MLB Icon Makes Strong Case For Jimmy ‘J-Roll’ Rollins’ Hall of Fame Induction: “Right Up There With Jeter”

Cooperstown is every ballplayer’s dream destination. It is their ultimate target, the place that cements their legacy. However, there’s still no foolproof way of entering it. Though the general criteria are known, it isn’t easy to fit everything into them. And that has frustrated multiple players over the year. This time it’s the Philadelphia Phillies’ legend Larry Bowa who continues to be astounded by the lack of votes given to Jimmy Rollins and has compared him to Derek Jeter.

Jimmy Rollins as one knows was perhaps one of the most iconic Phillies of the early 2000s. As a shortstop, he 4 Gold Gloves, and was 2007’s NL MVP and a 3x All-Star. On top of that, he was a part of the 2008 World Series-winning Phillies squad. However, even after all of that, Rollins’ Hall-of-Fame isn’t getting much success. And that has frustrated Bowa who has repeatedly wondered just why isn’t Rollins getting his due.

As a result, Bowa hoped that maybe Rollins would get his due next time. “I watched him grow into a great shortstop,” Bowa said, adding, “Hopefully the first time on the ballot he didn’t get his due justice but hopefully this next time and maybe the time after.” However, Bowa then made a comparison that showed just how much he values Rollins. 

“He’s got great numbers and I was with Jeter in New York and he’s a great player,” Bowa said. “Jimmy’s right up there with Jeter in my opinion.” Though that is an arguable comparison, one can see why Rollins holds such importance for the Phillies. As of 2023, he was the Phillies’ career leader in at-bats (8628), hits (2306), doubles (479), and many other fields. In short, Rollins is an all-time great Philly. However, even after all of that, the voters don’t seem to support this idea. That’s been visible every time Jimmy Rollins has taken part in the ballot. 

Hall-of-Fame voting and frustrations of players like Jimmy Rollins and Derek Jeter

Jimmy Rollins first took part in the ballot in 2022. However, that year he received only 37 votes, constituting about 9.4% of the total votes cast. That was a big shock for all the Phillies fans. However, they hoped that things would change later on. But then in 2023, he got just 12.9% votes, and in 2024 just 14.8%. That was one of the reasons why Larry Bowa questioned the voters’ criteria.

Even Derek Jeter was confused about his induction in 2020. Though he was in the Hall-of-Fame on his very first ballot, the Yankees legend missed unanimous entry by just one vote. The identity of that voter is anonymous but Jeter too has asked for some accountability. So when even Jeter can get a bit frustrated by the voting practice, perhaps there’s something to be said about it.

Still, Rollins has 7 more tries with him. Though his numbers aren’t anywhere close to the induction threshold, one wonders whether he’ll get close soon. Surely, the Philadelphia Phillies fans hope that their iconic shortstop gets his place in the sun.