Jimmy Rollins has a point.
There’s truly only been one star in this town (Philadelphia) that was truly allowed to be himself. Allen Iverson was loved for being flamboyant in Philly.
Jimmy Rollins won a World Series and a National League MVP during his time in Philadelphia, but after a winter trade, the 36-year-old shortstop returned to sunny Southern California.
During a sitdown with with Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Rollins made this comment: “I feel like I’m free to be myself without someone on my shoulder.”
Rollins was of course referencing his time in Philadelphia, and had plenty more to say.
Q: What do you feel like now that you no longer are in Philly?
A: Free. I feel like I’m free to be myself without someone on my shoulder. Obviously, everyone has parameters and limits. You have to play within the boundaries. But when you’re a leader, rules are a little different for you. When you’re a superstar, rules are a little different. You’re held to a higher standard, which I love. But it brings added pressure. Which I love. But if someone buds, let ’em bud. Instead of trying to keep ’em within this framework. Just let ’em be who they are at that moment.
The general area, the city [of Philadelphia] being blue-collar, it’s not conducive for a superstar. You can be good, but you’ve got to be blue-collar along the way, keep your mouth shut, just go and work. Where obviously, this is LA. It’s almost like it’s OK to be more flamboyant. You kind of appreciate that the more you’re out there. Because LA loves a star.
So in that sense, I feel free. If I want to “show out” a little bit — from the outside looking in, people might say, “You’re in Hollywood.” But no, in some places you couldn’t do that.