1 is not the loneliest number, it just means the Phillies 2017 season officially starts tomorrow!
Jose Cardenal, the last Phillie to wear 1 in 1979, the same season it was retired.
The reason why 1 is retired by the Phillies, his Whiteness, who is rightfully in the HOF and was a beloved player and announcer for the Phillies. I will forever miss him requesting pizzas from Celebre's in inventive ways. Here his is, Richie Ashburn