For 15 years, shortstop Jimmy Rollins was a staple of baseball in Philadelphia. During that span, he brought the Phillies faithful three All-Star appearances, four Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger, and an MVP award. Not to mention that Rollins played a pivotal role in claiming the 2007 World Series title, one of only two in franchise history. And the City of Brotherly Love definitely has not forgotten it.
Rollins, who was traded to the NL rival Dodgers last December, returned to Citizens Bank Park for the first time in an opposing uniform on Tuesday. The Philadelphia fans responded with a warm standing ovation for their all-time hit king, and it was a great sight as Rollins tipped his batting helmet to the thunderous applause.
Rollins, 36, probably really misses his time in Philadelphia. Though his power numbers this year with the Dodgers have been solid (11 home runs in 100 games), his batting average (.216) and OPS (.630) are both career lows. For Rollins, who was drafted by the Phillies way back in 1996, there truly is no place like home.
The beloved J-Roll will always be a Phillie to many, and it’s awesome to see that the city of Philadelphia still acknowledges him as such.
H/T CBS Sports
