Jimmy Rollins’ All-Star Weekend festivities include granting Make-A-Wish dreams and Xfinity fan giveaways

Prior to his appearance in MLB’s All-Star Weekend 3-on-3 baseball event, Jimmy Rollins was giving back to the community.

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The former Phillies World Series champion made his way to the Mitchell & Ness flagship store on Saturday morning to help Make-A-Wish dreams come true. Afterward, the three-time All-Star went to Dilworth Park for an All-Star rollout with Xfinity.

“I know a lot of us are doing things,” Rollins said. “Shane [Victorino] is going to be doing things. Chase [Utley] is doing a lot. … Ryan [Howard]. We’re the last team to win a championship for baseball here. So, it’s only right that we’re here representing the city the way we are.”

Fanatics hosted a private shopping experience for five Make-A-Wish kids at the new Mitchell & Ness flagship. Their families will also attend All-Star Weekend festivities.

Each child was given a $250 gift card and were surprised with a special appearance from Rollins, who was in charge of helping the children shop. For 11-year-old Braxton Ham, he had his eyes set on a classic Rollins Phillies jersey.

When Rollins noticed, he decided to gift Ham a separate item.

“I got Braxton over there the store exclusive All-Star basketball warmup for baseball,” Rollins said. “You can only get it at this store. He’s the only one that went for it. It’s fire, he’s wearing it right now. He got the green Phillie Phanatic hat on. And that was courtesy of me. He spent his $250 on my jersey and I couldn’t just let him walk away with one thing.

“So, I was like lets go through, lets get something. He was looking at me [with his] eyes big. I was like you bought my jersey, let me return the favor. He’s over there fitted. He’s going to look clean at the Home Run Derby.”

Throughout the hourlong shopping spree, Rollins searched the racks and got to know the kids a little more. The three-time All-Star even tried to make a few important Facetime calls.

“These events are very special,” Rollins said. “We have a chance to make an impact. … I was speaking to [one of the kids], a big Red Sox fan. Of course, I called David [Ortiz], no response. I called Pedro [Martinez], no response. But, Tuesday after the All-Star game, I told him I would be in the studio with Pedro and we’re going to Facetime him. So, little stuff that I can add on top of this experience.”

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MLB All-Star Game in Philly

Baseball’s biggest stars are descending on Philadelphia for the 96th All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14. Follow all of The Inquirer’s coverage here.

• Everything you need to know about the All-Star Game
• Meet the All-Stars: What to know about baseball’s best coming to town
• Phillies get a sixth All-Star as Jesús Luzardo is added to NL roster
• Kyle Schwarber joins Bryce Harper in the Home Run Derby
• Who’s competing in the Home Run Derby? Here’s who is in already
• MLB All-Star Week brings a Philly MVP back to Citizens Bank Park’s food lineup

The Fanatics Foundation serves as the official sports partner of Make-A-Wish, dating back to Oct. 2023.

“In the last three years we have already granted 1,000 sports related wishes,” said Grace Farraj, the executive director of Fanatics Foundation. “And again today, we’ll have the honor to grant five more wishes. Our mission is to engage our network of athletes and teams and leagues to bring to bear some amazing experiences in our local communities around the globe.”

Nearly an hour later, Rollins greeted a number of fans at Dilworth Park. The former NL MVP climbed inside a purple Xfinity All-Star rollout truck, handing out autographs and items like iPads, baseball gloves, socks, and hats. He posed with fans in front of a purple Xfinity lowrider afterwards.

“It’s a good event for the city,” Rollins said. “Xfinity is putting on and I’m here just to bring some smiles. I’m handing out some autographs, I’m here just to put on for the city to be honest.

“I’ve been here doing a lot of things. This is another activation. So, everything I got to do to bring joy to the city. It’s been 30 years since the All-Star Game was here last. I was drafted 30 years ago by this team and it’s been a fun ride growing up in this city.”

Xfinity’s All-Star rollout truck and lowrider will continue to tour the city, making stops at FIFA Fan Fest, Spruce Street Harbor, and the Comcast Plaza. Sunday, the truck will return to Dilworth Park with an appearance from John Kruk taking place between 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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