Why Rollins? He's the franchise's all-time hits leader with 2,306 and doubles with 479. He played in the second most games in team history (2,090). He's third all-time in triples (111) and second in stolen bases (453) and total bases (3,655). He had the highest career OPS of any shortstop in team history. His 2,455 career hits ranks him 114th in all of baseball history.
In the field, he handled 8,614 chances and made just 154 errors. His career fielding percentage is .983, which surpasses Larry Bowa's .980. A lot of people might have selected Bowa as GOAT, but for me, it's Rollins and it's not even close.
Rollins won the league MVP in 2007, after leading the league in runs scored and triples. He hit 30 home runs and drove in 94 runs that year, both career highs. Not bad for a 5-foot-7-inch leadoff hitter. He was a 3-time All-Star who won 4 Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger.
I absolutely adored Rollins as a player. He was always smiling. He looked like he was having the time of his life doing what most of us can only dream of. Sure, he didn't run out every ground ball, which was maddening. But watching him play was pure joy. And speaking of joy, enjoy the video.
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