The Main Event

  • Roman Quinn (born 1993) – Drafted by the Phillies in the second round of the 2011 Draft, the speedy shortstop turned outfielder never reached his potential.

Roman Quinn quickly gained attention for his athleticism and speed. Selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Plant High School, Quinn was originally developed as a shortstop. His early minor league career highlighted his raw tools—particularly his blazing speed, defensive instincts, and potential as a table-setter at the top of the lineup.

However, Quinn’s path to the majors was not without obstacles. Injuries frequently hampered his progress, including shoulder, hamstring, and oblique issues. Despite these setbacks, the Phillies remained committed to his development, valuing his ability to create runs and impact games on both sides of the ball.

Transition to the Outfield

As Quinn advanced through the Phillies’ minor league system, a significant positional shift occurred. The organization had drafted and developed J.P. Crawford as a potential long-term solution at shortstop, creating a logjam in the infield. To maximize Quinn’s path to the majors, the Phillies transitioned him to the outfield.

The move to center and right field allowed Quinn to leverage his elite speed in a different way, covering more ground defensively while maintaining his potential as a leadoff hitter. Scouts praised his range and arm strength, though they noted that consistency with reads and routes remained a work in progress. Quinn’s versatility ultimately enhanced his value, offering Philadelphia flexibility both offensively and defensively.

Major League Debut with the Phillies

Quinn made his MLB debut with the Phillies on September 11, 2016. Known immediately for his speed, he became a dynamic pinch-runner and defensive replacement while working to refine his hitting. Over the following seasons, Quinn’s ability to steal bases and take extra bases on hits became a defining aspect of his game.

Though injuries continued to limit his playing time, Quinn produced memorable moments for the Phillies. His speed on the basepaths and ability to cover large outfield gaps made him a fan favorite and an asset in late-game situations. He often served as a spark plug, capable of changing the momentum of a game with a stolen base or a diving catch.

Stints with Other MLB Teams

After five-plus seasons with Philadelphia, Quinn’s journey included brief stops with other major league teams. Quinn became a free agent following the 2021 season and signed with Miami, but never played for them in the majors. The Phillies re-signed him and he played in 23 games with them before being DFA’d and becoming a free agent. From there came a 21-game major league stint with Tampa Bay only to become a free agent again following the 2022 season. From April to September of 2023, Quinn signed minor league deals with and was released by Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Colorado. He never played in the majors — or the minors — after being released by the Rockies in September of 2023.

Quinn’s speed ranks among the elite in MLB history, with multiple seasons showing a stolen base percentage above 70-percent. He also achieved rare defensive feats, including covering impressive ground in center field and executing difficult throws to prevent extra bases.

Off the field, Quinn is known for his engaging personality and resilience. Overcoming repeated injuries, positional changes, and organizational transitions, he embodies the perseverance required to sustain a career in professional baseball.

Philadelphia Baseball Events for May 14

  • May 14, 1922 – The Phillies beat St. Louis 5-1 to bring their franchise win-loss record to an even 2827 wins and 2827 losses. They lost the next 12 games in a row, and the team has yet to get back to franchise record of .500 or better.
  • May 14, 1923 – Several days after being sold by the Giants, John Rawlings had yet to report to the Phillies. New York officials disclaimed any knowledge of his whereabouts, or even his address. Rawlings objected to returning to a last-place team and was traded to Pittsburgh the next week without playing for the Phillies.
  • May 14, 1927 – A section of the Baker Bowl stands collapses during the seventh inning of a game against St. Louis, as fans rushed for shelter from the rain. One fan was killed and fifty were injured. The Phils play the rest of their May games at Shibe Park. (Read more about the Baker Bowl and check out our other stories on the history of Phillies Stadiums.)
  • May 14, 1963 – The Phils earn their first victory in Dodger Stadium after dropping all nine contests there in 1962. The win also stopped a 13-game win streak for Don Drysdale against the Phils that started in 1958.
  • May 14, 1980 – Steve Carlton beats Atlanta 9-1. It was his record-setting tenth straight quality start.
  • May 14, 2005 – Traded Marlon Byrd to Washington for Endy Chavez.
  • May 14, 2017 – Washington’s Max Scherzer throws an “immaculate inning” — striking out the side on nine pitches, against the Phillies.
  • May 14, 2021 – Andrew McCutchen voices a guest character on an episode of the Disney Junior show “Puppy Dog Pals” premiering today. He was asked to participate after he commented that watching the show with his kids was one of his pandemic pastimes.

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Philadelphia Baseball Birthdays for May 14

  • Tony Perez (born 1942) – The Hall of Famer played 23 seasons in the majors and was a primary part of The Big Red Machine of the 1970s. Signed with the Phillies as a free agent prior to the 1983 season and was a member of the team that lost to Baltimore in the World Series. Following the ’83 season, his contract was sold to Cincinnati where he finished his career in 1986.
  • Roy Halladay (born 1977) – Hall of Fame pitcher who was a two-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star. Pitched for the Phillies from 2010-2013. Killed in a plane crash in November, 2017.

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