If you’re a die-hard Phillies fan, it is one image that will always be ingrained in your mind.

When he struck out Kansas City’s Willie Wilson for the final out of Game Six of the 1980 World Series that gave the Phillies their first title, reliever Tug McGraw leaped into the air with arms raised.

Recognized for his flamboyant personality on and off the field, McGraw had a 10-year career in Phillies’ pinstripes, and is often regarded as the club’s premier reliever.

But was he?

In this week’s version of my Behind the Plate column, I’ll take a look at who you voted the team’s top reliever in our online Facebook poll. Also, I’ll look back at some of the bullpen battlers who didn’t make the poll. Plus, I’ll look ahead to the Phillies, Yankees, and Mets season as they enter the final stretch - as well as some other pertinent fillers.

Call to the Pen ... In the poll, McGraw captured 41% of the vote. He came over to the Phils during the 1974 Winter Meetings from the Mets and was considered the missing piece in the pen. McGraw compiled a 49-37 record with a 3.13 ERA and 94 saves in Philly. He tragically passed away in 2004.

Like McGraw, Brad Lidge was a key addition to the bullpen, and helped the Phils to their second title in 2008. Lidge - who came to the Phillies in November 2007 from Houston - received 32% of the vote. He was nearly flawless in 2008 when he was 2-0 with a 1.95 ERA and posted 41 saves. Lidge also recorded the final out with a strikeout in Game Five for the title. Lidge was 3-1 with a 3.73 ERA and 100 saves over four seasons in Philly.

Both McGraw and Lidge dominated the poll, as Mitch Williams was third with 10% of the vote. Unfortunately, the “Wild Thing” gave up the game - and series-winning home run to Toronto’s Joe Carter in 1993. Williams should be remembered for his contributions, netting a 20-20 record with a 3.11 ERA and 100 saves as a Phillie.

Jonathan Papelbon claimed only a shocking 9% of the vote, and he had a four-year stay. During that time, Papelbon was 14-11 with a 2.31 ERA and 123 saves. He signed a controversial four year, $50 million deal as a free agent, but he did become the club’s all-time save leader.

Another possible head-scratcher result was Steve Bedrosian, who tallied only 5%. “Bedrock” won the 1987 Cy Young Award with a 5-3 record and a 2.87 ERA with 40 saves. Over his four years, he was 21-18 with a 3.29 ERA and 103 saves.

Rest of the Top 10 ... Remember Jose Mesa? He was a Phillie for four seasons and recorded the team’s second-highest save total with 112. Others in the top 10 were flexible Ron Reed, who doubled as a spot starter. Reed racked up 90 saves and 57 wins that placed him in the No. 7 slot.

Behind Reed, there is recently departed Hector Naris, who managed to tally 84 saves and 31 victories. In the No. 9 hole is Ricky Bottalico, who earned 78 saves and 15 wins along the way.

The top 10 slot belongs to Turk Farrell, who starred for the Phils from 1956-60. Farrell had 65 saves and 47 wins. We would be remiss to skip Jim Konstanty from the “Whiz Kids.” Konstanty, who pitched with the Phils from 1948-54, is 14th on the list with 52 saves and 51 wins.

Jack Baldschun, who was prominent from 1961-65, had 59 saves and 39 wins. He is tied with Billy Wagner on the list.

Others you may remember with more than 50 are Al Holland (55), Ryan Madson (52) and Gene Garber (51). Holland was the stopper for the 1983 “Wheeze Kids.”

Readers Write ... Opinions varied with this poll, and here are a few:

Mitch Thomas liked Lidge because, “He was a crucial part of their run in 2008.”

Steve Tentylo had Papelbon on top. “Papelbon for sure. Bedrock comes in second, just ahead of the Wild Thing.”

Eric Snyder liked McGraw, but he saw it as a difficult question. “That’s a tough one. Ron Reed, Gene Garber, Steve Bedrosian, Al Holland and Brad Lidge were all good, but they only did it for a year or two. Mitch Williams was erratic. Tug did it the longest and with the most successful teams.”

Finally, my apologies to faithful reader Richard Ochs. I referred to him as “Paul” in last week’s column. Mr. Ochs passed along information about former Phillies starter and reliever Paul Brown.

World Series Route? ... Phillies fans have to ask themselves the obvious question: “Is this team good enough to get back to the World Series? I believe most fans would disagree.

Granted, the team has been scoring runs lately - they did win two of three against the Royals as one would expect. Nick Castellanos belted his 17th homer Sunday and has hiked his average back to .274. Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm both continue to establish themselves as budding stars.

But Trea Turner - despite his standing ovations - is only at .238, and Kyle Schwarber - in spite of his 28 homers - is only at .182 in the leadoff spot with an on-base percentage of .321. I see Turner working to improve his average, but I don’t think he will hover around the expected .300 mark. Bryce Harper is showing signs of breaking out.

On the mound, Aaron Nola hasn’t been consistent, and he has looked more like a second- or third-starter. Nola will be a free agent next season, and the Phils won’t meet his high-end demands. Zack Wheeler is starting to round into shape, but the rest of the rotation needs to be supportive.

The Phils currently are tied for the top spot of three Wild Card positions, and have a 36-35 record against teams with a .500 or better record. They have an opportunity to gain further ground the rest of the month with only San Francisco and Minnesota - possibly Toronto - giving them a stiff challenge. They could make the playoffs, but don’t expect to save money for World Series tickets.

Not a Big Apple ... The Yankees are in a somewhat similar situation, as they are lurking 4.5 games outside the final Wild Card spot. However, they have to be road warriors, as they have 15 of their next 29 games on the road and 32 of their 50 outside Yankee Stadium.

Beyond Gerrit Cole, the starting staff has been a trainwreck. Domingo German - who hurled a perfect game June 28 - is now headed to alcohol rehab. Carlos Rodon was viewed as being some stability back, but he left Sunday’s game with a left hamstring tightness. Luis Severino has been suffering Steve Blass syndrome - getting the ball over the plate.

Offensively, Aaron Judge isn’t 100%, and DJ LeMahieu has been stuck under .240 all season. Did you see Giancarlo Stanton’s jog to home plate and consequent out? He has 17 homers and a .206 average. Josh Donaldson has been a bust for two years, but the Yanks have held on to him. Gleyber Torres has been their most consistent hitter.

If the Yanks do get a Wild Card, they could face either Cleveland or Minnesota, two teams they have controlled.

As for the Mets, it will be a very interesting offseason with plenty of new pieces in place. Pete Alonso likely will be on the market, and Buck Schowalter could be on his way out in a total rebuild.

Final thoughts ... Anyone realize that Mitch Williams’ final full year was with the Angels in 1995 where he struggled in 20 games? He tried a brief failed comeback with the Royals in 1997 ... The Braves decided to let Freddie Freeman walk to the Dodgers last year, and they haven’t missed a beat. How many teams can allow a quality player such as Freeman to walk and maintain their level of excellence?

Feedback ... Your comments, thoughts, and ideas are always welcomed at tnsports@tnonline.com