Rich Rollins, a two-time All-Star third baseman who played a pivotal role in leading the Minnesota Twins to their inaugural American League pennant in 1965, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the age of 87.
The Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins confirmed his death, with notification received from a family member by the Guardians.
Born on April 16, 1938, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Rollins was a consistent infielder with a career spanning a decade in the major leagues from 1961 to 1970, primarily with the Twins.
Rollins began his career with Minnesota during the Twins’ first season in 1961 following their relocation from Washington, D.C. He made his major league debut on June 16, 1961, against the Chicago White Sox, achieving his first hit against future Hall of Fame pitcher Early Wynn.
In 1962, Rollins solidified his position as a key player for the young franchise. He participated in 159 games as the Twins’ regular third baseman, achieving a .298 average with 16 home runs and 96 RBIs. This outstanding performance led to his selection for both All-Star games that year, during a period when MLB held two midsummer classics annually.
That year was transformative for Rollins, as he received the highest number of All-Star Game votes among American League players and ranked eighth in AL MVP voting. His teammates recognized his contributions by naming him team MVP.
In the following season, Rollins achieved a career-high .307 batting average with another 16 home runs, despite suffering a broken jaw from a pitch early in the season. His batting average was the third highest in the American League.
Dave St. Peter, president and CEO of the Twins, paid tribute on social media: “RIP Rich Rollins. Popular member of the 1965 AL Champion @Twins.”
The 1965 season was a significant one for both Rollins and the Twins franchise. He played in 140 games and was integral to Minnesota’s first American League championship since their relocation. Although his batting average dropped to .249, his experience was vital for the team’s success in winning the pennant.
Rollins appeared as a pinch-hitter three times in the seven-game World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers but did not record a hit.
Among his career milestones, Rollins led the major leagues in triples with 10 in 1964 and played over 135 games in four of his eight seasons with Minnesota. He made history on June 9, 1966, 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 franchise moved to Milwaukee and became the Brewers. He concluded his playing career with Cleveland in 1970.
During his MLB career, Rollins compiled 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 outfield.
Rollins’ journey to professional baseball was not direct. At Kent State University (1958-1960), he was a three-time All-Mid-American Conference selection as a second baseman, achieving a .383 career batting average, second only to future Yankees star Thurman Munson in school history.
Rollins once remarked that, despite these collegiate accomplishments, 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, where he achieved a .341 average in 62 games, and quickly rose through the minor leagues to reach the majors the following year.
After retiring from playing, Rollins remained active in baseball, working as an associate scout for the Indians in northeastern Ohio and later transitioning to their front office, where he directed group ticket sales. He also joined the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers in an administrative position.
Bob DiBiasio, senior vice president of public affairs for the Cleveland Guardians, expressed sorrow at the loss of his friend and former colleague, noting Rollins’ status as one of Cleveland’s most distinguished sandlot players.
Throughout his life, Rollins received numerous honors, 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 numerous grandchildren.
