Von Hayes: Fink?

Lately, I have been working on a blog post that identifies a certain Philadelphia pro athlete who currently makes me the most crazy- which has prompted boisterous discussions at my workplace over athletes we have loathed in the past.

Anyway, I have had recent occasion to stand up for the unfortunate Von Hayes. The underrated Hayes was, in actuality, a plus major league player for a decade- a pretty heady accomplishment for a guy largely associated by Phillies’ fans with general disgust and disappointment.

I dunno about that. Von Hayes gave you a plus glove at either corner-outfield spot or first base- a not insignificant plus for a National League organization searching for flexilbity to hide people like Dale Murphy. Other than the power spots, third and clean-up, he could hit anywhere else in the line-up. He even was a credible lead-off hitter- when asked, he could generate an OBP of 38%- and had 250+ career SB.

His biggest flaw obviously was HR numbers- but 15HRs in those days in like 20-22 now. Anyway, his .800 OBP + slugging for ‘82 thru ’90 ain’t too bad.