Helena Phillies
From BR Bullpen
- Location: Helena, MT
- League: Pioneer League 1978-1983
- Affiliation: Philadelphia Phillies 1978-1983
- Ballpark: Kindrick Legion Field
The Helena Phillies were a Philadelphia Phillies affiliate in the Pioneer League for six seasons. In their first season, 1978, they posted a 30-38 record for skipper Larry Rojas, and outfielder Earl Neal was an All-Star. The next year, under manager Roly de Armas, they improved to 43-26 and won the Southern Division title. Outfielder Willie Darkis led the league with 20 home runs and 83 RBI and Joe Bruno hit a league-high .385. However, the team was swept in the playoffs by the Lethbridge Dodgers.
In 1980, the Phillies fell to 32-38, and the next year, they posted an even worse 26-44 mark. The team improved slightly to 29-41 under new manager Ronald Smith in 1982, and pitcher Lance McCullers was an All-Star. However, in their final season, 1983, they were the league's worst club, going 16-54 for skipper P.J. Carey.
[edit] Year-by-Year Record
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | 30-38 | 6th | Larry Rojas | |
| 1979 | 43-26 | 1st | Roly de Armas | Lost League Finals |
| 1980 | 32-38 | 3rd | Roly de Armas | |
| 1981 | 26-44 | 4th | Roly de Armas | |
| 1982 | 29-41 | 4th | Ronald Smith | |
| 1983 | 16-54 | 4th | P.J. Carey |
