I'm not usually into old cliches and labels, but if there was ever the definition of "ballplayer", it's Rolen. I can't think of anyone else from this generation that fits the mold more. He did everything well. He wasn't fast, but may have been the best baserunner in the game throughout his career. What first made me such a fan outside of the fact that I've always been drawn to exceptional defenders, is the way he'd drop his head and run the bases when he hit a HR, regardless of how long it was or the situation.

If I could create the perfect ballplayer, he'd probably look more like Rolen than any other player who's played since I've been following the game.