It was not only a normal summer game in Coors Field on Aug. 17, but also a predictable one, as the Colorado Rockies lost an 8-3 match to the San Diego Padres because of poor pitching and hopeless hitting (the usual suspects in this sad season).
But for longtime fans and a scarcely-triumphant franchise, it was a night to remember; one that was 27 years in the making. It was a night to celebrate, arguably, the greatest Rockie of all time, #17, first baseman Todd Helton.
Helton has been tremendously important to this team since his debut in 1997. While his retirement came back in 2013 and I only saw him play a handful of times in person, he was unequivocally a legend on Blake Street. He led the team through an epic 2007 Rocktober to its only World Series appearance. He inspired so many in Colorado and beyond. He motivated me in my own longtime love of playing first base in recreational baseball. He was a model teammate, a persevering player, and now is a certified great in the game’s history, as his Hall of Fame plaque hangs high in Cooperstown.
Before Saturday’s game, almost 50,000 fans gathered to watch the ceremony. Former Rockie and fan favorite broadcaster Ryan Spilborghs (affectionately known as Spilly), alongside Helton’s college football teammate and Denver Broncos legend Peyton Manning spoke to honor the new hall of famer.
“When Todd Helton hit the baseball, it just sounded totally different, you just knew something special was going on,” Manning said in his address. “His athletic feats landed him at the top of his sport…however his humanity ensconced Todd in the friendship hall of fame.”
Rockies owner Dick Monfort unveiled a special replica of Helton’s retired number, a hand painted bat, and other handmade gifts before the man of the hour spoke himself.
“Rockies fans, it’s great to be back home,” said Helton, as his voice boomed through the stadium where he had played every single one of his major league home games. “Your passion and energy are what makes this place special. That feeling is the way you play the game, it’s why you play the game.”
Helton left a mark on the franchise and gave it something to play for. And it was always clear that he did it for the fans and for his teammates.
“Rain or pain, I wanted to be there. I wanted my teammates to know they could depend on me,” Helton said. “I was not there for myself, I was there to do my part.”
As a life-long fan myself, I knew he wasn’t lying. Hundreds of players have come and gone as I watched this team fight through the last decade and a half. I saw that same dedication in Nolan Arenado, up until the front office turned him against the team and traded him away. I saw that dedication in Troy Tulowitzki, before he was suddenly shipped off to Toronto for the death of his injury-ridden career.
In fact, who I’ve seen the same dedication that Helton had was in the great Charlie Blackmon, who embraced the “Toddfather” after catching his first pitch during the ceremony. It was a hug and handshake and a short exchange that signified why we love this game, throughout the losses and heartbreaks. Some select players simply have that spark that makes us laugh and cheer when they do. It’s a spark that can bring more victory than a World Series at times.
The number hanging in center field at Coors, one retired on the Rockies for years but now encircled in Cooperstown gold, number 17, as Spilborghs said, wasn’t just the number Helton wore on his back.
“17 represents a two strike tenacity that made him one of the toughest outs in Major League Baseball,” Spilborghs said. “Todd’s number embodies the Colorado Rockies, a [franchise] that grew with a city that has supported their team since its historic inception.”
While Helton has received the endgame accolade, the one to end every career with a golden glow, his legacy continues on the field, in the concourses, through the green seats and the purple row. He will be a great Rockie, for all times.
“We are all lucky to have him in our lives. Congratulations Todd for this tremendous honor,” Manning said to close his speech. “Nobody deserves it more than you. We love you, pal.”
See moments from the ceremony and the game below.
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Todd Helton marches on field, waving to a deafening crowd, as beloved Rockies mascot Dinger bows down to the legend.
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After Ryan Spilborghs’ introduction, Helton stands to the Coors Field crowd and gives a wave before his speech.
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Peyton Manning and Helton embrace after the ceremony. They were football teammates in college, both quarterbacks for the Tennessee Volunteers before Helton chose to pursue baseball onwards. During the ceremony, many fans wearing Tennessee orange cheered for the pair.
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Helton winds up and fires the first pitch to home plate, where Rockies Outfielder Charlie Blackmon waits to catch it.
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Starting pitcher Kyle Freeland throws the pitch to start the game.
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Center fielder Brenton Doyle awaits a pitch, with shortstop Ezequiel Tovar leading off first base as the massive “17” emblem printed on the first baseline grass looms behind him.
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First baseman Michael Toglia trots past third base, coming home to score after smacking a two run home run. Though the Rockies lost, the homer brought some life to the crowd late in the game.
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