Del Ennis

Delmer “Del” Ennis (June 8, 1925 - February 8, 1996) was the inaugural recipient of The Sporting News’ Rookie of the Year award after he batted .313 with 169 hits, 17 home runs and 73 RBI in 1946. The next year’s winner was color barrier breaking hero Jackie Robinson. Del signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1943 and was sent to play for the Trenton Packers where he hit .346 with 197 hits and 18 HRs, but then spent two years serving in World War II. He returned in 1946 to win the TSN ROY award and his first of three NL All-Star selections. Ennis spent 11 years roaming left field for the Phillies (1946-1956), played two years with the St. Louis Cardinals (1957-1958) and finished his career with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox in 1959. During his 14-year career, Del garnered consideration for the Most Valuable Player award eight times. In 1950, Ennis led the National League in RBI (126) and alongside Hall of Famers Richie Ashburn and Robin Roberts and a host of Phillies All-Stars, dubbed the “Whiz Kids”, won Philadelphia’s first NL pennant since 1915. In July 23, 1955, he clouted three home runs against the St. Louis Cardinals. He also broke up three no-hitters in his career. Del Ennis retired having collected 2,063 hits including 358 doubles and 288 home runs, 985 runs and 1,284 RBI while batting .284 for his 14-year career.