The Sad End of an Era

Hearing the news of Jimmy Rollins being traded to the Dodgers wasn’t shocking, but it was quite saddening. As the first piece of this core group of players to be dealt, the J-Roll deal signals the end of a very memorable era of Phillies baseball.

When I look back on this core group of players, I’ll instantly think about those five straight NL East championships, the potent offense, the incredible starting pitching, the 102-win 2011 season, and of course, the 2008 World Series Championship.

The day after the Rollins deal was an emotional one for any Phillies fan listening to sports radio, as memories were shared about the shortstop’s 14-year Phillies career, and the Phillies’ run as one of the best teams in MLB from 2007-2011.

Goosebumps covered the arms, and possibly some tears filled the eyes of anybody listening, and reflecting back on the good times.

Sure, we’ve watched the core players, and the team deteriorate the past two seasons, and it had been hard to watch, but the success that these players brought to Philadelphia and its fans should be the first thought that comes to mind when looking back on this core group of players.

Looking to the future, hopefully this organization makes the right moves and acquires the right talent when dealing their veterans to make this team fun to watch again, and in the process, create some new, lasting memories along the way.

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Ryan Gerstel

Ryan graduated Rowan University in 2015 with a BA in English and Journalism. He has been a Phillies Nation contributor since 2014, publishing game stories, previews, columns and news stories. When Ryan isn't writing about the Phillies, he is selling and reviewing craft beer for the King of Prussia Beer Outlet. Cheers!

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