It wasn't all bad news for Rockies fans last night. Actually, it was.
But I just thought I'd point out that the greatest Rockie ever, Larry Walker, was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame last night. (Did they have to change the title from Sport to Sports?)
Walker not only possessed all five tools, he's the whole reason I even know what the five tools are. Sure, he could hit like crazy. Everyone knows that. But his instincts were off the charts. No one ran the bases as wisely as he did, but that's not to discount his speed. Don't forget his incredible defense. Outside of John Elway, Walker might have had the best arm of anyone who ever played for a Colorado team.
It's also worth noting that this dream season for the Rockies is the tenth anniversary of Walker's amazing MVP year. In 1997, Walker hit .366, finishing second to Tony Gwynn in the race for the batting title. He also hit 49 homers, stole 33 bases, lead the league in on-base (.452) and slugging (.720!), and had 409 total bases. Oh, and don't forget his 12 outfield assists. He was the only Rockie ever to win MVP.
Though he struggled with injuries, Walker was one of the baddest dudes I ever saw play. For some reason I always recall a late-season, meaningless game against the Pirates or Reds or somebody. It was close, and I think it was the eighth inning. He's up to bat with nobody on, and he gets drilled. Starts talking smack as he's walking to first, and you just know he's fired up. Next dude hits a ground ball, and Walker continues past second base to drive his shoulder into the infielder, breaking up the double play. Not only was it a great hit, but he also got back to second. Finally Walker makes it around to score on a photo finish play at the plate. Instead of heading straight for the plate, Walker veers to the right, sliding feet-first past the catcher, who wasn't planning on swinging around that far for the tag. As Walker slides past the plate, he reaches back with his left hand to tag himself in. I'm pretty sure it tied the game that we won in the ninth. But what's crystal clear is the memory of Walker willing the Rockies to that run.
Incredible. Can you imagine how great life would it be if he were a decade younger?
But I just thought I'd point out that the greatest Rockie ever, Larry Walker, was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame last night. (Did they have to change the title from Sport to Sports?)
Walker not only possessed all five tools, he's the whole reason I even know what the five tools are. Sure, he could hit like crazy. Everyone knows that. But his instincts were off the charts. No one ran the bases as wisely as he did, but that's not to discount his speed. Don't forget his incredible defense. Outside of John Elway, Walker might have had the best arm of anyone who ever played for a Colorado team.
It's also worth noting that this dream season for the Rockies is the tenth anniversary of Walker's amazing MVP year. In 1997, Walker hit .366, finishing second to Tony Gwynn in the race for the batting title. He also hit 49 homers, stole 33 bases, lead the league in on-base (.452) and slugging (.720!), and had 409 total bases. Oh, and don't forget his 12 outfield assists. He was the only Rockie ever to win MVP.
Though he struggled with injuries, Walker was one of the baddest dudes I ever saw play. For some reason I always recall a late-season, meaningless game against the Pirates or Reds or somebody. It was close, and I think it was the eighth inning. He's up to bat with nobody on, and he gets drilled. Starts talking smack as he's walking to first, and you just know he's fired up. Next dude hits a ground ball, and Walker continues past second base to drive his shoulder into the infielder, breaking up the double play. Not only was it a great hit, but he also got back to second. Finally Walker makes it around to score on a photo finish play at the plate. Instead of heading straight for the plate, Walker veers to the right, sliding feet-first past the catcher, who wasn't planning on swinging around that far for the tag. As Walker slides past the plate, he reaches back with his left hand to tag himself in. I'm pretty sure it tied the game that we won in the ninth. But what's crystal clear is the memory of Walker willing the Rockies to that run.
Incredible. Can you imagine how great life would it be if he were a decade younger?
Comments
Awesome post! I loved the way Walker played the game and your post brought back found memories of the most complete Rockie ever. (I would argue that you could throw Helton's name in the mix if he didn't play 1st.)
But if you want a prototypical MVP season, how about Helton in 2000? He chases .400 much of the year, only to "settle" for .372. 42 homers, 147 RBI, 59 doubles! And he was almost as good in 2001. No humidor, but does it make that big of a difference?
Of course, his team wasn't that good, though the 82-win finish in 2000 was unexpectedly positive. (Especially with Buddy Bell as his manager. I should mention that Bell's aggressive managing meant Helton got thrown out on all 58 stolen-base attempts that year. OK, not really.)