Watch CBS News

Top 5 Jimmy Rollins Moments

The Los Angeles Dodgers' brand-new shortstop has a history well known among Dodgers fans. This is, in part, due to the truth that Hanley Ramirez' replacement has played key roles in dashing the Dodgers' pennant hopes more than once. However, in the annual Dodger tradition of looking forward to things improving next season and ever-willing to let those days remain in the past, we examine some of the bright times Rollins may bring to Chavez Ravine, by looking at his top five moments in Philadelphia.

5.) In 2007, it had been 14 years since the Phillies had clinched a division title. Despite having been seven games out of first place with 17 games remaining, it ended up being Rollins who hit a triple — his 20th of the season — on the final day of the regular season as Philadelphia took the division and was headed to the playoffs. Rollins also cruised to winning the National League MVP that year.

Rollins notches his 20th triple of 2007 by MLB on YouTube

4.) This moment is likely to resurrect a bit of bitterness amongst Dodger fans. It was Game 4 of the 2009 NLCS, and the Dodgers were a breath away from commanding momentum going into Game 5. Closer Jonathan Broxton was on the mound, and no one knew it, but Rollins was about to play the hero just as well as Broxton's image as an ineffective closer was about to be sealed. With a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning and runners on first and second base, Rollins connected for a double off Broxton that easily brought in both runners, giving Philly the win. That night would go on to personify the Dodgers' season — so close, yet so far. Philadelphia would take Game 5 to win the NL pennant.

2009 NLCS Gm 4: Rollins' two-run double gives Phillies walk-off win by MLB on YouTube

3.) As the NL East hung in the balance near the end of 2008, it seemed like it may be a poor time for closer Brad Lidge to deviate from his otherwise-perfect season. With the bases loaded and two outs, Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals stepped up to the plate. Zimmerman connected off Lidge for a dangerous grounder up the middle. Rollins, sure gloved as ever, leaped and made a spectacular grab on the ball before flipping it to Chase Utley, leading to a game-ending, division-clinching double play.

Philadelphia Phillies Jimmy Rollins Chase Utley Double Play NLD Clincher Commercial by j Mak on YouTube

2.) In 2014, Rollins earned his 2,306th hit as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. He had passed Mike Schmidt (2,234), despite playing in some 300 fewer games. Rollins, along with Schmidt, Richie Ashburn and Ed Delahanty, are the only Phillies to exceed 2,000 hits while in red pinstripes.

Rollins ties Schmidt's hits record by MLB on YouTube

1.) In 2007, the same year Rollins would go on to win the NL MVP, he first predicted his club's success in a statement made way back in January, well before pitchers and catcher reported to camp. Rollins claimed that the Phillies were the team to beat that year, despite not having won their division in 14 years. Whether it was this statement that motivated Rollins to make true, or whether it was just a solid prediction, the rest of that season will go down in history and provide smiles for Phillies fans for years.

RELATED:

Jimmy Rollins Hopes To Be 'The Glue' For Dodgers

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.