This is the fourth in a series of most career games by position in Phillies history: the top five in games by second basemen. Catchers, pitchers and first basemen were the first three. Shortstop will be next. For more information on Phillies history, visit the Phillies Alumni page.
Chase Utley (2003-15), 1,453 games
Tony Taylor (1960-71; 74-76), 1,003
Otto Knabe (1907-13), 931
Mickey Morandini (1990-97; 2000), 926
Juan Samuel (1983-88), 792
Chase Cameron Utley was originally drafted by his hometown Dodgers in the second round in 1997, opted for college (UCLA) and was drafted by the Phillies in the first round three years later. He spent three years in the minors before making his major league debut. He was the everyday second baseman from 2005 through 2014. Combing power, defense, all-out hustle and heady play he was the game's premier second baseman. He was a six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger. He left the Phillies as their greatest second baseman ever in nearly every hitting category. Chase took over first place in games played (1,004) at second base on August 12, 2011.
Antonio Nemesio (Sanchez) Taylor was originally signed by the Giants in 1954, selected by the Cubs in the 1957 Rule 5 draft and acquired by the Phillies early in the 1960 season for RHP Don Cardwell and 1B Ed Bouchee. He was the starting second baseman for 12 years and developed into an outstanding lead-off hitter. He wore the Phillies uniform for 15 seasons, becoming one of the most popular players ever. NL All-Star in 1960. Ranks fifth in Phillies history in games played, 1,669. Hit .261 with Phillies and in his 19-year big-league career. Coached for Phillies, 1977-79 and 1988-89.
Franz Otto Knabe, nicknamed Dutch, led all Phillies in games played at second base until Taylor passed him in 1970. Born in Carrick, PA, Knabe made his major league debut with the Phillies playing three games at third base in October, 1905, as a 21-year-old. Knabe became the club's every day second baseman for seven consecutive seasons, 1907 through 1913. He was a career .249 hitter in 946 Phillies games and walked more times (377) than he struck out (256). He was adept at playing small ball and a standout on defense.
Michael Robert (Mickey) Morandini was a shortstop drafted by the Phillies in the fifth round in 1988 out of Indiana University. The left-handed hitter was moved to second base after his first pro season in 1989. He made his pro debut the following September. Mickey developed into a solid second baseman who played nine seasons with the Phillies and was an All-Star in 1995. During the 1993 championship season, he hit .247 and led the club with nine triples. Defensively, he made only five errors in 928 innings that season. For his Phillies career, .267, 169 doubles, 44 triples, 103 stolen bases. In 11 big league seasons he had a .989 fielding percentage. Named first base coach for the 2016 season.
Juan Milton Samuel, at age 22, became the Phillies regular second baseman four years after he signed as an amateur free agent in 1980. He was an electrifying player with the rare combination of blinding speed and power. He reached double figures in doubles, triples, home runs and stolen bases each of his first four seasons, a first in major league baseball history. As a rookie, he led the league with club-record 72 stolen bases. First Phillies second baseman to be selected to NL All-Star team as a rookie in 1984. Set National League rookie record with 19 triples. Two-time NL All-Star and winner of NL Silver Slugger Award in 1987. Hit .263 for the Phillies with 71 triples, 100 homers (first second baseman to reach 100) and 249 stolen bases. Phillies coach since 2011.