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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