Jimmy Rollins Will Be Inducted Onto Phillies Wall OF Fame Aug. 1st
For years, we have wondered when the Phillies will finally start inducting the core group of the 2008 World Series team onto their Wall of Fame. Pat Burrell and Charlie…
PHILADELPHIA – OCTOBER 19: Jimmy Rollins #11 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a game-winning walkoff 2-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning to win 5-4 against Jonathan Broxton #51 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Four of the NLCS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park on October 19, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)For years, we have wondered when the Phillies will finally start inducting the core group of the 2008 World Series team onto their Wall of Fame. Pat Burrell and Charlie Manuel were already inducted, but names like Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard, had yet to grace the wall.
That ends this season. Jimmy Rollins will be the first of that core group of 23 players. The Phillies announced today in a press release that JRoll, along with former GM Ed Wade, will be inducted onto the Wall before the August 1st game vs the Tigers.
In the press release announcing the move, Phillies owner John Middleton had this to say about Jimmy Rollins.
“A dynamic leadoff hitter who impacted the game with his glove, bat and speed for 15 seasons with the Phillies, Jimmy was the spark plug for five consecutive National League East titles, back-to-back National League pennants and a World Series championship from 2007 to 2011. He is one of the most legendary players to wear pinstripes, and we are thrilled to celebrate No. 11 on August 1, as J-Roll officially takes his permanent place in club history, becoming the 49th inductee of our prestigious Toyota Phillies Wall of Fame.”
For anyone my age (31) Jimmy Rollins defined an era of Phillies baseball. Like Middleton said, he was the sparkplug, in more ways than one. Not only did he lead off games, and lead the Phillies all-time in hits, but he led the team. It was Jimmy who made the famous "team to beat" comments that led to the start of a stretch of 5 years where the Phillies won the NL East.
Jimmy Rollins, An All-Time Great Shortstop
He was not just a great Phillie though, he is an All-Time great Shortstop. Compare him to the players from his era, and the only guy above him for sure is Derek Jeter.
He will have to wait to be honored by the Hall of Fame. He continues to get the needed votes to stay on the ballot. But for now, at least he can take his rightful place on the Phillies Wall of Fame. As will Ed Wade who put together most of the pieces who made up that 2008 team.
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