Rich Rollins, a former third baseman and two-time All-Star, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the age of 87. He was instrumental in leading the Minnesota Twins to their first American League pennant in 1965.
The Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins confirmed Rollins’ death, with the Guardians being informed by a family member.
Born on April 16, 1938, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Rollins had a decade-long career in Major League Baseball from 1961 to 1970, predominantly with the Twins.
Rollins joined the Twins during their inaugural season in 1961 after the team moved from Washington, D.C. He debuted in the major leagues on June 16, 1961, against the Chicago White Sox, recording his first hit against future Hall of Fame pitcher Early Wynn.
In 1962, Rollins became a key player for the Twins, playing 159 games as the regular third baseman. He finished the season with a .298 batting average, 16 home runs, and 96 RBIs, which earned him a spot in both All-Star games that year, a time when MLB held two midsummer classics annually.
That year proved pivotal for Rollins, as he received the highest number of All-Star Game votes among American League players and finished eighth in AL MVP voting. His contributions were further acknowledged by his teammates, who voted him the team’s MVP.
In the following year, Rollins achieved a career-best batting average of .307, along with 16 home runs, despite sustaining a broken jaw from a pitch early in the season. His average ranked third in the American League.
Dave St. Peter, president and CEO of the Twins, paid tribute on social media, stating, “RIP Rich Rollins. Popular member of the 1965 AL Champion @Twins.”
The 1965 season was a significant one for Rollins and the Twins. He participated in 140 games, contributing to Minnesota’s first American League championship since their relocation. Although his batting average decreased to .249, his experience was vital for the team.
During the seven-game World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rollins was used as a pinch-hitter three times but did not record a hit.
Throughout his career, Rollins achieved several milestones, including leading the major leagues in triples with 10 in 1964 and playing over 135 games in four of his eight seasons with the Twins. On June 9, 1966, he was part of a historic event when he and four Twins teammates hit five home runs in a single inning against the Kansas City Athletics, tying a major league record.
After eight seasons with the Twins, Rollins was selected by the expansion Seattle Pilots in the 1968 draft. He spent one season in Seattle before the team moved to Milwaukee, becoming the Brewers. His MLB career ended with the Cleveland team in 1970.
Over his MLB tenure, Rollins accumulated a .269 batting average with 77 home runs and 399 RBIs in 1,002 games. While primarily a third baseman, he also played second base, shortstop, and occasionally in the outfield.
Rollins’ journey to professional baseball was not straightforward. At Kent State University from 1958 to 1960, he was a three-time All-Mid-American Conference selection as a second baseman. He achieved a remarkable .383 career batting average, second in school history only to future Yankees player Thurman Munson.
Reflecting on his collegiate achievements, Rollins said that he wasn’t naturally gifted. “I knew I had to do something about my strength because I wasn’t a natural,” he said. We had a high school graduating class of 500 kids, and I was the smallest kid in the class.”
After graduating in 1960, Rollins signed with the Washington Senators as an undrafted free agent. He started in the Class B Carolina League, batting .341 in 62 games, and quickly advanced through the minor leagues to reach the majors the following year.
Following his playing career, Rollins stayed involved in baseball, working as an associate scout for the Indians in northeastern Ohio before transitioning to their front office, where he managed group ticket sales. He later joined the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers in an administrative capacity.
Bob DiBiasio, senior vice president of public affairs for the Cleveland Guardians, expressed his sorrow at the loss of Rollins, describing him as one of Cleveland’s greatest sandlot players.
Throughout his life, Rollins received numerous accolades, including induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (1976), the Kent State Sports Hall of Fame (1979), the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame (1989), and the Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame (2001).
He is survived by his wife, Lynn; six children; his sister, Kathleen; and many grandchildren.
