Jimmy Rollins and Ed Wade. (Credit: Philadelphia Phillies)
Jimmy Rollins was the tone setter. The straw that stirred the drink. The prototypical leadoff hitter.
So maybe it's only appropriate that he is the first of the "big three" from the 2008 World Series champion Phillies to make it onto the franchise's Wall of Fame.
And it's likely that the other two - Chase Utley and Ryan Howard - won't be far behind.
Rollins will be inducted on August 1, prior to the Phillies game against the Detroit Tigers as part of the Toyota Alumni Weekend festivities at Citizens Bank Park.
Rollins will be joined by former Phillies General Manager Ed Wade, who will also be inducted.
“A dynamic leadoff hitter who impacted the game with his glove, bat and speed for 15 seasons with the Phillies, Jimmy was the spark plug for five consecutive National League East titles, back-to-back National League pennants and a World Series championship from 2007 to 2011,” said Phillies Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer John Middleton in a statement. “He is one of the most legendary players to wear pinstripes, and we are thrilled to celebrate No. 11 on August 1, as J-Roll officially takes his permanent place in club history, becoming the 49th inductee of our prestigious Toyota Phillies Wall of Fame.”
Just announced: Jimmy Rollins will be inducted into the Phillies’ Wall Of Fame on August 1st, 2025. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pYM8vtg4eK
Rollins spent 15 of his 17 major league seasons with the Phillies after being drafted by the club in 1996. He made his major league debut on September 17, 2000, tripling in his first at-bat. Rollins went on to become a three-time National League All-Star (2001-02; 2005), four-time Gold Glove Award winner (2007-09; 2012), Silver Slugger (2007) and National League MVP (2007), as well as co-winner of MLB’s prestigious Roberto Clemente Award (2014).
The club’s all-time hits leader (2,306), Rollins also ranks first in doubles (479), second in games (2,090) and stolen bases (453) and third in runs (1,325) and triples (111). Additionally, Rollins is the club’s all-time home run-hitting shortstop (214), and during his career hit 46 leadoff home runs, a franchise record and fourth all-time in MLB. He also had an astounding 38-game hitting streak over the 2005-06 seasons, the longest in franchise history, and finished his career as the only shortstop in major league history with at least 200 homers and 400 stolen bases.
Wade, who was the team’s vice president and general manager from 1998 until 2005, will also be recognized - and deservedly so.
He may not have always been viewed in a positive light by Phillies fans during his tenure, but Wade was responsible for putting the pieces in place that became the 2008 championship team.
Under Wade’s tenure as general manager, the Phillies acquired, drafted or signed players including Pat Burrell (1998), Ryan Madson (1998), Carlos Ruiz (1998), Chase Utley (2000), Ryan Howard (2001), Cole Hamels (2002), Jim Thome (2003) and Shane Victorino (2005).
He was also responsible for the managerial hires of Larry Bowa (2001) and Charlie Manuel (2005). In addition, Wade helped move the organization into Citizens Bank Park in 2004.
Ed Wade, the team’s vice president and general manager from 1998 until 2005, will take his permanent place in club history as this year's Executive Wall of Fame Inductee! pic.twitter.com/PnFtKvWkXK
“We are honored to name Ed Wade as the sixth executive inductee into our Toyota Phillies Wall of Fame, where he will take his permanent place in club history alongside Jimmy Rollins, whom he promoted to the major leagues,” said Middleton. “Ed’s contributions to the Phillies were game-changing, as he developed most of our core players from the teams that won five straight NL East championship titles from 2007 to 2011, including the 2008 World Series champions. We look forward to celebrating Ed’s tremendous career as we recognize him on this historic day."
During his time with the club, Wade held various roles with the Phillies that also included interim general manager (1997), assistant general manager (1995-1997), assistant to the general manager (1989-1994) for the 1993 National League champs, and special consultant and professional scout (December 2011-2017). He initially joined the organization in 1977 as an intern in the Phillies public relations department, following his graduation from Temple University.
More details about the Wall of Fame induction ceremony and additional Alumni Weekend plans, will be announced at a later date.
