The most stirring moment today came well before the first pitch. Rockies’ employees and players stood along the foul lines at Coors Field as a video tribute to former team president Keli McGregor aired on the JumboTron.
Troy Tulowitzki, Ryan Spilborghs and Todd Helton gathered at home plate, hugging McGregor’s family. His kids, Taylor, Jordan, Landri and Logan, who courageously eulogized their father in a memorial service earlier in the day, walked to the center of the field and threw out four ceremonial first pitches.
The Rockies’ entire team jogged to the mound and embraced the kids. Logan, who told well-wishers he wanted to grow up and be just like his daddy, remained with manager Jim Tracy for the lineup card at home plate.
Thus began one of the most emotional regular-season games in franchise history, a Rockies’ 8-4 victory over the Florida Marlins. When McGregor, 48, passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday, the team scored eight runs in an inning. Their victory today following a service attended by roughly 3,000 people, brought 88 bookends again – that is the number McGregor wore during his All-American football career at Colorado State and what adorns the jersey that has hung in the Rockies’ dugout.
Baseball was a cathartic experience for roughly three hours. With a paid crowd of 35,883 shivering in the cold, the Rockies jumped ahead 4-0 on a pair of home runs by Seth Smith. He figures to get more playing time following Brad Hawpe’s trip to the disabled list with a sore left quadriceps and the promotion of Eric Young Jr.
The Rockies responded with four runs in the fifth after the Marlins threatened to draw close. Miguel Olivo blasted his team-best fifth home run, a moonshot into the left-field bleachers.
Jorge De La Rosa said before the game that it was going to be difficult to pitch under the circumstances.
“I want to do my best for Keli and his family,” De La Rosa said.
He worked five innings, allowing two runs. The bullpen was touched for a pair of runs as well. Closer Franklin Morales secured the win when Hanley Ramirez grounded out to shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
