Editing Aaron Rowand (section)

==Professional career==
===Draft and minor leagues===
In 1998, Rowand was selected by the [[Chicago White Sox]] in the first round (35th pick) of the [[1998 Major League Baseball draft|draft]].<ref name="brstats" /> He started his professional career that season with the [[Single-A (baseball)|Single-A]] [[Hickory Crawdads]] of the [[South Atlantic League]]. Playing 61 games for the club, he batted .342, hitting five home runs and recording 32 RBI. The following year, he played his first full professional season with the [[Class A-Advanced|Single-A advanced]] [[Winston-Salem Warthogs]] of the [[Carolina League]], batting .279 in 133 games. He led the team in doubles (37), home runs (24), and RBI (88).<ref name="path to the pros"/>

In 2000, Rowand played for the [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] [[Birmingham Barons]] of the [[Southern League (1964–2020)|Southern League]]. He hit 20 home runs and recorded 98 RBI while playing in 139 games. According to Brittany Ghiroli of [[MLB.com]], "By spring 2001, the future [[National League (baseball)|National League]] [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] looked primed to break through to the big leagues."<ref name="path to the pros"/> Rowand began the year with the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] [[Charlotte Knights]] of the [[International League]], where through the middle of June he had 16 home runs and 48 RBI in 62 games.<ref name="path to the pros"/>

===Chicago White Sox (2001–2005)===
====2001====
[[File:Aaron Rowand Profile.jpg|thumb|left|100px|Aaron Rowand in center field on October 5, 2005]]
In June 2001, Rowand was called up to the White Sox for the first time.<ref name="mlb">{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/aaron-rowand-400023 |title=Aaron Rowand Stats, Fantasy, and News |work=MLB.com |access-date=February 20, 2021}}</ref> He made his major league debut for them the next day as a [[pinch hitter]] against the [[St. Louis Cardinals]].<ref name="path to the pros"/><ref name="chwstlboxscore">{{cite web |work=Baseball-Reference |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN200106160.shtml |title=June 16, 2001 Chicago White Sox at St. Louis Cardinals Box Score and Play by Play |access-date=August 3, 2009}}</ref> He collected his first major league hit on June 19, 2001, in the first game of a [[Doubleheader (baseball)|doubleheader]]. The hit came against [[Kansas City Royals]]' pitcher [[Tony Cogan]] in Chicago's 5–3 victory.<ref name="2001 Rowand">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=rowanaa01&t=b&year=2001|title=Aaron Rowand 2001 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA200106190.shtml|title=Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox Box Score, June 19, 2001|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref> On July 7, he hit his first major league home run against [[Jason Schmidt]] in a 4–1 win over the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]].<ref name="2001 Rowand"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA200107070.shtml|title=Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago White Sox Box Score, July 7, 2001|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 22, 2021}}</ref> Although he was initially used sparingly, in the middle of July Rowand began splitting time with [[Chris Singleton (baseball)|Chris Singleton]] in center field.<ref name="2001 Rowand"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=singlch01&t=b&year=2001|title=Chris Singleton 2001 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref> In 63 games (123 [[at bat]]s), he batted .293 with 21 runs scored, 36 hits, five doubles, four home runs, and 20 RBI.<ref name="brstats"/>

====2002====
Rowand was part of the [[Opening Day]] roster for the White Sox in 2002, but he spent much of the season as a reserve outfielder.<ref name="2002 Rowand">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=rowanaa01&t=b&year=2002|title=Aaron Rowand 2002 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 22, 2021}}</ref> Following the trade of [[Kenny Lofton]] to the [[San Francisco Giants]] on July 28, Rowand became the everyday center fielder for much of the rest of the year.<ref name="2002 Rowand"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/loftoke01.shtml|title=Kenny Lofton Stats|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 22, 2021}}</ref> Only batting .204 through July 28, Rowand batted .291 for the remainder of the season.<ref name="2002 Rowand"/> On August 13, he four hits and scored three runs in a 12–3 victory over the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TEX/TEX200208130.shtml|title=Chicago White Sox at Texas Rangers Box Score, August 13, 2002|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 23, 2021}}</ref> He had four RBI on September 11, including a two-run home run against [[Darrell May]], in a 9–6 loss to Kansas City.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA200209110.shtml|title=Chicago White Sox at Kansas City Royals Box Score, September 11, 2002|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 23, 2021}}</ref> In 126 games (302 at bats), he batted .258 with 41 runs scored, 78 hits, 16 doubles, seven home runs, and 29 RBI.<ref name="brstats" />

====2003====
Rowand suffered a broken left shoulder blade and rib in a [[dirt bike]] accident in the 2002–03 offseason and spent part of 2003 [[spring training]] recovering.<ref name="bike">{{cite web |first=Scot |last=Gregor |url=http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-2220537/Sox-Rowand-suffers-several-injuries.html |title=Sox's Rowand suffers several injuries in dirt bike accident |date=November 13, 2002 |work=[[Arlington Heights Daily Herald]] |access-date=August 3, 2009}}</ref> He was ready in time for Opening Day and began 2003 as the regular center fielder.<ref name="2003 Rowand">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=rowanaa01&t=b&year=2003|title=Aaron Rowand 2003 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 23, 2021}}</ref> After hitting .133 in his first 28 games, Rowand was sent to Charlotte in early May. In 32 games with the Knights, he batted .242 with three home runs and 13 RBI before getting recalled to rejoin the White Sox around June 10.<ref name="2003 Rowand"/><ref name="brminorstats">{{Cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=rowand001aar |title=Aaron Rowand Minor League Statistics & History |website=Baseball-Reference |access-date=August 3, 2009}}</ref> Though mostly a backup outfielder for the rest of the year, he hit .381 for the rest of the season.<ref name="2003 Rowand"/> In 93 games (170 at bats), he batted .287 with 22 runs scored, 45 hits, eight doubles, six home runs, and 24 RBI.<ref name="brstats" />

====2004====
In 2004, Rowand held the centerfield job for the entire season.<ref name="2004 Rowand">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=rowanaa01&t=b&year=2004|title=Aaron Rowand 2004 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 23, 2021}}</ref> On May 23, he scored four runs, recorded four hits, and hit a three-run home run against [[Terry Mulholland]] as the White Sox beat the [[Minnesota Twins]] by a score of 17–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIN/MIN200405230.shtml|title=Chicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins Box Score, May 23, 2004|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref> He had four hits and scored three runs on July 19 in a 12–6 win over the Rangers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TEX/TEX200407190.shtml|title=Chicago White Sox at Texas Rangers Box Score, July 19, 2004|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref> Facing the [[Boston Red Sox]] on August 13, he hit two home runs in a game for the first time, both coming against [[Tim Wakefield]], as the White Sox won 8–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240813102|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404153052/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240813102|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2022|title=Rowand homers twice in White Sox win|work=ESPN|date=August 13, 2004|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> Five days later, he had another two-home-run game, hitting his first ever [[Grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]] against [[Jeremy Bonderman]] in a 9–2 victory over the [[Detroit Tigers]]. [[José Contreras]], the [[starting pitcher]] for the White Sox in both of Rowand's two-home-run games, said, "I owe him something a little bigger than dinner."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240818104|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404153052/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240818104|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2022|title=Contreras wins third straight decision|work=ESPN|date=August 18, 2004|access-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref> In 140 games (487 at bats), Rowand batted .310 with 94 runs scored, 151 hits, 38 doubles, 24 home runs, and 69 RBI. He set a career high with 17 stolen bases.<ref name="brstats" /> His 5.7 [[Wins Above Replacement]] (WAR) figure was seventh in the [[American League]] (AL) and fourth among AL position players (trailing only [[Ichiro Suzuki]]'s 9.2, [[Alex Rodriguez]]'s 7.6, and [[Miguel Tejada]]'s 7.4).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2004-batting-leaders.shtml|title=2004 AL Batting Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref>

====2005====
[[File:Victory Parade.jpg|thumb|200px|Aaron Rowand at the White Sox parade celebrating their victory in the [[2005 World Series]]]]
On June 10, 2005, with the White Sox leading the [[San Diego Padres]] by two runs in the seventh inning, Rowand made two run-saving plays. First, he threw out [[Phil Nevin]] in a close play at third base. Next, with runners on second and third and two outs, he made a diving catch to rob [[Khalil Greene]] of a hit and end the inning. The White Sox won 4–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/white-sox/white-sox-2005-rewind-aaron-rowands-game-saving-inning-center-field|title=Aaron Rowand's Game-Saving Inning in Center Field|work=NBC Sports|date=April 15, 2020|access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref> Two days later, after entering the game as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning, Rowand hit a go-ahead, three-run, 10th-inning home run against [[Trevor Hoffman]], helping the White Sox beat the Padres 8–5.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN200506120.shtml|title=Chicago White Sox at San Diego Padres Box Score, June 12, 2005|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 4, 2021}}</ref> Rowand had three hits and scored three runs on July 16 in a 7–5 victory over the [[Cleveland Indians]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=250716105|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609000724/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=250716105|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 9, 2021|title=Buehrle wins; Hafner hit in mouth, leaves game|work=ESPN|date=July 16, 2005|access-date=March 1, 2021}}</ref> On September 13, he had four hits and a career-high three doubles in a 6–4 win over the [[Kansas City Royals]]. White Sox manager [[Ozzie Guillén]] said, "Rowand had a big night. From now on somebody needs to step up and be a hero every game. Tonight
it was Rowand."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=250913107|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404153104/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=250913107|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2022|title=White Sox beat Royals for 13th time this season|work=ESPN|date=September 14, 2005|access-date=March 4, 2021}}</ref> In 2005, he had a .270 batting average with 77 runs and 30 doubles. Rowand also hit 13 home runs and stole 16 bases.<ref name="brstats" /> He walked 32 times and struck out 116.<ref name="brstats" /> He had a .329 [[on-base percentage]] (OBP) and a .407 [[slugging percentage]] (SLG). He also collected 235 [[total bases]].<ref name="brstats" /> Defensively, he collected 388 putouts and committed only three [[Error (baseball)|errors]], for a .978 [[fielding percentage]].<ref name="brstats" /> His defensive WAR of 1.9 was the seventh-best in the AL.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2005-batting-leaders.shtml|title=2005 AL Batting Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 4, 2021}}</ref>

The White Sox won the [[AL Central]] title, advancing to the playoffs for the first time in Rowand's career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/2005.shtml|title=2005 Chicago White Sox Statistics|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 4, 2021}}</ref> In the first game of the [[2005 American League Division Series|AL Division Series]] (ALDS) against the [[Boston Red Sox]], he slammed into the wall chasing after a ball even though the White Sox were up by 14 runs.<ref name="Rock">{{cite web|last=Kernan|first=Kevin|url=https://nypost.com/2005/10/22/rock-of-the-chisox-rowand-goes-all-out-in-cf/|title=Rock of the Chi-Sox; Rowand Goes All-Out in CF|work=The New York Post|date=October 22, 2005|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> He batted .400 with two RBI in the ALDS, which Chicago swept in three games.<ref name="brstats" /> In the [[2005 American League Championship Series|AL Championship Series]] (ALCS), he batted .167 with three hits (all doubles), three runs scored, and one RBI as the White Sox defeated the [[Los Angeles Angels]] in five games.<ref name="postseason Rowand">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rowanaa01.shtml|title=Aaron Rowand Postseason Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 4, 2021}}</ref> Against the [[Houston Astros]] in the [[2005 World Series|World Series]], he batted .294. Though he had no RBI, he scored two runs and had five hits as the White Sox swept the Astros, earning their first World Series championship since [[1917 World Series|1917]].<ref name="postseason Rowand"/><ref name="ws">{{cite web |work=MLB.com |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/cws/history/championship05.jsp |title=2005 World Series Champions |access-date=August 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402181652/http://mlb.mlb.com/cws/history/championship05.jsp|archive-date=April 2, 2008}}</ref>

During his time in Chicago, Rowand was a favorite of the fans because of his style of play. He would run hard after balls hit to center field, not afraid to crash into the outfield wall if it was necessary to make a catch.<ref name="phillies-camp"/> "White Sox fans have always reserved a special place for Aaron because of his all-out style of play and love for the game," observed Director of Player Development [[Nick Capra]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last=Merkin|first=Scott|url=https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/news/aaron-rowand-hired-as-white-sox-instructor/c-157978288|title=White Sox tab Rowand as Minors instructor|work=MLB.com|date=November 23, 2015|access-date=March 4, 2021}}</ref>

===Philadelphia Phillies (2006–2007)===
[[File:Aaron Rowand.jpg|thumb|100px|left|Rowand on March 11, 2007]]

====2006====
After the 2005 season, on November 23, Rowand was traded with minor league pitchers [[Gio González]] and Daniel Haigwood to the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] for [[first baseman]] [[Jim Thome]].<ref name="brstats" /> Chicago wanted Thome for his skill at hitting home runs, and Philadelphia needed a new center fielder because it was not planning to re-sign Lofton.<ref name="espn20051125">{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2236730 |title=White Sox send Rowand to Phils for Thome |access-date=July 8, 2009 |date=November 25, 2005 |work=ESPN}}</ref>

Rowand's bases-loaded triple in the seventh inning against [[Matt Herges]] of the [[Florida Marlins]] on May 2, 2006, brought the Phillies from a one-run deficit to a 7–5 lead, which they would hold for the rest of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260502128|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404153052/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260502128|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2022|title=Rowand triple lifts Lieber, Phillies past Marlins|work=ESPN|date=May 2, 2006|access-date=March 6, 2021}}</ref> On May 11, in the first inning against the Mets, Rowand made a spectacular play by smashing into the center field fence of [[Citizens Bank Park]] face first at full speed in order to run down a deep fly ball off the bat of [[Xavier Nady]] with the bases loaded. Had the ball fallen for a hit, three runs likely would have scored. "It might be the best catch I've ever seen," said manager [[Charlie Manuel]], praising Rowand's "effort and determination".<ref name="surgery">{{cite web |first=Ken |last=Mandel |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060512&content_id=1450240&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Rowand has surgery on broken nose |work=MLB.com |access-date=August 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305141513/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/1450240|archive-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref> Robert Knapel of ''[[Bleacher Report]]'' named it the 12th-best catch in baseball history in 2012, and, in 2019, Thomas Harrigan of ''MLB.com'' listed the catch as among the best ever.<ref>{{cite web|last=Knapel|first=Robert|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1261134-baseballs-20-greatest-diving-catches-ever|title=Baseball's 20 Greatest Diving Catches Ever|work=Bleacher Report|date=July 16, 2012|access-date=March 4, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Harrigan|first=Thomas|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/greatest-outfield-catches-in-baseball-history|title=Remembering some of the greatest OF grabs|work=MLB.com|date=July 22, 2019|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503133156/https://www.mlb.com/news/greatest-outfield-catches-in-baseball-history|archive-date=May 3, 2020}}</ref> Rain shortened the game to five innings, and the Phillies won 2–0.<ref name="nymchwboxscore">{{cite web |work=Baseball-Reference |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI200605110.shtml |title=May 11, 2006 New York Mets at Chicago White Sox Box Score and Play by Play |access-date=August 3, 2009}}</ref> Rowand suffered a broken nose and severe lacerations to his face as a result of running into the wall.<ref name="surgery" /> He underwent seven hours of surgery to repair the nose, and was placed on the 15-day [[disabled list]].<ref name="surgery" /> He returned to the starting lineup on May 27.<ref name="2006 Rowand"/>

[[File:Rowand at 2007 Rally.jpg|thumb|225px|right|Rowand at a 2007 [[Philadelphia Phillies]] rally, celebrating the team's playoff berth]]

After batting .301 through June 5, Rowand hit .236 for the remainder of the season.<ref name="2006 Rowand">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=rowanaa01&t=b&year=2006|title=Aaron Rowand 2006 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 6, 2021}}</ref> On August 20, he had four hits and scored three runs in a 12–10 victory over the [[Washington Nationals]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260820122|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404152210/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260820122|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2022|title=Nunez's four RBI help Phils win 12–10 slugfest with Nats|work=ESPN|date=August 20, 2006|access-date=March 6, 2021}}</ref> The next day, against the [[Chicago Cubs]], Rowand collided with Philadelphia second baseman [[Chase Utley]] and broke his ankle. He was on the disabled list for the remainder of the regular season.<ref name="ankle">{{cite web |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2557309 |title=Phils' Rowand out 4–6 weeks with broken ankle | date=August 22, 2006 |access-date=August 3, 2009}}</ref> In 109 games (445 at bats), Rowand batted .262 with 59 runs scored, 106 hits, 24 doubles, 12 home runs, and 47 RBI. He recorded 10 stolen bases, the last time in his career he would steal more than six.<ref name="brstats" />

====2007====
Set to become a [[free agent]] for the first time after the 2007 season, Rowand made the year his best offensively.<ref name="giant"/> Against the White Sox on June 13, 2007, Rowand had a pinch-hit RBI groundout in the sixth inning, then hit a grand slam against [[Matt Thornton (baseball)|Matt Thornton]] in the seventh inning, helping the Phillies win 8–4.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270613122|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404152215/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270613122|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2022|title=Phillies ride five-run 7th inning to first home sweep|work=ESPN|date=June 13, 2007|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref> For the first time in his career in 2007, Rowand was selected to the [[2007 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]].<ref name="brstats" /> He came to bat in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded, two outs, and the National League (NL) trailing 5–4. However, Rowand flew out to [[Alex Ríos]] in right field to end the game.<ref name="allstargame">{{cite web |work=ESPN |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270710132 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714152028/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270710132 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |title=American League All-Stars vs. National League All-Stars – Recap – July 10, 2007 |access-date=August 3, 2009}}</ref> He had a season-high five hits on July 17 against the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]], also scoring three times and hitting back-to-back home runs with [[Pat Burrell]] against [[Rudy Seánez]] in Philadelphia's 15–3 triumph.<ref name="2007 Rowand">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=rowanaa01&t=b&year=2007|title=Aaron Rowand 2007 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN200707170.shtml|title=Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers Box Score, July 17, 2007|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref> Rowand also had four-hit games on April 27, July 14, and September 22, all Philadelphia victories.<ref name="2007 Rowand"/> With the Phillies thick in the hunt for the playoffs late in the season, on September 17, Rowand hit two home runs against the [[St. Louis Cardinals]]. Then, in the eighth inning, he fell to the ground on the [[warning track]] as he robbed [[Ryan Ludwick]] of a hit that would have driven in the runs to put the Cardinals ahead. Philadelphia won 13–11.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270917124|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404152212/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270917124|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2022|title=Streaking Phillies pull to within 2½ games of Mets|work=ESPN|date=September 17, 2007|access-date=March 6, 2021}}</ref> He finished the season with a batting average of .309, 105 runs scored (10th in the NL), 189 hits (eighth in the NL), 45 doubles (sixth in the NL), 27 home runs, 89 RBI, and six stolen bases.<ref name="brstats" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2007-batting-leaders.shtml|title=2007 NL Batting Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref> He earned his first [[Rawlings Gold Glove Award|Gold Glove Award]] for his outfield play that year, leading the NL with 11 outfield [[Assist (baseball)|assists]]. Committing only two errors all season, Rowand led NL outfielders with a .995 fielding percentage. He finished 22nd in NL [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player Award]] voting.<ref name="brstats" />

Winners of the [[NL East]] in 2007, the Phillies faced the [[Colorado Rockies]] in the [[2007 National League Division Series|NLDS]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2007.shtml|title=2007 Philadelphia Phillies Statistics|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref> Rowand and Burrell hit back-to-back home runs against [[Jeff Francis]] to start the fifth inning of Game 1, which Philadelphia would lose 4–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI200710030.shtml|title=2007 National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 1, Rockies at Phillies, October 3|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref> That was his only hit of the series, which Philadelphia lost in three games.<ref name="postseason Rowand"/>

===San Francisco Giants (2008–2011)===
====2008====
Rowand signed a five-year, $60 million contract with the San Francisco Giants on December 12, 2007, becoming the team's primary offseason free agent signing.<ref name="giant">{{cite news |last=Schulman |first=Henry |title=The Giants, in their first significant move to shape a... |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |date=December 12, 2007 |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/12/SP4ETSURO.DTL |access-date=August 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018163427/http://articles.sfgate.com/2007-12-13/bay-area/17274100_1_tim-lincecum-general-manager-brian-sabean-matt-cain|archive-date=October 18, 2010}}</ref><ref name="winners"/> In the face of dismal expectations for the team's 2008 season, Rowand proposed in January that the Giants could win the [[NL West]] "if guys have some good years".<ref name="winners">{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Haft |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080109&content_id=2342884&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Rowand says Giants will be winners |date=January 9, 2008 |work=MLB.com |access-date=August 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306022549/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/2342884|archive-date=March 6, 2016}}</ref> He had three RBIs apiece in back-to-back games against the Marlins on May 23 and 25, the first an 8–2 victory and the second an 8–6 loss in the first game of a doubleheader.<ref name="2008 Rowand">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=rowanaa01&t=b&year=2008|title=Aaron Rowand 2008 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> In the latter game, he hit his 100th career home run, against [[Mark Hendrickson]].<ref name="homerun">{{cite web |work=Baseball-Reference |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/event_hr.cgi?n1=rowanaa01&t=b |title=Aaron Rowand Career Home Runs |access-date=August 3, 2009}}</ref> Rowand had one other three-RBI game, which came on August 6 in a 3–2 win over the [[Atlanta Braves]].<ref name="2008 Rowand"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280806126|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404152209/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280806126|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2022|title=Giants top Braves as Lincecum wins for first time in three weeks|work=ESPN|date=August 6, 2008|access-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> He batted .342 in his first 54 games (through June 2), but his average was only .233 from June 3 through the rest of the season.<ref name="2008 Rowand"/> On August 13, he had a season-high four hits and scored a run in a 5–4 victory over the Dodgers.<ref name="2008 Rowand"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN200808100.shtml|title=Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants Box Score, August 10, 2008|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> The Giants did not win the division, struggling to a 72–90 finish.<ref name="2008sfg">{{cite web |work=Baseball-Reference |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/2008.shtml |title=2008 San Francisco Giants Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |access-date=August 3, 2009}}</ref> Rowand himself did not come close to his 2007 numbers with Philadelphia, as his [[on-base plus slugging]] percentage dropped from .889 in 2007 to .749. In 152 games (549 at bats), he batted .271 with 57 runs scored, 149 hits, 37 doubles, 13 home runs, and 70 RBI. Defensively, he had the highest [[range factor]] among NL outfielders per game (2.81) and per nine innings (2.95).<ref name="brstats" />

====2009====
After only hitting .214 through May 8, 2009, Rowand batted .340 over his next 50 games to raise his batting average to .302 through July 4. However, he would only hit .208 for the rest of the season.<ref name="2009 Rowand"/> On July 10, with one out in the ninth inning, Rowand made a leaping catch at the center field wall to rob [[Edgar Gonzalez (infielder)|Edgar Gonzalez]] of a hit and preserve [[Jonathan Sánchez]]'s no hitter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/where-does-steven-souzas-dive-rank-among-no-hitter-preserving-catches/111056/|title=Where Does Steven Souza's Dive Rank Among Preserving Catches?|work=NBC Washington|date=September 29, 2014|access-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> He missed a few games after getting [[hit by a pitch]] from [[Tommy Hanson]] on July 20, though the resulting contusion was not severe enough to require him to go on the disabled list.<ref name="2009 Rowand">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=rowanaa01&t=b&year=2009|title=Aaron Rowand 2009 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290720115|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404152211/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290720115|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2022|title=Hanson at 5-0 as Braves top Giants in Sanchez's first start since no-hitter|work=ESPN|date=July 20, 2009|access-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> On July 31, Rowand collected his 1,000th career hit at home against his former team, the Phillies, when he doubled against [[Cliff Lee]] in San Francisco's 5–1 loss.<ref name="brstats" /><ref name="2009 Rowand"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN200907310.shtml|title=Philadelphia Phillies at San Francisco Giants Box Score, July 31, 2009|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> He had four hits and two RBI, including a solo home run against [[Livan Hernandez]], in the first game of a doubleheader against the Mets on August 17, which the Giants won 10–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN200908170.shtml|title=San Francisco Giants at New York Mets Box Score, August 17, 2009|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> Six times during the year, he had a season-high three RBI.<ref name="2009 Rowand"/> In 144 games (499 at bats), he batted .261 with 61 runs scored, 130 hits, 30 doubles, 15 home runs, and 64 RBI.<ref name="brstats" />

====2010====
[[File:Aaron Rowand at Giants 2010 World Series victory parade 1.JPG|thumb|right|Rowand waving from a [[San Francisco cable car system|cable car]] in the parade celebrating the Giants' 2010 World Series victory]]
Rowand had four hits and two RBI against the Astros on April 7 in a 10–4 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU201004070.shtml|title=San Francisco Giants at Houston Astros Box Score, April 7, 2010|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> On April 16, Rowand was hit in the face by a pitch from [[Vicente Padilla]] of the Dodgers. He suffered a mild concussion and was on the disabled list until May 2.<ref name="2010 Rowand">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=rowanaa01&t=b&year=2010|title=Aaron Rowand 2010 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ridpath|first=Robyn|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/when-giants-dodgers-rivalry-gets-personal/1872107/|title=When Giants-Dodgers Rivalry Gets Personal|work=NBC Bay Area|date=June 29, 2010|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> He had three RBI on May 4, including a two-run home run against [[Juan Carlos Oviedo]], in a 9–6 victory over the Marlins.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/FLO/FLO201005040.shtml|title=San Francisco Giants at Florida Marlins Box Score, May 4, 2010|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> In June, he began losing playing time to [[Andrés Torres (baseball)|Andrés Torres]] in center field; by August, his starts were infrequent.<ref name="2010 Rowand"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=torrean02&t=b&year=2010|title=Andres Torres 2010 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> He played in 105 games (331 at bats), his fewest appearances since 2003. Batting .230, he had 42 runs scored, 76 hits, 12 doubles, 11 home runs, and 34 RBI.<ref name="brstats" />

The Giants won the [[NL West]], and Rowand was part of their roster for the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/2010.shtml|title=2010 San Francisco Giants Statistics|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> He was limited to two pinch-hit appearances in the [[2010 National League Division Series|NLDS]], which the Giants won in four games over the Braves.<ref name="postseason Rowand"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/11/SPUD1FR7MD.DTL |title=Giants finish off Braves, on to Philly |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |date=October 12, 2010 |access-date=May 13, 2011 |first=Henry |last=Schulman}}</ref> After Torres batted .120 in the first six games of the playoffs, Rowand started in center field in Games 3 and 4 of the [[2010 National League Championship Series|NLCS]] against the Phillies, both Giant victories.<ref name="postseason Rowand"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=torrean02&t=b&year=0&post=1|title=Andres Torres Postseason Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> He also replaced Torres in the bottom of the ninth inning in Game 6, which the Giants won 3–2 to clinch a trip to the [[2010 World Series|World Series]] against the Rangers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI201010230.shtml|title=2010 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 6, Giants at Phillies, October 23|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> In Game 2 of the World Series, Rowand hit a two-RBI [[Triple (baseball)|triple]] against [[Michael Kirkman]] in the bottom of the eighth inning. He then scored on an RBI double by Torres to extend the Giants lead to 9–0, the final score.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN201010280.shtml|title=2010 World Series Game 2, Rangers at Giants, October 28|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> He also started Game 5 of the series in center field.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2010/11/01/burrell-dh-rowand-starts-for-giants-in-game-5/|title=Burrell DH, Rowand Starts For Giants In Game 5|work=CBS|date=November 1, 2010|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> The Giants won the series, their first World Series victory since [[1954 World Series|1954]], and Rowand earned his second World Series championship.<ref>{{cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101101&content_id=15949454&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |title=Giants win the Series! Giants win the Series! |work=MLB.com |date=October 2, 2010 |access-date=March 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301004834/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101101&content_id=15949454&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-date=March 1, 2012 }}</ref>

====2011====
Rowand began 2011 as a reserve player but was able to get starts in center field and left field from April 10 to May 10 while Torres was on the disabled list with an Achilles injury.<ref name="2011 Rowand">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=rowanaa01&t=b&year=2011|title=Aaron Rowand 2011 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=March 10, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bloom |first=Barry M. |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110415&content_id=17826322&notebook_id=17830440&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |title=Torres goes on DL with Achilles strain |work=MLB.com |date=April 15, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505223239/http://m.giants.mlb.com/news/article/17830440|archive-date=May 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris and Adam Berry |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110510&content_id=18892220&notebook_id=18898720&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |title=Giants adjust lineup with DeRosa, Torres back |work=MLB.com |date=May 10, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506203134/http://m.giants.mlb.com/news/article/18898720|archive-date=May 6, 2016}}</ref> He had a season-high three RBI on April 28 (in a 5–2 victory over the Pirates) and on June 28 (in the first game of a doubleheader, a 13–7 win over the Cubs).<ref name="2011 Rowand"/> Rowand was [[designated for assignment]] on August 31, 2011, after batting .233 with four home runs and 21 RBI in 108 games during the 2011 season.<ref name="newsday">{{Cite web|date=2011-08-31|title=Giants designate Rowand, Tejada for assignment|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/giants-designate-rowand-tejada-for-assignment-q61973|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709142938if_/https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/giants-designate-rowand-tejada-for-assignment-q61973|archive-date=2022-07-09|access-date=2022-07-09|website=[[Newsday]]|location=Melville, New York|language=en|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[Brian Sabean]], the [[General manager (baseball)|general manager]] of the Giants did not elaborate on Rowand's poor performance with the Giants, saying, "It didn't turn out. Nothing more to be said. He's been given opportunities, and it just didn't turn out."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baggarly |first=Andrew |date=2011-08-31 |title=BREAKING NEWS: Giants designate Miguel Tejada, Aaron Rowand for assignment |url=https://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/2011/08/31/brekaing-news-giants-designate-miguel-tejada-aaron-rowand-for-assignment/?doing_wp_cron=1498084659.5153369903564453125000 |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=Giants Extra |language=en-US}}</ref> Rowand was released on September 8, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/6945206/giants-release-aaron-rowand-miguel-tejada-dfa |title=Giants Release Pair of Veterans|work=ESPN|date=September 8, 2011|access-date=March 10, 2021}}</ref>

On December 12, 2011, Rowand signed a minor league deal with the [[Miami Marlins]] with an invite to spring training.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7346623/aaron-rowand-signs-minor-league-deal-miami-marlins|title=Aaron Rowand signs with Marlins|work=ESPN|date=December 12, 2011|access-date=May 29, 2021}}</ref> He was released on March 29, 2012, after batting just .128 in spring training.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/marlins-release-rowand|title=Marlins release Rowand|work=Fox News|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=February 20, 2021}}</ref>