Phillies History: Jimmy Rollins wins MVP Award, 13 years ago

Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was named the National League Most Valuable Player Award winner, 13 years ago today.

The final month of the 2007 Philadelphia Phillies season to overcome the New York Mets in the standings (despite trailing by a lengthy margin), and qualify for the postseason for the first time since 1993, will never be forgotten.

Franchise hits leader Jimmy Rollins played a significant role in the magical run; 13 years ago today (November 20, 2007), his efforts were recognized with the National League Most Valuable Player Award.

The 2007 season was Rollins’ eighth in the big leagues. After finishing 21st in the MVP race in 2006, he improved 20 spots the following year to become just the fifth different Phillies player to ever earn the prestigious honor — joining Ryan Howard (2006); Mike Schmidt (1980, 1981, 1986); Jim Konstanty (1950); and Chuck Klein (1931, 1932).

Playing all 162 games in 2007, Rollins led the majors in plate appearances (778) and at-bats (716); he made the most out of the opportunities as the team’s primary leadoff hitter.

Rollins led the National League in runs scored (139) and triples (20), while also slugging 38 doubles, 30 home runs, 94 RBI, and successfully completing 41 of his 47 stolen base opportunities. He also produced a career-best .296 batting average (excluding his 14-game 2000 stint), as well as a career-best .531 slugging percentage.

The Oakland, California, native’s success in 2007, and the team making the postseason that year, ultimately set the stage for the 2008 World Series championship season. Granted, the Phillies were swept by the Colorado Rockies in the 2007 National League Division Series, but without that experience, who is to say the team would be able to overcome the Milwaukee Brewers — let alone the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays — the following year.

Rollins finished his career playing 17 seasons, 15 of which in Philadelphia from 2000 to 2014. The three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glover, and one-time Silver Slugger also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (2015) and Chicago White Sox (2016).