Jerry McMorris, who helped bring Rockies baseball to Colorado, dies at 71

Seems like a fine time to think back about how wonderful it can be to be awarded an expansion franchise:

Dante Bichette, former Rockies outfielder and an early star on the team, told a story he remembered of McMorris.

“I’ll never forget when he called a meeting and addressed the team for the first time. He said, ‘Guys, the sky’s the limit. The dreams are out there for you guys to chase. Here’s your opportunity.’

“That was big for us,” Bichette said. “I don’t think Major League Baseball would have happened in Denver if not for him. He was a very good man and I’ll miss him.

I remember voting on a sales tax issue to fund the stadium authority—a necessity for a serious expansion bid.  IIRC, of the counties that voted on the issue, Denver County (in which Coors Field is located) was the only county where a majority did not vote in favor.

The Rockies have been mostly mediocre and have facilitated some horrible baseball (sillyball era + altitude). They gave the world Juan Pierre and Neifi Perez, and it was here where Denny Neagle met his Colfax Avenue. However, if you squint a little on one of the many gorgeous evenings at Coors Field, you forget all about the park factor and the Blake Street Bombers look just fine.

As Lance Linden would say, Happy Base Ball!