Last week, inspired by the Athletic’s piece about MLB’s All-Quarter Century team, we the staff here came up with our version of the Phillies’ best players from the past twenty-five years. It inspired some debate (including the egregious decision to leave Rhys Hoskins completely off the ballot – which idiot writer did that?), but then we left the decision to you. Who would be on your Phillies All-Quarter Century Team? Let’s see the results.

Catcher – J.T. Realmuto (75.6% of the vote)

Listen, we all love Chooch. He was great in his time here. The pitching staff loved him, he came up with some clutch hits when the team needed them. He was one of the beating hearts of that championship team in 2008.

Realmuto is the best catcher this team has had in a long, long time.

Other: Carlos Ruiz (22%), Mike Lieberthal (1.6%), Chris Coste (0.8%)

First base – Ryan Howard (94.5%)

Another stalwart of that championship era, Howard made us want to watch baseball games until the end, just to see what he could do in a game. Thome was the one who gave that feeling when he signed here, but Howard had at bats that were must see when he was in his prime.

Other: Jim Thome (2.4%), Darin Ruf (0.8%), Rhys Hoskins (0.8%), Bryce Harper (1.5%)

Second base – Chase Utley (97.6%)

One of the two positions (as far as position players) where it was never going to be close when it came to the choice amongst the readers.

It’s also a chance to bring up Utley’s Hall of Fame chances, which are probably increasing by the year. Recently, the Athletic ran the results of their own fan poll that talked about the voting for the MLB version of this question and Utley still came in second, even though he was the better all around player at the position than Jose Altuve.

Other: Bryson Stott (1.6%), Eric Bruntlett (0.8%)

Third base – Scott Rolen (48%)

The closest of the positions, Rolen never really took a backseat here, but the race for second is interesting. Polanco always seemed a fan favorite, but he kind of wasn’t that great at the plate. The numbers are solid, good for any major leaguer, but if we’re talking about third basemen, his platform falls well short of other players at the spot.

Other: Placido Polanco (25.2%), Alec Bohm (24.4%), David Bell (0.8%), Maikel Franco (0.8%), Matt Vierling (0.8%)

Shortstop – Jimmy Rollins (93.7%)

Easy one.

If you had to pick one member of this era of Phillies’ teams to have his number retired, is Rollins the first one to have it done? He has a few important records now in team history, so maybe?

Other: Trea Turner (5.5%), Edmundo Sosa (0.8%), Freddy Galvis (0%)

Left field – Pat Burrell (90.6%)

Honestly? I thought this would be closer than it was. Burrell was really good, solid compensation for the sting of having J.D. Drew spurn the team when drafted.

Which brings us to a rabbit trail: what does the Phillies history look like if Drew signs and the team still drafts Burrell? Let’s not forget, Drew was a good major leaguer. A bit overhyped as a prospect, but still a very good major league player. What would have the Phillies’ years in that championship window have looked like if Drew were in right field as opposed to Jayson Werth?

Other: Raul Ibanez (6.3%), Andrew McCutchen (2.4%), Rhys Hoskins (0.8%)

Center field – Shane Victorino (97.6%)

He’s got to be one of the best Rule 5 draft picks in history, right? Roberto Clemente is the best, but if we’re talking top five or seven, is Victorino up there amongst that group of names?

Other: Aaron Rowand (0.8%), Kenny Lofton (0.8%), Doug Glanville (0.8%)

Right field – Bryce Harper (72.4%)

Let’s say we’re all around in the next 25 years and we do a top players on the past half century for the Phillies. Do we think Harper leaves this position and moves ahead of Howard at first base? Doubtful he catches him in the power department, but as an all around player, does Harper leap to the forefront at first base?

Other: Bobby Abreu (26%), Jayson Werth (0.8%), Matt Stairs (0.8%)

Designated hitter – Kyle Schwarber (95.3%)

Easy.

Other: Bryce Harper (4.7%)

Starting rotation – Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola

The Phillies have actually had some decent pitching over these years, a reason for why they started winning a lot more. These five, according to you, were the ones that rose to the top. However, the other choices you gave were very interesting. I’ll list all of the “others” here and we can all remember some guys together.

Other: Brett Myers, Roy Oswalt, Randy Wolf, Jamie Moyer, Curt Schilling (?), Ranger Suarez, Robert Person

Closer – Brad Lidge (60.6%)

Man, some of you really, really don’t like Jonathan Papelbon. Of all the comments that were left at the end of the response form, the majority came about Papelbon and the dislike that still festers in the fanbase around him.

Which is interesting because he has the most saves in team history.

Other: Papelbon (31.5%), Jose Mesa (3.9%), Billy Wagner (1.6%)

Relievers – Ryan Madson, JC Romero, Jose Alvarado

Another category where a lot of names were mentioned, but these three came up the most. Again, let’s remember some guys.

Other: Seranthony Dominguez, Pat Neshek, Hector Neris, Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, Ken Giles, Chad Durbin, Antonio Bastardo, Turk Wendell (!), Rheal Cormier, Jeff Hoffman

Thank you to all that voted!

Even you, the one who voted for Chris Coste, Eric Bruntlett and Darin Ruf. We love you anyway.