ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is pulling for Todd Helton and the Colorado Rockies to slide into the postseason.
Former University of Tennessee quarterbacks stick together. And Manning is thrilled that Helton is finally playing meaningful baseball games in September.
Helton has never been to the postseason.
“I know how important it is for him to get into the postseason,” Manning said Wednesday in a teleconference call. “I know he’s had a great year.”
Helton is hitting .320 with 15 homers and 87 RBIs this season and has the Rockies in hot pursuit of a playoff spot. The Rockies trailed San Diego by a game in the NL wild-card race after games Wednesday night.
Manning has been keeping close tabs on the Rockies’ playoff chase. He called up Helton after his game-winning, two-run homer off Los Angeles closer Takashi Saito on Sept. 18. Manning called him again before Colorado swept a pivotal three-game series from San Diego last weekend.
“I hope they can catch up and get to the postseason,” said Manning, who stays in close contact with his former Tennessee teammate. “I am happy for him.”
Manning has given Helton a standing invitation to come watch him play in Indianapolis. He’s just hoping it’s later in the season.
“I told him I didn’t want him to come to a game until at least November or December,” Manning said. “I hope they are playing in the postseason.”
