Phillies Fans React To Reported Trade Of Jimmy Rollins To Dodgers
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The longest tenured pro athlete in Philadelphia looks like he's heading west. Multiple reports have the Phillies trading away Jimmy Rollins to the Los Angeles Dodgers -- a move
fans are calling "an end of an era."
After 15 years in red pinstripes, it appears it's now Dodger blue for Rollins. With another year remaining on a contract that included a no trade clause, it's a move that took many fans by surprise.
"Yeah, I'm actually shocked," said Gavin from Riverton, New Jersey.
"I would rather seen him retire here," said Angelo from Media, Pennsylvania, "but he just didn't make it."
Angelo is a lifelong Phillies fan. He said Rollins, the Phillies all-time hits leader, is leaving an organization that he changed for the better.
"Jimmy comes in and he's got style, he's rash," Angelo said. "He's willing to predict that year that they we're going to beat the Mets, and they did."
That "Team to Beat" prediction in 2007 was followed by a World Series title in 2008 -- a memory that tops the list for many fans.
"When they finally had the parade and he was standing up on the float," said Ladd from West Philadelphia, "that was a good feeling, a really good feeling."
Fans agree Rollins was a leader during the greatest run in team history. And so, when Rollins returns to Citizens Bank Park next season, fans say he'll get well deserved, brotherly love welcome home.
"The same that every other player gets," said Steve. "They'll cheer for him until he gets a hit, and when he gets a hit they'll boo him off the field."
In a season that doesn't promise much, fans can look forward to August 4 when the Dodgers, and perhaps their new shortstop, visit Philadelphia.
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