The new writers’ ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame was announced today, and there were a few names on there that Phillies fans will remember. In fact, there were a total of seven former Phillies who had the privilege of being on the ballot. These names are the following: Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Jonathan Papelbon, Curt Schilling, Billy Wagner, Scott Rolen, and Bobby Abreu. But this article is going to concentrate on the three names who will appear on the ballot for the first time ever. These names being Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and even Jonathan Papelbon.
As all Phillies fans know, Ryan Howard was an absolute force to be reckoned with in the early parts of his career. The first baseman won the 2005 National League Rookie of the Year award, and then followed that up with winning the 2006 National League MVP Award. In his MVP season, Howard hit .313 with 58 home runs and 149 RBIs. He then hit at least 30 home runs for the next four seasons. The slugger was a massive part of the Phillies 2008 World Series winning team, and the 2009 National League Champion team. But, Howard ended up tearing his Achilles tendon on the last at bat of the season against the Cardinals in the National League Divisional Series. His career was never the same after this injury, and he did not make it back to the big leagues after having his option declined by the Phillies in 2016.
Another name that was a part of the great Phillies core with Ryan Howard was shortstop Jimmy Rollins. As stated above, Rollins is also making his debut on the Hall of Fame ballot, and he definitely deserves it. In his career, Rollins ended up making the All-Star game a total of three times, and he even won the National League MVP in 2007. His MVP award was definitely deserved, as the shortstop hit 30 home runs to go along with his 41 stolen bases and league leading 20 triples. To add to his career, Rollins ended up winning a total of four Gold Glove Awards at the shortstop position. Rollins did not end up finishing his career in the City of Brotherly Love, but he did spend a total of 15 seasons there.
The final former Phillie that will be appearing on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time is closer Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon was not a fan favorite during his time in Philadelphia, but he was a solid closer for the team. In his three-and-a-half years with the organization, the closer ended up getting 123 total saves, which is still the all-time saves record for the team. The Phillies are not the only team he holds the most saves in franchise history for, as he compiled a total of 219 saves over seven seasons with the Boston Red Sox. Papelbon was a six-time All Star in his career, and most definitely deserved to be on the ballot.
The entire 2022 Hall of Fame ballot can be seen with the tweet below.