The 1883 season was the first in the history of the Philadelphia Phillies. The team was founded earlier in the year as a replacement for the Worcester franchise. It was the first year Philadelphia was represented in the National League since the original Athletics were disbanded in 1876 after refusing to finish the season. The American Association's Philadelphia Athletics had been founded a year earlier.
The team opened the year managed by Bob Ferguson; however, he was fired as manager after a disappointing 4–13 start and replaced by Blondie Purcell. The team finished the season 17–81, worst in the National League.
The Phillies played their first game ever on April 2, 1883, and defeated the amateur Manayunk Ashlands in an exhibition game by the score of 11âÂÂ0 at Recreation Park.
The Phillies hosted Providence at Recreation Park in their first regular season game on May 1, 1883. One thousand fans saw John Coleman start the game for the Phillies and relinquish the first hit in the first inning to Providence first baseman Joe Start. The Phillies scored first and took a three to zero lead into the eighth inning when Providence scored four times to win the game. The Phillies would lose their first eleven games, and not win their first game at home in Philadelphia until June 6, 1883.
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts