Rollins will be inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame this summer, but an honor of even higher standing is due
When Jimmy Rollins was taken by the Phillies in the second round of the 1996 MLB Draft, it would probably be fair to assume that both he and the Phillies would have never expected that Rollins would become the beating heart of the best era of Phillies baseball in franchise history. The Phillies all-time leader in hits somehow feels underrated as he spent the better part of 15 years in Phillies pinstripes. He and Mike Schmidt are the only men to play over 2,000 games with the Phillies. As we drift further and further down the timeline and maybe our rose-colored glasses get stronger, we become more and more appreciative of a guy like Rollins.
Rollins had a marvelous career with the Phillies. The franchise leader with 2306 hits, he was the model leadoff hitter for the majority of his career. With 470 career stolen bases, he ranks 2nd in Phillies history and had 10 seasons with 30 or more stolen bases. He also possessed some pop too with his 46 career leadoff home runs being the best in Phillies history, and 6th best all time. He also has the 8th longest hitting streak in baseball history at 38 games. Jimmy Rollins is one of only 2 players in the HISTORY of Major League Baseball with 2000+ hits, 200+ home runs, 450+ stolen bases, 100+ triples, and 800+ walks. The other player to do this, Hall of Famer Paul Molitor, did it in just about 1600 more at-bats than Rollins. Jimmy did that at the plate while being the best fielding shortstop of his generation. His play did earn him a fair share of accolades; Silver Slugger, 3x All-Star, 4x Gold Glove, Roberto Clemente Award, 2008 World Series champion, and MVP.
To speak about the spark plug that Jimmy was, let’s take a look at his 2007 season. With no prior playoff experience, and the Phillies in the middle of a 14-year playoff drought, Jimmy very confidently said right before the season started that the Phillies were now the team to beat in the NL East. What followed was one of the most memorable seasons in Phillies history for both Rollins and the organization. Rollins would have an immaculate season that would culminate in him winning MVP. He is one of only four players in baseball history to register a season with at least 20 HRs, 20 2Bs, 20 3B, and 20SBs. The season would climax with the Phillies tracking down the Mets, who had a 7-game lead with 17 games left in September, to win their first NL East crown in 14 years. What would follow would be the 5 best years in team history. 5 straight division titles, 2 Pennants, and a World Series victory. Truly herculean efforts from a group representing the losingest franchise in organized sports’ history. The 2008 World Series remains only the 2nd title in this team’s 142-year history and at the time was the first championship in Philadelphia in 25 years.
At the center of all that success, was number 11. Whether it be the 07 MVP or his walk-off double on Jonathan Broxton in the 2009 NLCS, Rollins may not have been the best player from that era, but he was the heartbeat of the best team in Phillies history. He is and for a long time will be the best SS in franchise history. The Wall of Fame induction is more than well deserved, but honestly, he deserves more. There is no reason why number 11 should not be retired. The Phillies requiring you to make the Hall of Fame to get your number retired is crazy, especially when Jimmy Rollins is probably not going to make it until the Veterans Committee in like 20 years. Chase Utley will make the Hall of Fame over the next 3-5 years, but it would feel criminal if he is the only number retired from that era. 6 and 35 should also be retired. The Phillies cannot let what happened to Dick Allen happen to Rollins. Jimmy played over 2000 games in Philadelphia, won countless awards, and was a focal point in a championship. He is unequivocally the best shortstop in Phillies history, a history that dates back to 1883. The Wall of Fame is well deserved, but number 11 should also be painted onto the bricks of the CBP outfield wall and never worn again.