This Date in Phillies History: November 27

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Events on November 27 in Phillies history

November 27, 1996 – The Phillies traded pitchers Ricardo Jordan and Toby Borland to the New York Mets for Rico Brogna.
November 27, 2006 – Right-hander Adam Eaton signed a three-year, $24.5-million contract with the Phillies.
November 27, 2012 – Catcher Carlos Ruiz was suspended for 25 games to start the next season after testing positive for amphetamines.

Phillies-connected people born on November 27

Raul Valdes (born 1977) The left-handed pitcher spent parts of two seasons (2012–2013) with the Phillies.
Jimmy Rollins (born 1978) Spent 15 seasons as the Phillies shortstop and with 2,306 career hits is the Phillies all-time hits leader. Was also the 2007 National League MVP, and a core member of the 2008 World Series championship club.

A DEEPER DIVE… Jimmy Rollins

Jimmy Rollins carved out one of the most accomplished and influential careers in Philadelphia Phillies history, blending skill, swagger, durability, and leadership in a way that made him the defining face of the franchise for more than a decade. From his debut in 2000 through his final games in Philadelphia in 2014, Rollins not only reshaped expectations for the Phillies, but also established himself as one of the premier shortstops of his era.

Rollins arrived in the majors with high expectations after being drafted in the second round in 1996. As a prospect, he stood out less for size or power and more for a dynamic blend of speed, athleticism, and baseball IQ. When he made his MLB debut on September 17, 2000, it took almost no time for fans to recognize they were seeing the beginning of something meaningful. In his first full season in 2001, Rollins led the National League in triples and stolen bases, made the All-Star team, and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. That immediate impact set the tone for a career defined by consistency and competitiveness.

At his peak, Rollins was one of baseball’s rare true five-tool shortstops. He hit for contact with occasional power, played Gold Glove-caliber defense, ran the bases with precision, and possessed an energy that made him the emotional engine of the Phillies. His breakthrough came in 2007, a year that began with one of the most memorable quotes in team history. After years of falling short in the standings, Rollins declared that the Phillies were “the team to beat” in the National League East. It was a bold statement, especially considering the Atlanta Braves long dominance and the rising Mets roster, but Rollins backed it up with the best season of his career. He became the first player in baseball history to record at least 200 hits, 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in a single season. That unique combination of power, speed, and durability earned him the NL MVP award and pushed the Phillies to their first postseason appearance since 1993.

Rollins’ leadership and production remained central to the Phillies’ sustained run of success from 2007 through 2011. In 2008, he played a pivotal role in the team’s World Series championship. Though his offensive numbers dipped after his MVP campaign, his defense and base-running continued to elevate the club. Rollins’ postseason experience also stood out, particularly his ability to set a tone at the top of the lineup and his knack for big moments. His 2009 NLCS walk-off double against the Dodgers remains one of the most iconic hits in modern Phillies history.

Defensively, Rollins was among the most reliable shortstops of his generation. His strong arm, excellent range, and instinctive positioning earned him four Gold Gloves and the trust of every pitcher who shared the field with him. He formed one of the game’s best up-the-middle partnerships with Chase Utley, and together they anchored the infield that helped shape one of the most successful eras the franchise has ever seen.

Longevity became another defining aspect of his career. Rollins spent 15 seasons with the Phillies, and in 2014 he passed Mike Schmidt to become the franchise’s all-time hits leader, a mark that cemented his legacy in Philadelphia sports history. By the time the Phillies traded him to the Dodgers in December 2014, Rollins had collected an MVP award, a World Series ring, three All-Star selections, four Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger while also becoming the club’s all-time leader in hits, at-bats, and doubles from the leadoff spot.

After leaving Philadelphia, Rollins spent one season with the Dodgers in 2015 and briefly played for the White Sox in 2016. Although his playing time diminished, he continued to serve as a veteran presence and mentor to younger players, including shortstop Corey Seager in Los Angeles. His retirement became official a few years later, but Rollins quickly re-established ties with the Phillies, joining the organization as a special advisor and frequently appearing in broadcasts and at community events.

Jimmy Rollins’ career is more than a collection of statistics; it is the story of a player who helped transform a franchise. He brought energy to the clubhouse, accountability to a young roster, and championship expectations to a city that had grown accustomed to disappointment. With his combination of production, personality, and longevity, Rollins stands as one of the greatest players ever to wear a Phillies uniform, and his impact continues to resonate more than a decade after his MVP season lifted the Phillies into a golden era.

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