The year was 2014. A young Corey Seager was waiting in the wings of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system, ready but not yet able to be an everyday major league shortstop. To bridge the gap, the Dodgers swung a stunning trade.
Jimmy Rollins, the 2007 National League Most Valuable Player, went from Philadelphia to Los Angeles in exchange for a couple prospects. Rollins would play out the 2015 season as the Dodgers’ everyday shortstop. A year later, the Dodgers ultimately handed the reins to Seager.
MORE: Netflix’s Montreal Expos documentary looks like a true crime thriller
Flash forward to Saturday, when Rollins will sit in the analyst’s chair for TBS’ studio coverage of the Dodgers-Phillies NL Division Series. He’s not ashamed to admit he has a rooting interest between his two former teams, as Rollins explained to Rob Tornoe of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
(Spoiler alert: he likes the Phillies.)
“One thing I love about TBS is they don’t care,” said Rollins, who spent 15 seasons in Philadelphia. “They want it truthful and accurate, but they love the bias. They love the fact you’re going to pull for your team.”
Rollins has more hits than any player in the 143-year history of the Phillies franchise. He was recently inducted into the team’s Wall of Fame.
“This is my city,” Rollins told Tornoe.
GET MORE TOP STORIES from The Big Lead by subscribing to TBL YouTube channel
FRIDAY ROUNDUP: Yankees get last laugh, TNF classic, and more
MLB: Fired by Giants, Bob Melvin wants to end his managerial career in a foreign country
MLB/SPORTS MEDIA: Shlishner? Schitler? ‘Mad Dog’ Russo stumbles over Yankees pitcher’s name
NBA: Golden State Warriors reportedly eyeing 3-time NBA All-Star in potential trade
CFB: Nick Saban reveals the biggest issue he had with Mac Jones at Alabama
NFL: Ravens release statement after tragic passing of defensive tackle