. 19 in Wilmington, Del. Mr. Wockenfuss, a catcher-first baseman-designated hitter, played 12 years in the Majors, the first 10 with the Detroit Tigers and last two with Phillies (1984-85).
Lee Thomas, 86, on Aug. 31 in St. Louis. Phillies general manager, 1988-97. Architect of 1993 National League champs. Came to Phillies from St. Louis Cardinals, where he was farm director, 1983-88. Played eight years in Majors.
Ray Rippelmeyer, 89, on Sept. 9 in Waterloo, IL. Phillies Minor League instructor, 1968-69, their Major League pitching coach, 1970-78; returned as a roving Minor League pitching instructor for 1988 season.
Catcher John Stearns, 71, on Sept. 15 in Denver. Phillies' first-round selection in 1973. Made Major League debut following year and then traded to Mets in deal for Tug McGraw. Four-time All-Star with NYM.
Left-hander Al Neiger, 83, on Oct. 3 in Wilmington, Del. A University of Delaware product, Mr. Neiger pitched in 6 games (0-0) for the 1960 Phillies. He also pitched in the Minor Leagues, 1959-63 (43-32).
Left-handed pitcher Dick Ellsworth, 82, on Oct. 10 in Fresno, Calif. Thirteen years in Majors including 1967 with Phillies.
Left-hander Corey Phelan, 20, on Oct. 12 in Greenlawn, N.Y. Signed as an undrafted free agent following graduation from Harborfields High School, Greenlawn. Made pro debut with the Florida Complex League Phillies in 2021; allowed 1 run in 9 2/3 innings over 5 appearances.
Left-hander Curt Simmons, 93, on December 13 in Ambler, Pa. Last survivor of the 1950 pennant-winning Whiz Kids. Egypt, Pa., native signed to a $65,000 bonus after graduating from Whitehall High School in 1947. Spent one year in the Minors before debuting with Phillies in 1948. 13 years with Phillies. Only Steve Carlton (241) and Chris Short (132) won more games as left-handers with the Phillies than Simmons (115).
Denny Doyle, 78, on Dec. 20 in Winter Haven, FL. Signed by the Phillies out of Morehead State U. in July 1965. He played for the Phillies, 1970-73. Every day second baseman in final season at Connie Mack Stadium (1970) and first year at Veterans Stadium (1971).