Jimmy Rollins and Ed Wade were inducted into the Philadelphia Phillies’ Wall of Fame on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park.
Wade served as the Phillies’ general manager from 1998 to 2005. During his tenure, he was responsible for drafting and developing key players who would later form the foundation of the team’s 2008 World Series championship roster. Notably, Wade kept prospects like Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Cole Hamels despite external pressures to trade them. As a result, the Phillies secured one World Series title, two National League pennants, and five NL East titles between 2007 and 2011.
Rollins contributed to the team for 15 seasons as a switch-hitter known for both speed and power. He also provided strong defense at shortstop. “[Wade] was the architect,” Rollins said. “I’ve told him that a number of times. I’ve told him thank you a number of times. Because it’s true.”
Wade expressed surprise at his own induction into the Wall of Fame but acknowledged there was no doubt about Rollins’ inclusion due to his career achievements.
Rollins is among only five shortstops in American or National League history with at least 2,000 hits and 200 home runs—joining Cal Ripken Jr., Derek Jeter, Robin Yount, and Miguel Tejada. Over his career, Rollins collected 2,455 hits (including a franchise-record 2,305 with Philadelphia).
He earned several accolades: National League Most Valuable Player in 2007, four Gold Glove Awards, one Silver Slugger Award, three NL All-Star selections, and MVP votes in five different seasons. His performance helped Philadelphia achieve significant postseason success from 2007 through 2011.
Statistically, Rollins ranks favorably compared to other Hall of Fame shortstops; his career bWAR places him above four current Hall members such as Phil Rizzuto.
Rollins has appeared on an increasing percentage of ballots for Baseball Hall of Fame induction: starting at 9.4 percent in 2022 and rising to 18 percent this year. To be elected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America he needs support from at least 75 percent; he remains eligible for six more years.
