Jimmy Rollins becomes Phillies all time hits leader

Philadelphia Phillie shortstop Jimmy Rollins became the all time hit leader for the franchise today with a single to right to lead off the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs.  Rollins’ 2,235th career hit moved him past Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt on the Phillies list.  Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn is a close third at 2,217 hits.

Rollins has played all of his 14 year career at shortstop for the Phillies, winning the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2007.  Rollins ht .296 with 30 home runs, 96 RBI, and 41 stolen bases.

Jimmy Rollins also holds the Phillies record for longest hit streak.  Rollins had a hit in 36 consecutive games in August and September of 2005 to move him past Phillie legend Ed Delahanty, who hit in 35 straight in 1899.

Rollins is hitting .249 with eight home runs and ten steals so far this season, which would put him on pace to have a 20 homer-20 steal season.  No 35 year old has done that since Reggie Sanders in 2004.

In 2,014 career games with the Phillies, Rollins is a .268 hitter with 207 home runs, 858 RBI, and 435 stolen bases.  Rollins is a four time Gold Glove winner at shortstop as well, so he has always been regarded as a well rounded player.

Rollins was a key component of the Phillie team that won the 2008 World Series in five games over the Tampa Bay Rays.  That was the first title for the Phillies since 1980.  They returned to the World Series in 2009, only to fall to the New York Yankees in six games.

Rollins has said that he would not waive his no-trade clause until he broke the franchise hit record.  Let the speculation begin!