Colorado Rockies Mount Rushmore
By David Hill
The Colorado Rockies have been home to quite a few impressive players, especially on the offensive side of the ball, since they came into the league. Which of those players make the franchise Mount Rushmore?
From the moment the Colorado Rockies entered the league, they were a haven for sluggers. With Coors Field a mile above sea level, the thinner air helped the ball fly out of the park. Conversely, it was a disaster for pitchers, as breaking pitches did not have the same depth, and the movement was just not the same.
That thin air led to quite the quest to find pitching. High profile free agents like Mike Hampton, Darryl Kile, and Bret Saberhagen all attempted to provide the team with solid pitching. Each of these attempts ended in failure, as it took time for the Rockies to find a plan to attack the thin air.
Yet, for all of those problems pitching, the Rockies were able to find offense from virtually anyone. Players like Andres Galarraga, Vinny Castilla, and Ellis Burks reinvigorated their careers in Colorado. Of course, that production was looked upon suspiciously, yet no one could dispute the end results.
Along the way, the Rockies have found success. In 1995, in just their third season, Colorado found themselves in the postseason. After falling to the Braves in the NLDS, it took another 12 years before the Rockies returned to the playoffs. This time, they went on an impressive run, sweeping their way through the National League. However, they ran into the Red Sox in the World Series, and suffered a sweep of their own.
Since then, the Rockies have made the postseason twice more, but have failed to advance. This past year, however, gives hope for a new era of Rockies baseball. With a promising young pitching staff, and an excellent lineup, the Rockies may find themselves as perennial playoff contenders.
For now, let us look back throughout the history of the Colorado Rockies, and take a look at the franchise Mount Rushmore.