Philadelphia Phillies – Notable Events on November 21

  • November 21, 1933 – The Phillies traded star right fielder Chuck Klein to the Chicago Cubs. In return, they received pitcher Ted Kleinhans, infielder Mark Koenig, outfielder Harvey Hendrick, and $65,000.
  • November 21, 1935 – The Phillies traded catcher Al Todd to the Pittsburgh Pirates for catcher Earl Grace and pitcher Claude Passeau.
  • November 21, 1962 – The Phillies sold catcher Jim Coker to the Baltimore Orioles.

Phillies Individuals Born on November 21

  • George Scharein (1914) Scharein was a shortstop who played for the Phillies from 1937 to 1940, his entire career. Scharein was a career .240 hitter in 388 games with the Phillies.
  • Bill Almon (1952) Almon was an infielder who played 20 games for the Phillies in 1988, the final season of his career. With the Phillies, Almon hit just .115.

A DEEPER DIVE… Chuck Klein

Chuck Klein’s path to becoming one of the great sluggers in Phillies history began in the late 1920s, when his powerful left-handed swing quickly drew attention. He arrived in Philadelphia at a time when the team was struggling, yet he instantly gave fans something to cheer about. Klein blended strength with a smooth swing and an aggressive mindset at the plate. By 1929 he had already become one of the most feared hitters in the National League, and his steady improvement over those early seasons showed how naturally he adjusted to big-league pitching. He hit for average, drove the ball to all fields, and rarely looked overmatched.

Peak Years and Record Setting Production
The early 1930s were the years that defined Klein’s career. He played his home games at the Baker Bowl, a ballpark known for its short right field porch, and he took full advantage of it. In 1930 he put together one of the most impressive offensive seasons of the era – leading the majors with 156 games played, 158 runs scored, 59 doubles, and 445 total bases – finishing with eye-catching numbers in nearly every major category. He hit for power (40 home runs), reached base often (.436 OBP), and delivered in big moments. What made his peak especially remarkable was his ability to combine home run power with a high batting average. Few hitters of the time matched that mix of explosiveness and consistency.

His finest season came in 1932 when he won the National League MVP award. That year he led the league in runs (152), hits (226), HR (38), SB (20), SLG (.636), OPS (1.050), and total bases (420), and continued to show that he could carry a lineup almost by himself. Klein followed it up in 1933 with another standout year, leading the league in home runs (28) and maintaining his status as a cornerstone player. Even in seasons when the Phillies fell out of contention, Klein delivered performances that kept his name in every conversation about the game’s top sluggers. In all, Klein led the league in home runs in four different seasons, RBI in two seasons, and led the league in slugging percentage for three straight seasons.

Trade to Chicago and Later Career
In late 1933 the Phillies traded Klein to the Chicago Cubs. The move was driven in part by financial concerns and became one of the most talked about deals of the decade. Klein continued to hit well in Chicago, though he never quite matched the incredible production he had shown during his Philadelphia peak. He remained a respected presence in their lineup and played in the 1935 World Series, giving him the chance to perform on the biggest stage.

Klein returned to the Phillies during the second half of the 1930s. By that point injuries and the physical demands of his earlier workload had taken a toll, yet fans welcomed him back as one of their own. Even as his power numbers faded, he stayed a popular figure in the clubhouse and among supporters who remembered his prime years in the Baker Bowl.

Legacy and Hall of Fame Recognition
Klein ended his career with 300 home runs, 1,201 RBI, and a career .320 batting average as part of a long list of league-leading achievements. His combination of average and power during his peak placed him among the best hitters of his era. In 1980 he was finally elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, a recognition that confirmed what Phillies fans had known for decades. Chuck Klein remains one of the defining figures in team history and a player whose offensive brilliance still stands out nearly a century later.