The Rockies have never been quick to fully embrace their own history, even after more than three decades in Denver. The franchise has only two retired numbers tied to players - Todd Helton and Larry Walker - plus former team president Keli McGregor, and even those tributes took a long time to arrive. For a club that has had plenty of standout talent, the public recognition has lagged behind.
That is starting to change. This summer, Colorado moved to put up statues outside the main entrance to Coors Field, and both of the first two honorees are obvious choices. Walker’s statue went in last month, and this weekend the Rockies will unveil Helton’s, giving the greatest Rockie of them all a permanent place at the corner of 20th and Blake.
There has also been talk of a Ring of Fame display for McGregor’s Square or a nearby spot, but nothing has come together yet. If the rumors are right and partner owners Greg and Carrie Penner get more involved, that could change. The Penners have already been heavily involved with the Denver Broncos Alumni.
That backdrop makes for a fun exercise: if Rockies fans had to build a Mt. Rushmore for the franchise, who would make the cut?
Walker and Helton are automatic. Both are Hall of Famers, and that alone makes them locks.
The real debate starts with the other two spots, and the list of candidates is a strong one. Carlos Gonzalez, Matt Holiday, Andres Galarraga, Troy Tulowitzki, Don Baylor, Charlie Blackmon, Dante Bichette, Nolan Arenado, Eric Young Sr., Vinny Castilla, Ellis Burks, Jeff Francis, D.J.
LeMahieu, Aaron Cook, Jorge De La Rosa and a few more who earned All-Star nods all belong in the conversation.
The third spot should go to Arenado. He is the next Rockies player headed for Cooperstown, and his numbers and performances already look Hall-worthy.
He is no longer in his prime, but he is still building on a legacy that has already made a serious mark. His number should already be retired at Coors Field, and he should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when his time comes.
The fourth and final spot belongs to Don Baylor. His playing career may not be enough on its own to get him into Cooperstown, but his impact on the Rockies goes far beyond the box score.
As the first manager in team history, he led Colorado to the postseason in only its third season. That matters.
A lot. Baylor meant more to the franchise than any of the other great names on the list, and while he should absolutely be part of whatever Ring or Walk of Honor eventually gets built, his place should be even higher than that.
If a new era really is coming for Rockies baseball, honoring the people who built the franchise’s identity should be part of it.
In Other News...
Rockies Farm System Suddenly Has A New Wave Worth Watching
A new wave of prospects has started to give Colorado something to monitor down in the low minors, where five players from the Fresno Grizzlies picked up Single-A All-Star honors. For a farm system that has been looking for signs of momentum, the recognition matters because it points to more than just one hot stretch. It suggests the organization may finally have a cluster of players trending in the right direction at the same time.
Brito has stood out as a center fielder with clear improvement, while Brady Parker has backed up his rise with strong pitching numbers in the 2026 season. Both are drawing attention for the way they have sharpened their games, and that puts them in the conversation for possible movement up the ladder in the seasons ahead. The bigger question now is how much of this Fresno surge can carry forward as the Rockies keep searching for help that could one day reach Denver. [Read more 🡒]
Kyle Freeland Is Getting Recognition Rockies Fans Will Truly Appreciate
Kyle Freelands season has already come with a different kind of spotlight, one that Rockies fans usually value as much as anything he does on the mound. He has been named Colorados nominee for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award, a league-wide honor that recognizes players for what they do both in uniform and in the community, and it fits neatly with the way he has carried himself around Denver.
Freeland has been active with Special Olympics Colorado, helping raise funds and showing up for events, while also spending time mentoring young baseball players across the state. The voting process is now underway, which gives his work an added stage and turns a familiar local reputation into something with national recognition. [Read more 🡒]
Cole Carrigg Just Gave Rockies Fans A Reason To Look Ahead
The Rockies finally snapped their eight-game skid with a 9-3 win over the Padres at Coors Field, and Cole Carrigg was a big reason the night felt different. The outfielder turned in one of the best games of his young run, launching two home runs and giving Colorado the kind of jolt it has been searching for during a rough stretch.
Warren Schaeffer made it clear afterward that Carriggs performance mattered beyond the box score, calling it a meaningful moment for both the player and the club. The sixth-inning homer was the one that really tilted the game in Colorados favor, and for a team trying to find something to build on, Carrigg offered a glimpse of what the next step could look like. [Read more 🡒]