On November 17, 1992, the Rockies made their first selection in the Expansion Draft. They chose David Nied a young starting Pitcher from the Atlanta Braves. Thus Nied became the first face of the franchise. He played for the Rockies from 1993-1996.
David Nied was the first Rockies player to wear #17.
We all know who was the 2nd Rockies Player to wear #17. From August 2, 1997 to September 29, 2013 Todd Helton wore that number for the Rockies, and after 21 Rockies seasons it will never be worn again.
Last night in Todd Helton's final game at Coors Field the Rockies celebrated from Field Preparation to post-game. The field was adorned with a huge number 17 mowed into the center field grass. Two purple 17's were painted in the foul lines on the First Base and Third Base Lines.
In the pre-game ceremony, the Rockies showed a highlight reel of hits and web gems. His oldest daughter Tierney Faith threw out the first ball to her Dad the catcher. The Rockies presented Todd with a horse for his ranch. When the Rockies took the field in the first inning, Helton led the pack onto the field as he always does, but the pack held back and let him own it for a few minutes before they took their positions.
The crowd also gave him standing ovation after standing ovation, and Todd reacted every time by tipping his cap and smiling.
As Helton took his position at first base for the last time in the top of the 9th inning, his two daughters ran onto the field hugged him and swiped first base (which had been adorned with #17 of course) literally and carried it off behind home plate.
Todd did his part in the game by Homering in his 1st at bat, Doubling (of course!) in his 3rd, and hitting a Sac Fly in his 2nd. Unfortunately his last AB was a strikeout against former teammate Franklin Morales, but that and the 15-5 drubbing at the hands of the Red Sox did little to stop the crowd's excitement.
Following the game, the Rockies have a tradition of circling the field after their last regular season home game, and it was led by Mr. Helton.
This was the first time in their history that they gave a farewell to one of their players. They must have needed permission for some of the events, but they did it right. It was all about Todd and rightfully so.
A fitting farewell to the first Rockies Player to play his entire career in Colorado.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Rockies get "Merciful" 2014 Schedule
With the Rockies currently on their 5th consecutive 3 city road trip, MLB released their 2014 Schedule today, and suffice it to say that the Rockies (barring rainouts) will not have a 1-9 Road Trip in 2014. That's because there are just 2 three-city road trips, and although they are back to back they total 16 games 7 and 9.
Ther first one comes in early May with the Home and Home AL series against Texas. After playing the backend two games in Ft. Worth they go to Cincinnati for 3 and then sandwich Kansas City in between two off days. After a 9 game home stand they go to the east coast to play Atlanta, Philadelphia and Cleveland in 3 game series.
That tells you two things: The Rockies play the AL Central next year, and they never play more than 2 division rivals on any road trip.
In fact the Rockies make 6 2 city road trips to the West Coast: SF/SD, LA/AZ in April, SF/LA in June, AZ/SD, SF/AZ in August, and a season ending SD/LA trip in September.
The only real quirk in the schedule is that there are 32 West division games in their last 46 games, which could make or break their season. But 19 of those Rivalry games are on the road.
Besides KC and Texas home and home, the Rockies will play the White Sox and Minnesota from the AL Central at Home, while going on the road for Cleveland and Detroit.
The Rockies have two 10 game home stands and one 9. They also play 16 of 19 games at home in one stretch in July playing only 3 games in Pittsburgh following the All-Star break. That will also end a stretch where they play 32 of 48 at home, starting June 3rd. Although they play 16 of 22 on the Road just before that there isn't a similar prolonged stretch where they are on the road.
Ther first one comes in early May with the Home and Home AL series against Texas. After playing the backend two games in Ft. Worth they go to Cincinnati for 3 and then sandwich Kansas City in between two off days. After a 9 game home stand they go to the east coast to play Atlanta, Philadelphia and Cleveland in 3 game series.
That tells you two things: The Rockies play the AL Central next year, and they never play more than 2 division rivals on any road trip.
In fact the Rockies make 6 2 city road trips to the West Coast: SF/SD, LA/AZ in April, SF/LA in June, AZ/SD, SF/AZ in August, and a season ending SD/LA trip in September.
The only real quirk in the schedule is that there are 32 West division games in their last 46 games, which could make or break their season. But 19 of those Rivalry games are on the road.
Besides KC and Texas home and home, the Rockies will play the White Sox and Minnesota from the AL Central at Home, while going on the road for Cleveland and Detroit.
The Rockies have two 10 game home stands and one 9. They also play 16 of 19 games at home in one stretch in July playing only 3 games in Pittsburgh following the All-Star break. That will also end a stretch where they play 32 of 48 at home, starting June 3rd. Although they play 16 of 22 on the Road just before that there isn't a similar prolonged stretch where they are on the road.
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