Could Rollins be next
to make MLB history?

In the Batter’s Box
By Matt Godfrey

History was made in Major League Baseball last weekend.
I know it seems that we’re always hearing about some sort of history being made in baseball, but this really is something special.
And it has nothing to do with steroids, the playoffs, or another pitcher joining the 300-win club.
And it has absolutely nothing to do with Barry Bonds and the home-run crown.
It does have something to do with home runs, however.
It was Curtis Granderson, the 26-year-old centerfielder for the Detroit Tigers, becoming only the third player in the history of baseball to record at least 20 homers, 20 triples, 20 doubles and 20 stolen bases.
Willie Mays did it in 1957 with the Giants.
Frank "Wildfire" Schulte did it in 1911 with the Cubs.
And now Granderson has done it in 2007 with the Tigers.
The record is a pretty amazing feat because it requires the hitting of a well-rounded offensive player. The power to hit 20 home runs and the speed to steal 20 bases is a rarity.
The ability to stretch a weak single into a double or even a triple can really change the outcome of a baseball game.
The reason this deserves the notice of Phillies fans is that one of our own is also on the doorstep of this elite group. And you have seen him working every inning of every game, all season.
As of the end of the weekend Florida Marlins series, Jimmy Rollins was three triples shy of joining the elite club of Mays, Schulte and Granderson.
Granderson stole his 20th base on Sunday to complement his 21 homers, 36 doubles and 22 triples.
Rollins stood at 26 homers, 35 doubles, 17 triples and 28 steals.
The 26 home runs established a career high for Rollins — eclipsing the 25 that he hit last season.
The 17 triples also represent a career high, surpassing the previous mark of 12 that he achieved during the 2001 and ’04 seasons.
Hitting three more triples over the last 20 games may be expecting a lot, considering that it took Rollins 142 games to hit 17 of them.
But this also is the guy who has not taken a day off this season. The same guy who has done everything humanly possible to back up his preseason prediction that the Phils were the team to beat in the National League East.
Now, granted, they have not lived up to that lofty claim. But no one can fault Rollins for not doing his part.
He is consistently working and consistently producing. And he has made spectacular plays in the field look routine.
If anything, he deserves to join that 20-club because of his hard work.
As does Granderson.
There was no gigantic fanfare for, or by, Granderson after he stole the base that put him in the company of Mays and Schulte. He simply got up, dusted off, and waved to his teammates and fans as they applauded his effort.
Jimmy Rollins has that same focused work ethic. He’ll handle it the same way here if he gets that 20th triple.
In the midst of such a personal pursuit, Rollins is not thinking about himself. He is thinking about how to help get his team to the playoffs.
And if, somehow, they do find a way to reach the playoffs, you’ll know where to find the catalyst for this team. ••
Columnist Matt Godfrey can be reached at 215-354-3113 or mgodfrey@phillynews.com