Rollins swings, misses at World Record
Video: On Monday, Jimmy Rollins attempted to break the Guinness World Record for 'Longest Batted Ball' at Red Bull Ball Park Cranks.
On Monday, Jimmy Rollins attempted to break the Guinness World Record for 'Longest Batted Ball' at Red Bull Ball Park Cranks.
Three thousand fans came out to watch the Phillies shortstop attempt to break Babe Ruth's record of 576 feet, shutting down Benjamin Franklin Parkway for over an hour and a half.
Rollins fell short of the record, however, hitting his furthest ball 463 feet. It wasn't all bad for Rollins, as he achieved a personal best and also took home three other Guinness World Records including "The Most Plate Appearances in an MLB Season," "The Most At-Bats in an MLB Season" and "The Earliest Person with 30 Home Runs, 30 Stolen Bases, 30 Doubles and 20 Triples in a Single MLB Season."
Rollins wasn't alone in the effort. Bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer pitched to Rollins, and he used a state-of-the-art composite bat. Still, he was unable to break the record.
"I knew it was going to be difficult but with the science and technology behind me, anything's possible," said Rollins. "Getting distance is hard enough to do but today technology gave me another 40 feet."