Del Ennis

Delmer Ennis (June 8, 1925–February 8, 1996) was an American left and right fielder in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Philadelphia Phillies. From 1949 to 1957, Ennis accumulated more runs batted in than anyone besides Stan Musial and was 8th in the National League in home runs. In he led the National League with 126 RBI as the Phillies won their first pennant in 35 years. He held the Phillies career record of 259 home runs from 1956 to 1980, and ranked 10th in NL history with 1824 games in the outfield when his career ended.

Career

Ennis was born to George and Agnes Ennis in the Crescentville section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He played baseball and football at Olney High School and was mentioned as an All-State fullback. Philadelphia Phillies scout Jocko Collins came to watch one of Ennis's high school classmates pitch. When Ennis hit two long home runs, Collins tried to recruit him but Ennis was hesitant, worried that he was not ready, and unsure that he wanted to pursue a baseball career. In August 1942, Ennis finally signed with Collins to play with the Phillies' Canadian-American League team, but the league suspended operation for World War II. Ennis signed with Collins again in March 1943 and hit .348 with 19 home runs and 16 triple for the Phillies' Trenton, New Jersey Interstate League team. In...
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