“He can run, throw, field and hit with power. There’s nothing he can’t do well on a ballfield.”
That quote came from Gene Mauch after managing his young outfielder, Johnny Callison, in 1960. Following a World Series loss in 1959, the Chicago White Sox sent 20-year-old Callison to the Phillies for veteran Gene Freese. It was the first trade for the Phils’ new general manager, John Quinn.
Under the tutelage of Mauch, Callison developed into one of the best players of that decade, a four-time All-Star, and one of the most popular players.
John Wesley Callison was born in Qualls, Okla., on March 12, 1939. His family moved to Bakersfield, Calif., when he was 5 years old. He excelled in baseball at East Bakersfield High School and signed with the White Sox following graduation in 1957. His bonus: $10,000.
White Sox career
Began pro career in his hometown, .340 with 17 home runs, 31 stolen bases in only 86 games. Named California League’s Rookie of the Year. Jumped to Triple-A the next season when he led the American Association with 29 home runs. Made big league debut that season, .297 in 71 at-bats. He was billed as the next Mickey Mantle, a difficult handle to carry.
He split the 1959 season between Triple-A and the bigs, struggling on both levels.
Phillies career
Played left field the first two seasons in Philly before Mauch moved him to right field to take advantage of his strong arm. Led the National League outfielders in assists for four straight seasons starting in 1962. His four-year total (90) was far greater than Roberto Clemente’s (59).
Playing in all 162 games in 1964, Callison hit .274, scored 101 runs and drove in 104 while banging out 31 homers.
He gained national prominence by hitting a dramatic three-run, walk-off homer to give the National League a 7-4 win in the All-Star Game at Shea Stadium. He was named the game’s Most Valuable Player -- an honor no other Phillies player has matched.
Callison and rookie sensation Richie Allen wrecked terror with their bats as the Phillies were headed for their first World Series since 1950. The buzz turned silent as the Phillies lost 10 straight games and finished second. Only Callison and Allen produced offensively during the collapse. Callison hit four homers, three coming in one game.
A frontrunner in the NL MVP race, the collapse cost Callison dearly. He finished second.
He had another great season in 1965, though the Phillies were not contenders, leading the NL again in triples (16) while slashing .262/.328/.509, with 32 homers, 101 RBIs and 93 runs scored. His 32 home runs were the most for any left-hander in the history of Connie Mack Stadium. The 34-foot-high right-field wall probably cost the pull-hitting Callison a number of homers during his 10 years with the Phillies.
Callison’s power numbers began to decline in 1966 (11 homers). His 10-year Phillies career (1960-69) ended with a trade to the Chicago Cubs, where he played for two seasons (1970-71). He also played for the New York Yankees (1972-73).
Johnny played 1,866 games and hit .264/.331/.441 with 226 home runs, 926 runs scored, 840 RBIs, 1,757 hits, 351 doubles, 89 triples and 74 stolen bases.
A longtime resident of Glenside in suburban Philadelphia, Callison died on Oct. 12, 2006, at age 67. His memorial service was held in the Diamond Club at Citizens Bank Park.
Phillies Record Book
He hit for the cycle in 1963, a first for the Phillies in 30 years. ... He hit three homers in a game in 1965, the first to do that twice. ... In 1968, he became the franchise’s fourth outfielder to have an errorless season. ... His 1,379 games are the fourth most among outfielders. ... On the club’s all-time list, his 84 triples rank sixth and 534 extra-base hits, 10th; his 265 doubles and 185 homers ranked in the top 10 at the end of his career. ... Inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame in 1967. ... Longest to wear No. 6: Ryan Howard (12 years), Willie Jones (11), Callison (10).