Thanks for the Memories Josh…
Josh Phegley was an important part of the Charlotte Knights franchise both on and off-the-field. On Tuesday, December 9, Phegley was one of four players dealt to the Oakland A’s as part of a trade that brought right-handed pitcher Jeff Samardzjia to Chicago.
Phegley, a native of Terre Haute, IN, spent parts of the past four seasons with the Knights (2011–14) and finished his Knights career as one of the most successful offensive and defensive players in franchise history. Over the course of those four seasons, he was also a player who spent time in the community.
The 26-year-old backstop was an award winner. He was a three-time International League All-Star. He was a community ambassador — winning the Knights Community Service Award in 2012. He was a defensive wiz — winning the MiLB Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2012. He was a member of the All Knights Stadium Team. He was also a fan-favorite.
There’s no doubt Phegley will be missed by the fans. His consistency, as well as his hard work and determination, make him one of the all-time top players in franchise history.
So, what were his numbers?
After appearing in 22 games with the Knights in 2011, Phegley made the jump full-time to Triple-A in 2012 and shined at the plate and behind it. He was a 2012 IL All-Star and hit .266 with six home runs and 48 RBIs. He led all IL catchers with a .996 fielding percentage. Phegley, who caught 96 games for the Knights that season, also had an International League best 772 putouts. He committed just three errors in 834 total chances.
Among some of his other 2012 accomplishments, Phegley was an International League All-Star and played in the Triple-A All-Star Game in Buffalo, NY on July 11. Phegley frequently volunteered his time in the community as well. On Friday, September 14, the Knights awarded Phegley the Charlotte Knights Community Service Award during an on-field ceremony.
The 2013 season began with another special ceremony on Opening Day — the final one in the history of Knights Stadium in Fort Mill. Phegley was selected to the All Knights Stadium Team, and was honored in an on-field along with long-time teammate Jordan Danks and Ross Gload.
It turned out to be a special season for Phegley, who broke-out with the bat. In just 61 games with the Knights, he hit .316 with 15 home runs and 41 RBIs. The 15 home runs were a new single-season high for Phegley, who also earned his first trip to the majors.
Last season (2014), the Indiana University product continued to excel. He put together a career year — compiling a .274 batting average with 23 home runs and 75 RBIs. His 23 home runs, 30 doubles, and 75 RBIs ranked second on the Knights behind Andy Wilkins. He represented the Knights in Durham at the Triple-A All-Star Game.
For his solid efforts throughout the season, Phegley earned a promotion to the White Sox in September and finished the year with the South Siders.
Overall in his Knights career, he hit .278 (312-for-1123) with 157 runs scored, 74 doubles, six triples, 46 home runs, and 170 RBIs over 292 games for the Knights. Here is where he ranks among the all-time leaders in Knights franchise history:
Josh Phegley All-Time Charlotte Knights Career Ranks:
At-Bats: 1,123 (3rd)
Games: 292 (7th)
Runs scored: 157 (7th)
Hits: 312 (3rd)
Doubles: 74 (4th)
Triples: 6
HRs: 46 (6th)
RBIs: 170 (5th)
Phegley is just one of three players in Knights franchise history with 300 hits. He trails only all-time Knights franchise hits leader Jordan Danks and Joe Borchard in that category. He’s also behind both of those players in at-bats, and ranks in the top five in doubles and RBIs.
On behalf of the Charlotte Knights organization, I would like to take a moment to wish Josh good luck with the A’s organization.
