Richie Ashburn
A Phillies center fielder whose graceful defense and relentless hitting defined an era, later becoming the beloved voice of the team for a generation.
1927–1997 (age 70)·American baseball player and broadcaster·Birthday: March 19·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Richie Ashburn was the embodiment of Philadelphia baseball for nearly half a century. He arrived in the majors as a speedy leadoff hitter with the Whiz Kids, the young Phillies team that shocked the league by winning the 1950 pennant. 'Whitey,' with his shock of blond hair, played a shallow, daring center field, famously turning doubles into outs with his arm and his instincts. He won two batting titles, not with power but with a keen eye and an ability to place the ball anywhere on the field. After a brief stint with the Cubs and Mets, he returned to Philadelphia, not as a player, but as a broadcaster. For 35 years, his folksy, candid, and often hilarious commentary paired perfectly with Harry Kalas's baritone, making Phillies games a soundtrack for the city. His number was retired, and his election to the Hall of Fame in 1995 cemented his status as a franchise pillar.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Richie was born in 1927, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Richie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1927
#1 Movie
Wings
Richie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1927Born
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1932Started school
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1940Became a teenager
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Could drive
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1945Could vote
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1948Turned 21
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1957Turned 30
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 40
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 50
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 60
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1997Turned 70
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
Key Achievements
- Won two National League batting titles (1955 and 1958) during his career with the Philadelphia Phillies.
- Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995 by the Veterans Committee.
- Recorded a .308 career batting average and led the National League in hits three times.
- Served as a color commentator for Philadelphia Phillies broadcasts for 35 years, forming a legendary partnership with Harry Kalas.
Did You Know?
He once hit a foul ball that struck a spectator, Alice Roth, twice—first in the face, then breaking her nose as she was being carried off on a stretcher.
He was the first batter in New York Mets history in 1962.
His broadcasting partner Harry Kalas famously sang 'High Hopes' to him on air every birthday.
He famously said of his shallow playing style, 'I've got a great pair of hands, but they're at the end of my arms.'
“Well, Harry, I don't think I've ever seen that before.”
