Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins: I want to keep playing
J-Roll isn’t ready to retire, but when he does it will certainly be as a member of the Phillies
After being released by San Francisco prior to the regular season many believed Jimmy Rollins was done playing baseball. The Phillies all-time hits leader hasn’t played a Major League game since June 8, 2016, for the White Sox.
Weeks later after announcing he was back in Philadelphia, many assumed he was preparing to retire. With no announcement or word from the Rollins camp, the shortstop’s future has been a major question.
Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports says he talked to Rollins, who said “he’d love to be playing” but is enjoying other activities such as fishing and golf.
It’s highly unlikely another team signs Rollins this season, and unless a team invites him to spring training as a non-roster invitee his career is most likely over.
With his Hall of Fame career coming to a swift end, Rollins is likely spending time with his family before making any official announcement. If Rollins does decide this offseason to retire it will likely be after signing a ceremonial contract with the franchise that drafted him in 1996.
With 2,455 career hits, 231 home runs, and 470 stolen bases Rollins has a legitimate Hall of Fame case. His numbers will be compared to Barry Larkin, whose numbers are nowhere near the Philadelphia legend.
Rollins is the only shortstop in baseball history with 2,000 hits, 200 home runs, and 400 stolen bases. He’s 10th among shortstops in home runs and 11th in stolen bases.
Typically the Phillies save number retirement for after a player makes the Hall of Fame. Whether they hold true to this under new ownership is yet to be seen, but Rollins could be the next player to have his number go up on the brick wall beyond the batters eye in the outfield.