Jimmy Rollins Reflects on His Pivotal 2007 MVP Season

“I think we are the team to beat in the NL East — finally.” Those words, spoken by Jimmy Rollins, echoed through the annals of Philadelphia Phillies history, a bold proclamation that could have easily unraveled. In 2007, the Phillies had not seen postseason play since 1993, finishing a disheartening 12 games behind the Mets the previous year.

The season began with a dismal 4-11 record, and Rollins felt the pressure mounting. “There were a number of times for sure,” he recalled. “The best part about those times? Every time they came into my head, and you're always gonna have negative thoughts, it was almost like the guys felt it.”

On the night of his Wall of Fame induction at Citizens Bank Park, Rollins reflected on that transformative season. He was honored alongside Ed Wade, the former general manager credited with drafting key players who would later secure the 2008 World Series title: Rollins himself, Pat Burrell, Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, and Chase Utley.

September 30, 2007, marked a critical juncture. The Phillies had clawed back from a seven-game deficit with just 17 games remaining, tying the Mets on the final day of the regular season. The Mets faced one of baseball's most infamous collapses while the Phillies orchestrated a remarkable comeback.

Throughout the season, the teams were only tied for four games, with September 27 being the first time since opening day that they stood even in the standings. The stakes were high; a win would at least force a one-game playoff. “We’re in the clubhouse, TVs are off and we’re locked in because no matter what happened up north — we have to win a ball game down here,” Rollins stated, recalling the electric atmosphere.

The crowd erupted as news broke that the Mets were trailing by multiple runs before even stepping up to bat. The Marlins quickly surged ahead 5-0. Despite this, Rollins remained focused on his own game against the Nationals. “I don’t wanna go out there and be just playing, knowing the Mets are down 5-0,” he said. “So you’re trying to focus, but I couldn’t contain the excitement.”

As he took the field, adrenaline surged through him. “I ran out. I took a deep breath. Regardless of what happened, you have a job to do,” he explained. He led off with a base hit to center field, swiftly stealing second and third before Chase Utley drove him home for the game’s first run in what became a decisive 6-1 victory.

That day capped off an extraordinary MVP season for Rollins. He recorded two hits, including a triple that made him just the fourth player in MLB history to achieve at least 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in a single season.

Rollins’ performance not only secured his MVP title but also propelled the Phillies to their first playoff appearance in 14 years, igniting an era of success that included a World Series championship and five consecutive NL East titles. He finished the season with a .296 batting average, 30 home runs, and 94 RBIs while leading the league in runs scored (139), at-bats (716), plate appearances (778), and triples (20).

“I felt the weight of the world was off my shoulders personally,” Rollins reflected on that unforgettable season. “From saying we’re the team to beat, from the media, from playing 162 games — it was a lot. It was the most fun season for me personally.”

“When we won game 162, it was 162 games of belief for that to happen. We did it. It wasn’t like I did it, or I was right. We did it.”