Colorado Rockies

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1993

  • Original Name/City: Colorado Rockies

  • Current Ballpark: Coors Field

  • World Series Titles: 0

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Rox

A History of the Colorado Rockies

Born in the 1993 expansion, the Colorado Rockies were an immediate popular success, setting all-time attendance records while playing their first two seasons at Mile High Stadium. From the beginning, the franchise's story has been inseparable from its home ballpark, Coors Field, which opened in 1995.

The high altitude of Denver creates a unique offensive environment where baseballs fly farther than anywhere else, leading to a history of potent lineups and inflated offensive statistics.

The first great era of Rockies baseball featured the "Blake Street Bombers" of the mid-1990s, a fearsome lineup with sluggers like Andrés Galarraga, Vinny Castilla, Dante Bichette, and future Hall of Famer Larry Walker. This group led the Rockies to their first postseason appearance as a Wild Card team in just their third season.

The franchise's most magical moment came in 2007. In what became known as "Rocktober," the team went on one of the most improbable runs in sports history, winning 21 of their final 22 games to surge into the postseason.

They continued their hot streak by sweeping through the NLDS and NLCS to capture their first and only National League pennant. This incredible run came to a stop in the World Series, but "Rocktober" remains the undisputed high point in franchise history.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1993: Founded as an expansion team.

  • 1995: Moved into their current home, Coors Field, and made their first postseason appearance.

  • 2007: "Rocktober" run culminates in their only National League Pennant.

Legendary Players

Todd Helton (1997-2013)

  • "The Toddfather" is the most iconic player in franchise history, spending his entire 17-year career in Colorado. A five-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner at first base, the recently elected Hall of Famer is the franchise leader in nearly every offensive category, including hits, home runs, and RBIs.

Larry Walker (1995-2004)

  • The most decorated player in Rockies history, Walker was a true five-tool superstar. During his time in Colorado, he won the 1997 NL MVP award, three batting titles, and five Gold Gloves. His combination of power, speed, and defense made him the anchor of the famed "Blake Street Bombers."

Troy Tulowitzki (2006-2015)

  • "Tulo" was a dynamic, slick-fielding shortstop who became the face of the franchise and the leader of the "Rocktober" generation. The winner of two Gold Gloves, Tulowitzki was a powerful offensive force from the shortstop position, renowned for his exceptional defence.

Nolan Arenado (2013-2020)

  • Arenado established himself as arguably the greatest defensive third baseman of all time during his tenure with the Rockies, winning a Gold Glove in every one of his eight seasons in Colorado. He was also a premier power hitter, leading the league in home runs three times and consistently driving in over 100 runs.