Iowa's Shane Rawley Highlights 1980s Phillies All-Stars

When baseball fans think of the 1980s Philadelphia Phillies, stars like Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton come to mind. But the decade also featured several players who reached the All-Star Game just once. For Iowa fans, one of those one-time All-Stars holds a special local connection. Shane Rawley, who dominated at Indian Hills Community College, made his mark in the majors during the 1986 season.

Shane Rawley: From Indian Hills to the Big Leagues

Before he faced the best hitters in the world, Shane Rawley was making a name for himself at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa. The Racine, Wisconsin native dominated the junior college level. As an 18-year-old, Rawley posted a 7-2 record and racked up 63 strikeouts. He even threw a no-hitter between draft selections, which helped boost his stock.

The Montreal Expos selected him in the second round of the 1974 draft. Rawley worked his way up through the minors, but he never forgot his roots or his values. When traded to the Cincinnati Reds organization, he quickly requested a move. He told his hometown newspaper that he didn't like Cincinnati too well and that they didn't treat their minor league players with any respect.

Rawley eventually landed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1984. He quickly became a reliable starter. By the 1986 All-Star break, Rawley was 11-5 with a 2.96 ERA. He earned a trip to the All-Star Game at the Houston Astrodome. Rawley stayed humble despite his success. When reporters compared him to Phillies legend Steve Carlton, Rawley shut it down.

You can't replace a Steve Carlton. The very idea of that is ridiculous.

Rawley was known for his straightforward, no-nonsense attitude. In 1987, he got into a dugout altercation with second baseman Juan Samuel. After Samuel told him to throw strikes, Rawley suggested Samuel do the pitching himself. Samuel threw a punch, but Rawley did not back down. When the Phillies traded him to the Twins after the season, Rawley got the last word. He told the press that trading him freed up Samuel to play the outfield, adding that he did not think Samuel could play second base at the major league level.

Al Holland: Accountability on the Mound

Al Holland was a relief pitcher who fought hard for his spot in the majors. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1975 after a standout career at North Carolina A&T State University. Holland worked his way up, eventually landing with the San Francisco Giants and then the Phillies.

In 1983, Holland was a crucial part of the Phillies' pennant run. He pitched to a 2.26 ERA and collected 25 saves. The next season, his strong first half earned him an All-Star selection. The game was held in San Francisco, where Holland had previously played. However, Phillies manager Paul Owens managed the National League squad and chose Goose Gossage to close the game instead. Holland never got off the bench.

I'm very disappointed in not pitching. Back in San Francisco, my first All-Star game...I really wanted to pitch.

Holland faced challenges later in his career. He was involved in the Pittsburgh drug trials that investigated cocaine use in baseball. Holland took responsibility for his actions. He agreed to donate 5% of his salary to drug prevention programs and completed 50 hours of community service to avoid a 60-game suspension. His career ended in 1987 after a severe arm injury.

Glenn Wilson: Grit and Outfield Defense

Glenn Wilson made his mark with pure grit and a strong arm. The Detroit Tigers drafted him in the first round in 1980. He debuted in 1982 and quickly proved himself. The Phillies traded for Wilson in 1984, sending reliever Willie Hernandez to Detroit.

Wilson struggled in his first year in Philadelphia, but he bounced back in 1985. He hit .266 with 8 home runs before the All-Star break and led all outfielders with 12 assists. His strong play earned him an All-Star spot as an injury replacement.

In a twist of fate, Wilson actually got into the game in the ninth inning. The bases were loaded, and Wilson stepped in as a pinch hitter. The pitcher on the mound was none other than Willie Hernandez, the man he was traded for. Broadcaster Vin Scully captured the moment perfectly. Here's the trade. Here you have it, Scully said. Wilson struck out on a screwball in the dirt, but his All-Star appearance was secured.

These three players represent a unique era in Phillies baseball. For Iowa fans, Rawley's journey from Indian Hills to the All-Star Game remains a point of state pride and a testament to hard work.