The Phillies mourn the passing of Lee Elia, former manager and lifelong contributor to the game of baseball, who died on July 9, 2025, just shy of his 88th birthday.
Lee Elia obituary news
A native son of Philadelphia and graduate of Olney High School, Elia’s journey in professional baseball began when he signed with the Phillies in 1958 after attending the University of Delaware. Over the course of more than 50 years in the sport, Elia served the Phillies in nearly every capacity: as a minor league player, manager, scout, director of instruction, and most memorably, as the third base coach for the club’s 1980 World Series championship team. From the dugout to the front office, his baseball wisdom and steady presence left a lasting imprint on the organization.
As a player, Elia appeared in 95 Major League games with the Chicago White Sox (1966) and the Chicago Cubs (1968). He later managed the Cubs from 1982 to 1983 before taking the reins as Phillies manager from 1987 to 1988. Throughout his career, he was affiliated with 10 Major League organizations, yet his heart never strayed far from home—he was always, proudly, a Phillie.
Lee Elia will be remembered not only for his knowledge and love of the game but also for his loyalty, leadership, and passion for mentoring young players. The Phillies family joins in mourning his loss and celebrating a life devoted to baseball.
We extend our deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Priscilla, and to the entire Elia family during this time of sorrow.
