When the rosters for the World Baseball Classic were announced yesterday, former Harrisburg Senator Brandon Phillips was named to Team USA as their second baseman. “I’m very honored to represent the country,” Phillips said. “I can’t wait to wear the red, white and blue on my chest. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

During the equivalent of a full season in a Senators jersey spread over 2001 & 2002, Phillips excelled hitting .312 with 16 home runs, 71 RBIs, 75 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases. Ten games into a promotion to Triple-A, Phillips was dealt to the Cleveland Indians with Cliff Lee and Grady Sizemore as part of one of the worst trades in history for a three-month rental of Bartolo Colon.

Four years later, Phillips was once again traded this time to the Reds and his career would flourish in Cincinnati as he has gone on to become a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner.