They weren't a fast bunch, finishing next to last in stolen bases in the league. Their team batting average was second, at .274. What they really did was walk teams to death. In a season in which just five N.L. teams surpassed 500 walks, the Phillies led the league with 665. They ended up scoring about half a run per game more than any team in the league.
Walks can work.
A walk can rattle a pitcher. He's worried about throwing strikes now. If you are rattled at the wrong time, it will kill you. Travis Lee is one of a dying breed of big-leaguers who have mastered the art of the base on balls. For instance, Thomas walks every 5.74 times he steps to the plate.