Back in 1993, Major League Baseball expanded the amount of teams within the league, establishing the Colorado Rockies. Since then, five players who played with Colorado have been named to the Rockies Hall of Fame. Two of them have their numbers retired with the team and earned their way to Cooperstown. It’s been a rocky few years for this team, as they’ve been searching for the next franchise player who can lead them to greatness. Even though outfielder/designated hitter Charlie Blackmon has been playing with Colorado since 2011, he still sits outside the top five in Rockies history. While there have been plenty of great players who have played in a Rockies uniform, there are three that truly stand out amongst the rest. That’s because of their superior home run-hitting abilities. These Rockies are the top three home run hitters in franchise history.
Three Rockies That Lead the Franchise in Home Runs
3. Vinny Castilla
Castilla was a part of the Rockies’ inaugural 1993 team. The three-time Silver Slugger built the success of his career playing in Colorado. From 1995-1999, Vinny Castilla had 30 or more home runs. He smashed 40 plus from 1996-1998. 239 of his 320 career home runs came when playing with the Rockies. Castilla would also help the Rockies reach their first-ever playoff appearance in 1995. He hit 39 of his 320 career home runs against the San Diego Padres.
When Castilla played with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Houston Astros, and Atlanta Braves, his career was simply not the same. However, when he returned to the Rockies for his second stint, the two-time All-Star was on fire, bashing 35 home runs in the 2004 season. Vinny would get traded from the Padres to the Rockies in 2006 and retire with the team. He was the last player to retire from the 1993 roster. Also, he has the most home runs of any Mexican-born player.
1995 Colorado Rockies “Blake St. Bombers”
Larry Walker, Dante Bichette, Andres Galarraga, and Vinny Castilla. The quartet slugged a combined 139 HR in ‘95 pic.twitter.com/KQgOMR4Rsa
— OldTimeHardball (@OleTimeHardball) February 3, 2023
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2. Larry Walker
Even though 1997 NL MVP Larry Walker made his start with the Montreal Expos, his career fully blossomed when he signed a deal with the Colorado Rockies. As a member of the Rockies, Walker earned four All-Star appearances, four Gold Glove Awards, two Silver Slugger Awards, three batting titles, and was the 1997 home run leader and MVP. 258 of Walker’s 383 home runs came playing with Colorado. By 2004, the five-time All-Star was not the same player, as age was catching up. He made his first and only World Series appearance of his career playing with the St. Louis Cardinals. Unfortunately, the Cardinals would get swept by the Boston Red Sox. Walker has now since been honored by the Rockies while hitting the most dingers of his career against the Padres with 49.
1. Todd Helton – Rockies Home Run Leader
It will be a long time until we see another player break Todd Helton‘s Rockies franchise record of 369 home runs. In 17 seasons in the majors, Helton helped the Rockies make their first-ever World Series appearance. He earned numerous accolades over his illustrious career. If there’s any player who defines the Rockies franchise it’s Todd. From 1999-2004, Helton hit 30 or more home runs every season. The five-time All-Star has made an everlasting impact on this organization, ripping his most career home runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers with 48. In the 2000 and 2001 seasons, Helton had over 40 home runs with 140+ runs batted in. Colorado hopes a player like their 2024 Hall of Famer can arrive at the organization.
Photo Credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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