Colorado Rockies Mount Rushmore

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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.

Nolan Arenado (2013-present)

The Colorado Rockies have had quite a few hitting stars. Current third baseman Nolan Arenado is the latest in that line.

Interestingly, Arenado was a star with his glove before his bat began to come around. He won the National League Gold Glove award at third in each of his two seasons, leading the league in range factor and was in the top five in runs saved. Even as his offense came around, Arenado’s glove remained excellent, as he has won the Gold Glove in each of his five major league seasons.

In 2015, Arenado started to become the hitter he is known as today. He led the league in homers and RBI, as he made his first All Star Game. Arenado finished eighth in the MVP vote, and won his first Silver Slugger that year. He backed up that performance by again leading the league in homers an RBI in 2016.

A three time All Star and three time Silver Slugger, Arenado has put together some impressive numbers during his brief major league career. Thus far, he has produced a .290/.340/.534 batting line, hitting 148 homers and 184 doubles. As impressive as those numbers have been, Arenado has yet to turn 27 years old, and is about to enter his theoretical prime.

Already one of the greatest players in Colorado Rockies history, Nolan Arenado has plenty of time to add to his impressive statistics. He may well end up as the greatest player in Rockies history.

Troy Tulowitzki (2006-2015)

Troy Tulowitzki was an excellent player with the Colorado Rockies when he was on the field. The problem was making sure he stayed healthy.

He flashed that excellence in his first full seasons, posting a .291/.359/.479 batting line, hitting 24 homers and driving in 99 runs as he finished second in the Rookie of the Year vote. Tulowitzki began to show his solid all around game, as he starred with the bat and the glove. He ended up making four All Star Games as a Rockie, finishing in the top ten of the MVP vote three times. He was a two time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner, as he was one of the top defensive shortstops in the game.

The problem was keeping him on the field. He suffered a torn quadriceps tendon, a broken rib, and a fractured wrist, along with a myriad of other injuries. That time spent on the disabled list hampered his overall performance, yet Tulowitzki was still making history when he stepped on the diamond.

Overall, with the Rockies, he produced a .299/.371/.513 batting line, hitting 188 homers and 224 doubles. Tulowitzki is also one of two shortstops to hit for the cycle and turn an unassisted triple play, joining John Valentin in that exclusive club. Sadly, those injuries have taken their toll, as Tulowitzki is a shadow of the player he had been in his earlier days.

Once one of the best shortstops in baseball, injuries derailed what could have been an excellent career for Troy Tulowitzki. As impressive as he was, he could have been even greater.

Larry Walker (1995-2004)

A solid hitter during his time with the Montreal Expos, Larry Walker took his performance to another level with the Colorado Rockies.

Already known as an excellent right fielder and solid hitter, Walker came into his own in Colorado. In his first season with the Rockies, Walker had his first 100 RBI season, and hit a then career best 36 homers. He would go on to hit over 35 homers four times, including a league leading 49 home runs in 1997.

Walker was not just a power hitter with the Rockies. His strong batting skills were boosted in Coors Field, helping him to three batting titles. From 1997 through 2001, Walker posted an incredible .357/.445/.658 batting line, hitting 156 home runs. A four time All Star, and the 1997 NL MVP, he was a driving force to those excellent Rockies lineups.

During his time in Colorado, Walker posted a .334/.426/.618 batting line, hitting 258 homers and 297 doubles while stealing 126 bases. His five year prime actually matches up with none other than Ted Williams. In Williams’ five best seasons, he produced a 362/.508/.658 batting line with 168 homers and 188 doubles. Walker, meanwhile, had a .357/.445/.658 batting line with 156 homers and 174 doubles.

Larry Walker was one of the best hitters in the game during his time with the Colorado Rockies. However, his numbers are not given the due they deserve because of where he played.

Todd Helton (1997-2013)

After backing up Peyton Manning in college, Todd Helton found much more success on the diamond. By the time his career ended, he had become the greatest player in the history of the Colorado Rockies.

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It did not take long for Helton to find his groove in the majors. He finished second in the Rookie of the Year vote in 1998, as he produced a .315/.380/.530 batting line with 25 homers and 97 RBI. Helton would have his breakthrough campaign two years later, making his first All Star Game and winning the Silver Slugger. His .372/.463/.698 batting line led the league in each category, as did his 216 hits, 59 doubles, and 147 RBI. However, he only finished fifth in the MVP vote.

More accolades came his way throughout his career. Helton was a five time All Star and four time Silver Slugger. He was also a solid defensive first baseman, winning three Gold Glove awards.

Overall, Helton produced an excellent .316/.414/.539 batting line. He hit 369 homers and 592 doubles, cementing his legacy as an excellent power hitter. Helton is the Rockies all time leader in runs, hits, doubles, homers, RBI, and walks, while placing third in OPS. His name will remain etched in Rockies history for generations to come.

Next: Rockies 2017 review and look ahead

Todd Helton has been the greatest player in Colorado Rockies history thus far. He quickly became a legend in Colorado.

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