RICHARD JOHN ROLLINS It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard John Rollins, a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and brother. Richard passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of family devotion, friendship, kindness, character and sportsmanship.

Rich's unwavering commitment to his family, friends and community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He was a man of many passions, including spending time with his children and grandchildren, baseball, gardening, fishing, golfing, any racquet sport, his tractor, and the quest for cooking the perfect barbecued ribs.

Rich Rollins was born April 16, 1938, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. Rich attended Parma High School after his family moved to the Cleveland area. He loved and excelled in competitive sports, playing high school basketball, tennis and baseball, honing his skills on the Cleveland Sandlots. A local sports standout, Rich earned a baseball scholarship to Kent State University, where he played for the Golden Flashes from 1958 to 1960. He graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

Rich's deep love for the game of baseball, and his unwavering drive to compete propelled him to the Major Leagues. Rich played as a third baseman for the Minnesota Twins (1961–68), Seattle Pilots/Milwaukee Brewers (1969–1970), and Cleveland Indians (1970). During his 10-year baseball career, Rich hit .269 with 77 home runs and 399 runs batted in (RBI). In 1962, he finished eighth in the American League MVP voting and received the most All-Star Game votes of any American League player.

After his career as a player, Rich stayed close to the Cleveland sports community in scouting and other executive positions with the Cleveland Indians and later with the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Richfield Coliseum. He retired at the age of 55 to enjoy time with his family, including travel and time with his wife Lynn, and doing anything that involved his children or grandchildren. He enjoyed lots of golf outings with family, friends, former teammates and other MLB alumni at various events around the country. Rich loved Northeast Ohio and was a strong presence in the community for most of his life. He will be dearly missed and remembered by all who knew him.

Rich lived his life the way he played the game of baseball: with class, conscientiousness, intensity and a commitment to team, character, and excellence. His life and the way he lived it brought many blessings, including a wealth of friendships and his lifelong, devoted and loving wife, friend and soulmate, Lynn (aka Slim), who remained by his side through the ups and downs, caring for him when he needed it most, while always being there for their six children and eleven grandchildren without fail.

Rich's smile, laugh and his caring, genuine, humble nature made all those who knew and loved him feel extremely blessed. He will be remembered as a caring man who had a rare quality of making those in his life feel very, very special.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn, and their six children: John (Michelle), Shannon Inhouse (née Rollins), Jim (Amy), Patrick (Angela), Ashlea Justice, (Kent) and Allyson Oswandel (Kevin). He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen Shupe (Jeff), and his grandchildren: Jessica Williams (Justin) (née Justice), Ryan Rollins, Richard (Alex) Rollins, Jonathan Justice, Jack Inhouse, Jacob Justice, Olivia Rollins, Ian Rollins, Sean Rollins, Maxwell Inhouse, and Clara Lynn Rollins. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret, and his brother, Jim.

The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support from friends and fans.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Cleveland Baseball Heritage Museum 6601 Lexington Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103, or the Kent State University Foundation (Baseball Enhancement Fund) Kent State University Baseball 1025 Risman Drive Kent, OH 44242.

Friends may call at LATEK & RYBICKI, A GOLDEN RULE FUNERAL HOME, 7906 BROADVIEW RD. (corner of Broadview and Sprague Rds.) for VISITING HOURS:  SUNDAY 1-4 and 6-8 PM .  A Mass and memorial will be held Monday, May 19, at Church of the Assumption, 9183 Broadview Rd., Broadview Heights, OH 44147, at 11:00 AM.  Please meet at church.