I am sitting here watching the Red Sox and Indians in game 7 of the ALCS and thinking about the Rockies and their chances in the World Series. There has been a lot of talk in the national media about how “lucky” they are and how it is a fluke they are in the world series. Ever since they swept the Phillies and Diamondbacks, they have been getting more respect and attention, but up until then it has been less than favorable.
I do not claim to be any type of a baseball historian or anything, but watching this season in Colorado and listening to the local media it seems like they have a really good team that is very focused and team oriented. Not saying that the other teams in the league are not, but we are certainly not in a major market like some of the other teams are. On top of that, their payroll is the sixth lowest in the majors (as of 2006 statistics).
So how do you explain their recent success and whether or not it is a fluke thing or if they really have a great team that was built to last? As I thought about this, I was reminded of an email that I got recently. Here is a copy of it:
Subject: The Secret to the Colorado Rockies Success
Body: The Colorado Rockies baseball team has been pretty mediocre for most of their 14-year history. They only went to the playoffs once back in 1995, where they lost in the first round. Now, suddenly they have won their last 10 games in a row, and 21 of their last 22. They swept the Phillies in the division playoff series, swept the Diamondbacks in the NL championship series, and are now waiting to play in the World Series starting next Wednesday.
What happened?
About 4 years ago in the middle of the Rockies worst 3-season slump ever Charlie Monfort, Rockies CEO and part owner (who lives in Greeley), and Clint Hurdle, team manager, both converted to Christianity. As time went on, they were so impressed with the power of Christian values that they decided to adopt similar values on a team level. They now consider character to be just as important as performance stats when recruiting new players. Their new clubhouse standards remind me of “For the Strength of the Youth!”
Here’s an article that was published June 1, 2006 in USA Today just as the Rockies were starting their turnaround last year. If you don’t know who to root for in the World Series, this ought to help you decide.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports
/baseball/nl/rockies/2006-05 -30-rockies-cover_x.htm
Whether they win or lose the 2007 World Series I am sure proud of them.
I agree with the content of the email 100%. No matter what happens in the world series, I have been proud to watch the run of the Rockies and excited that they are representing Colorado on the biggest stage – As long as they beat the crap out of the Red Sox!! (They just one the game)
Go Rockies!!
