Aaron Rowand took note of the extra padding that’s been added to the outfield wall since he first stepped foot at Citizens Bank Park and took more than a little bit of credit.
“You’re welcome,” the former outfielder said with a laugh on Sunday.
As the Phillies celebrated the 20-year anniversary of Citizens Bank Park during their annual alumni weekend, the club honored Rowand and his memorable, nose-breaking catch to rob the Mets’ Xavier Nady of a hit as he smashed face-first into the center-field fence on May 11, 2006.
The play quickly drew comparisons to an infamous Philadelphia Eagles moment from 1995 when running back Ricky Watters didn’t go all out for a pass to avoid a big hit, rhetorically asking, “For who? For what?”
“I was sitting up here with a splint on my nose, and they were in Cincinnati,” Rowand recalled from the same spot in the Phillies’ media room 18 years later. “I had never even heard of that before I got the question. And so they asked me: For who? For what? I said, ‘For who? My teammates. And for what? To win.’ That’s what we were all there to do.”
Rowand answered honestly and figured that would be the end of it. But John Brazer from the Phillies’ marketing department approached the outfielder to let him know just how well his comments would be received. Rowand’s response and his willingness to put his body on the line endeared him to Philadelphia fans. His catch was probably the most recognizable moment of his career and remains one of the top regular-season moments in Citizens Bank Park history.
To Rowand, it was just what was expected of him and his teammates.
“We came out every day to step on your neck,” he said. “It wasn’t about just trying to win by a run. It was like, ‘We’re gonna boat race them.’ And that was the attitude in that clubhouse.”
An 11-year big leaguer, Rowand was traded to Philadelphia from the White Sox after winning the World Series in 2005. He was part of a package that sent star first baseman Jim Thome to Chicago.
Thome called Rowand to tell him about the city and organization, but he mostly didn’t know what to expect with the Phillies. He admired Jimmy Rollins from afar and looked forward to teaming up with the shortstop. With the help of his iconic catch, he found his place rather quickly.
Rowand spent two seasons with the Phillies in 2006 and 2007. He was an All-Star and Gold Glover in 2007, hitting 27 home runs as he helped Philadelphia win the National League East and make the postseason for the first time since 1993. His performance and presence were key on a Phillies team that kicked off the best run of success in franchise history.
“Being able to play with this man right here,” former Phillies slugger and NL MVP Ryan Howard said of Rowand, “running through walls — like he said — that’s the epitome of who we were.”
Embed from Getty Images“And so they asked me: For who? For what? I said, ‘For who? My teammates. And for what? To win.’ That’s what we were all there to do.”
— Aaron Rowand
Following that season, Rowand left in free agency and signed with the Giants. The move allowed Shane Victorino to slide to center field for the Phillies and opened up playing time for Jayson Werth in right. Rowand won another World Series with San Francisco in 2010 but missed out on four more NL East titles and winning the championship in Philadelphia in 2008. He continued to follow the Phillies and feel the connection to his former club.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t get to be here with you and celebrate in ’08,” he said, gesturing toward Howard and Rollins. “But that group, I was watching on TV, and I was thinking to myself, ‘I’m so happy for these guys.'”
Last appearing in the majors in 2011, Rowand has served as a guest instructor in spring training for the Phillies and coached minor leaguers in the White Sox organization. Now 46, he resides in California but still holds an affinity for Philadelphia.
His time with the Phillies was brief, but it had a deep impact on Rowand and his career. He tries to show face at Citizens Bank Park — with all bones intact — as often as he can to revisit a ballpark and city where he made many memories.
“Obviously, I live on the other side of the country,” Rowand said. “But I love coming out here. This place holds a special place in my heart. These guys, special place in my heart.”
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