Larry Walker had one crazy campaign in 1997 — he was batting .400 well into July, earned a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger and the NL MVP awards.
And his all-star break was a memorable one.
There have been 11 batters who have represented the Rockies in the Home Run Derby, but none was closer to tasting the title than Walker. The Rockies outfielder blasted a competition-best 19 home runs, but fell just short in the final round, losing to Yankees first baseman Tino Martinez.
The next day, at the all-star game, he had his, as he called it, “Colonel Klink” moment against former Montreal Expos teammate Randy Johnson.
After a wild-pitch from Johnson that sailed way over the head of the Walker, the left-handed batter turned his helmet around and . “I didn’t even know if I was allowed to do that,” Walker said.
— , The Denver Post
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
What’s on Tap?
- MLB: MLB All-Star Game, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, KDVR-31
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
.
Scoreboard
Home Run Derby: Pete Alonso (23) d. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (22)
Full story
Must-Read
How Nolan Arenado’s off-field discipline made Rockies’ third baseman a 5-time all-star
Arenado will play in his fifth All-Star Game Tuesday night in Cleveland, and make his third consecutive start because he’s totally committed and baseball obsessed. Read more…
Broncos Position Preview: Another off-season, another overhaul at quarterback
A look at statistics helps support Elway’s decision to overhaul the position: From 2016-18, Broncos quarterbacks have 58 touchdown passes (tied for second-fewest), 48 interceptions (seventh-most) and a 79.7 rating (sixth-worst). Read more…
Newman vs. Kiz: What trade could transform Rockies from pretenders to contenders?
Is there a trade general manager Jeff Bridich can make to level off the club’s wild swings in performance and make the Rockies a contender in a wide-open race for the wild cards? Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Avalanche re-signs defenseman Ryan Graves to 1-year contract.
+ Coco Gauff’s captivating Wimbledon ends against former No. 1.
+ Women’s soccer league seeks more fans, sponsors after USWNT title.
+ AL’s Verlander, NL’s Ryu starting pitchers in All-Star Game.
+ Kings coach Luke Walton says sex assault claim lacks facts.
+ CU opponent preview: UCLA’s rebuild under Chip Kelly continues.
+ MLB home run projections are bonkers.
+ Warriors agree to 1-year deal with former CU Buffs star Alec Burks.
+ Rockies prospect Jack Wynkoop named Eastern League pitcher of week.
Post Mailbag forms
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
20%
The American audience for the game was 20% higher than last year’s men’s final, Fox Sports said on Monday. Read more…
Parting Shot
USWNT boldly embraces off-the-field activist role
The players are now world leaders in the push for gender equity in the workplace, having sued the U.S. Soccer Federation for equal pay and treatment vis-a-vis the men’s national team. With a lesbian coach and several lesbian players, including World Cup MVP Megan Rapinoe, they’re a proud symbol of LGBTQ inclusion. And they have stood firmly behind Rapinoe after she said she’d refuse to visit the White House if invited by President Donald Trump. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
