We Phillies fans never doubted that Jimmy would win. And not just because of his amazing achievements in hitting, slug-ging, being at bat and all that. The Baseball Writers Association of America forgot to mention that he is one of the most graceful players in the game. Being a fabulous shortstop counts more than being a fabulous left fielder, for gosh sakes. Outgoing Philadelphia Mayor John Street gave him his “Day” with a lot of terrific action including his giving 32 computers to a local high school. Although I’m exactly fifty years too old for him, had I been the mayor I would have declared it “Jimmy Rollins Night” also.
I’m gonna write to General Manager Pat Gillick that now’s the time to put a statue of Mr. Rollins up at Citizens Bank Park, while he’s in his prime. Omigosh, yes! This morning I talked to Wilmington Sculptor Charles Parks’ (he has a huge body of work one can see locally) Assistant, Brad Vanneman, about the challenges of creating Jimmy’s face. It’s about that amazing smile with the gap between his front teeth. Mr. Vanneman, who is a big Phillies and Rollins fan, agreed that his smile was KEY! Zenos Frudakis has created the sculptures at the Park so far, but the point of doing a living person lies in finding that elusive mix of conviction and talent in a sculptor whom the subject will trust. Never forget that architect I.M. Pei got to build that ethereal pyramid at the Louvre because he won President Mitterand's contest.
The fans, whose funds might be matched by Management, can support this. Well, you might ask, what about Ryan Howard, Chase Utley or Cole Hamels (among others)? Yes they are all wonderful. But we love Jimmy Rollins unreservedly and we’ve felt that way since his first season seven years ago.
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