Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jimmy Rollins

How Jimmy Rollins built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jimmy Rollins, nicknamed "J-Roll," is a former MLB shortstop. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies (2000-2014), Los Angeles Dodgers (2015), and Chicago White Sox (2016). A switch-hitter known for his speed and defense, Rollins was a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove Award winner, and the 2007 National League MVP. He holds the Phillies' franchise record for career hits. Rollins was a key player on the 2008 World Series-winning Phillies team and is considered one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2000: Milestone Hit

In 2012, Rollins joined Craig Biggio, Barry Larkin, and Paul Molitor as the only players in MLB history to record 2000 hits, 350 stolen bases, and 150 home runs as a member of one team.

2007: Exceptional Performance and League Leadership

In 2007, Jimmy Rollins had an exceptional season, batting .296 with numerous league-leading statistics, including games played (162), at-bats (716), runs (139), and triples (20). He also recorded 30 home runs and 41 stolen bases. This outstanding performance earned him recognition as one of only four players in history to achieve the "quadruple-double" and helped his team advance to the playoffs.

2007: Recalling MVP Campaign

In 2007, Jimmy Rollins had his MVP campaign which was recalled in 2009 when he was benched to encourage him to regain his shorter, lower half-driven swing that he used during that time.

2007: Retrospective on MVP Campaign

In 2010, after Rollins's third consecutive mediocre offensive season, some questioned whether his MVP campaign in 2007 was a fluke.

2008: World Series Victory and Fielding Award

In 2008, despite an early-season ankle sprain, Jimmy Rollins posted a career-high 47 stolen bases and played a crucial role in the Phillies' World Series victory. Rollins was also honored with a Fielding Bible Award for defensive excellence as the top MLB shortstop during the year.

2009: World Baseball Classic, Milestone Hit, and Postseason Performance

In 2009, Jimmy Rollins participated in the World Baseball Classic and was named to the all-tournament team. On May 21, he reached the 1500-hit milestone. He also helped the Phillies reach the 2009 World Series with a walk-off double in the NLCS and won the National League Gold Glove award for shortstops.

December 17, 2011: Rollins Signs a New Contract

On December 17, 2011, Rollins signed a three-year, $33 million deal with a vesting option for a fourth year, worth another $11 million.

2011: Contract Year Performance and MLB Insiders Club Magazine All-Postseason Team Selection

2011 was a contract year for Rollins, and his performance rebounded as he improved his batting average, and home run and RBI totals. Despite an injury that caused him to miss 18 games, he set several Phillies records in the 2011 NLDS. At the season's conclusion, Rollins was selected as the shortstop on the MLB Insiders Club Magazine All-Postseason Team.

2012: Season of Averageness and Milestones

In 2012, Jimmy Rollins had an average season, batting .250 with 23 home runs. During the season, he reached several milestones, including joining Craig Biggio, Barry Larkin, and Paul Molitor as the only players in MLB history to record 2000 hits, 350 stolen bases, and 150 home runs as a member of one team.

2013: World Baseball Classic and Career Milestones Amidst Decline

In 2013, Rollins played for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and was named to the all-star team. During the season, he achieved several career milestones, including his 800th RBI and breaking Ed Delahanty's record for doubles. Despite these achievements, overall, the season marked a decline from previous years, as he struggled offensively and defensively.

2013: Option vested based on 2013-14 plate appearances

Rollins's option vested when he reached 1,100 plate appearances in 2013–14.

December 19, 2014: Trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers

On December 19, 2014, Jimmy Rollins was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for minor league pitchers Tom Windle and Zach Eflin. Rollins waived his no-trade clause and expressed his intention to take on a leadership role with his new team.

2014: Media Attention, Home Run Milestone, and All-Time Hits Leader

In 2014, Rollins attracted media attention for his comments regarding spring training. He opened the season by hitting his 200th career home run. On June 14, he became the Phillies' all-time leader in hits, surpassing Mike Schmidt.

April 6, 2015: First game with the Dodgers

On April 6, 2015, Rollins played his first game with the Dodgers during opening day against the San Diego Padres, hitting a 3-run homer off of Shawn Kelley, giving the Dodgers a 6–3 victory over the Padres.

February 22, 2016: Signs with the Chicago White Sox

On February 22, 2016, Rollins signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox that included an invitation to major league spring training and was later announced as their Opening Day shortstop.

December 19, 2016: Signs Minor League Contract with Giants

On December 19, 2016, Jimmy Rollins signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants that included an invitation to spring training.

March 31, 2017: Rollins Released by Giants

On March 31, 2017, Jimmy Rollins was released by the San Francisco Giants.

May 4, 2019: Retirement Ceremony at Citizens Bank Park

On May 4, 2019, a retirement ceremony honoring Jimmy Rollins was held at Citizens Bank Park, where the Phillies honored his contributions to the team.

March 31, 2022: Named Special Advisor

On March 31, 2022, after advising the team since 2019, the Phillies announced that Rollins had been named a special advisor to the president of baseball operations.

2023: Career Leader

As of 2023, Rollins was the Phillies career leader in at bats (8,628), hits (2,306), doubles (479), and power-speed number (292.5), second in games played (2,090) and stolen bases (453), and third in runs (1,325), triples (111), and stolen base percentage (82.66).