That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Chronological list of top rookie seasons in Phillies history

By Kerry Kauffman

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a double against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 6-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a double against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 6-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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18 Jul 1998: Infielder Scott Rolen #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during a game against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. The Mets defeated the Phillies 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Ezra O. Shaw /Allsport
18 Jul 1998: Infielder Scott Rolen #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during a game against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. The Mets defeated the Phillies 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Ezra O. Shaw /Allsport /

Scott Rolen (1997, third base, Rookie of the Year)

Rolen was drafted in the second round out of Jasper High School (Indiana) in 1993. He made his Major League debut on August 1, 1996 and hit .254 with four home runs in 37 games.  Rolen was just average defensively his rookie season, but was strong at the plate. He hit .283 with 35 doubles, 21 home runs and 92 RBI, while stealing 16 bases. His efforts earned him Rookie of the Year honors.

He won his first of three Gold Glove awards with the Phillies in 1998, while increasing his power to 31 home runs, 45 doubles, 110 RBI and a .290 average.  Rolen averaged 26 home runs and 91 RBI over the next three seasons, but had a tumultuous relationship with manager Larry Bowa and the management. As a result, the Phillies traded Rolen on July 29, 2002 which brought Placido Polanco, Mike Timlin and Bud Smith to the Phillies.

The 2002 season marked the first of five consecutive All-Star appearances, with four Gold Glove awards during the span. Rolen set a career highs in home runs (34), RBI (124) and batting average (.314) in 2004.  In 2005, Rolen missed over 100 games with a shoulder injury, but rebounded to help the Cardinals win the 2006 World Series.

Following more problems with his shoulder in late 2007, he was traded to the Blue Jays in January 2008. Rolen spent a year and a half with the Blue Jays before being traded to the Reds in July 2009. Rolen enjoyed an All-Star season in 2010 and his final Gold Glove award in 2010 and finished his career with two mediocre seasons in 2011 and 2012.

Rolen retired with the third most Gold Glove awards by a third baseman behind only Brooks Robinson and Mike Schmidt. Combine his defense with 316 home runs, 2077 hits and 1287 RBI, Rolen should receive decent Hall of Fame consideration.

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