A Proper Sendoff for #17

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.