COLORADO MLB PLAYERS ALMANAC

David Aardsma

Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)

Drafted: 2003 Round 1 (22nd) by San Francisco Giants

Date of Birth : December 27, 1981

Birth Place : Denver

MLB Debut : April 6, 2004

Years Played : 2004 - 2015

Nickname : Double-A

First MLB Win : 4/6/2004 vs Houston Astros (Giants 5, Astros 4)

1st name alphabetically in baseball history. 2000 Cherry Creek HS grad. Set Rice U records for single season and career saves. In ’03, had 2 wins and a save in Rice World Series championship. Named to Cape Cod League HoF. Drafted 1st rd (22 overall) in ’03 by Giants. Went straight from Class A to majors in ’04. 2009, 2.52 ERA, 38 saves. 2010, 31 saves, 3.44 ERA. 1st pitcher to ever have 30 saves for team that lost 100 games.

WAR

Yrs

W

L

ERA

SHO

S

IP

K

1.84

9

16

18

4.27

0

69

337

340

Buster Adams

Bisbee, AZ

Date of Birth : June 24, 1915

Birth Place : Trinidad

MLB Debut : April 27, 1939

Years Played : 1939 - 1947

Nickname : Buster (born Charles)

Positions Played : *87H9

First MLB Hit : 5/19/1939 off Luke Hamlin (Brooklyn Dodgers)

First MLB HR : 5/20/1939 off Carl Hubbell

Born in Trinidad. Went to HS in Bisbee, Arizona. Spent seventeen seasons in professional baseball from 1935 to 1951. Was in spring training with the St. Louis Cardinals in March 1939 when his jaw was fractured after he was struck with a thrown ball. Suffered from a stomach ailment that rendered him ineligible to serve in the military in 1944. Saw a great deal of playing opportunity when Stan Musial was serving in the military. Put together his best season with the Cardinals in 1945 and finished 18th in voting for the MVP Award. He finished the season hitting .292 with 20 HRs and 109 RBIs helping the Cardinals to their second-place finish, just three games behind the Cubs. His 101 RBI with the Cardinals was a record for a Cardinals center fielder until 1987 (Willie McGee). Playing time and numbers reduced when the majority of major leaguers returned from the war in 1946 Recorded a .979 fielding percentage playing at all three outfield positions. 1947 led league CF’s in PO’s and errors. Finished his twelve-year minor league run in 1951 in the PCL with a career .280 batting average in 5,151 at-bats. He also had 169 home runs and played in 1,503 games.

WAR

Yrs

G

PA

AB

R

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

SB

BB

SO

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

8.83

6

576

2293

2003

282

532

96

12

50

249

12

234

281

0.266

0.346

0.4

0.747

Darrel Akerfelds

Columbine (Littleton)

Drafted: 1982 Round 10 (242nd) by St. Louis Cardinals

Date of Birth : June 12, 1962

Birth Place : Denver

MLB Debut : August 1, 1986

Years Played : 1986 - 1991

Nickname : Akers

First MLB Win : 9/23/1986 vs Chicago White Sox (Athletics 3, White Sox 2)

Drafted out of Columbine High School (Littleton, CO) in the 9th round of the 1980 Amateur Draft by the Atlanta Braves. initially bypassed his opportunity to play professional baseball and chose to attend the University of Arkansas, where he played baseball and football (under coach Lou Holtz). Transferred to Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction, CO) to focus on baseball and was drafted again in 1983, this time he was taken in the 1st round (7th overall) by the Seattle Mariners. Traded multiple times and ultimately played at the Major League level for 4 teams, making his debut with Oakland in 1986 and finding the most success with Philadelphia in 1990, pitching to a 3.77 ERA over 93 innings. Hired by the Padres to be a pitching coach in the minor league system in 1997, Joined the Padres big league staff in 2001 and continued to coach until 2012, even while battling pancreatic cancer. Passed away during the 2012 season and players symbolically carried his jersey from the bullpen to the team’s dugout prior to their game on June 24th, 2012.

WAR

Yrs

W

L

ERA

SHO

S

IP

K

-1.4

5

9

10

5.08

0

3

233.2

129

Bubbles Anderson

Date of Birth : November 4, 1904

Birth Place : Denver

MLB Debut : April 9, 1925

Years Played : 1922 - 1925

Nickname : Bubbles

Positions Played : 4

BASEBALL REFERENCE LINK

One of only 2 Negro League ballplayers born in CO. Began his baseball career at the age of 15, playing for the White Elephants, the longest-lasting African-American team in Colorado. In 1922, at just 17 years old, Anderson left the White Elephants to play for the Kansas City Monarchs who discovered him when they were barnstorming through Denver. His career also included stops with the Washington Potomacs, Birmingham Black Barons and the Indianapolis ABCs. Had 99 career hits. He later served in the United States Army during World War II. Died at age 38. Buried at Fairmont Cemetary. Named to Colo Sports HoF in ’25.

WAR

Yrs

G

PA

AB

R

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

SB

BB

SO

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

0.59

4

125

476

395

63

99

15

8

0

47

10

51

0.251

0.351

0.329

0.68

Brandon Bailey

Broomfield (Broomfield)

Drafted: 2016 Round 6 (172nd) by Minnesota Twins

Date of Birth : October 19, 1994

Birth Place : Westminster

MLB Debut : July 26, 2020

Years Played : 2020 - 2020

Nickname : B-Bailes

Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 6th round of the 2016 amateur draft, out of Gonzaga University but didn’t sign. Taken by the Baltimore Orioles with the second pick of the 2019 Rule V Draft. Made his major league debut on July 26th, pitching a scoreless 9th inning in a 7-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners. Posted an excellent 189 ERA+ in his brief MLB career. Moved into coaching and was a pitching coach for the FCL Orioles in 2024. Is part Native American and a member of the Chickasaw tribe, as his great-grandfather was born on a reservation in Oklahoma and moved to Colorado after serving in the military in World War II.

WAR

Yrs

W

L

ERA

SHO

S

IP

K

0.13

1

0

0

2.45

0

0

7.1

4

Josh Bard

Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)

Drafted: 1999 Round 5 (162nd) by Colorado Rockies

Date of Birth : March 30, 1978

Birth Place : Ithica, NY

MLB Debut : August 23, 2002

Years Played : 2002 - 2011

Positions Played : C

First MLB Hit : 8/23/2002 off Joel Piñeiro (Seattle Mariners)

First MLB HR : 8/19/2002 off Jason Johnson

Born in Ithaca, New York, but family moved to Colorado when he was five months old. Attended Cherry Creek High School where he won consecutive state baseball championships in 1995 and 1996. Drafted by the Twins in the 35th round of the 1996 MLB draft but chose to attend Texas Tech, where he was a three-time All-American. Drafted by the Rockies in the 3rd round of the 1999 MLB draft Played in MLB for the Indians, Red Sox, Padres, Nationals, and Seattle Mariners from 2002 to 2011. Was a switch-hitting catcher who threw right-handed. Became the second player ever to hit a walk-off home run in his debut. On May 1, 2006, was traded to the Padres and hit .338 in 231 at-bats the rest of the season as the backup to Mike Piazza. In 2007, played in a career high 118 games hitting.285 with five home runs and 51 RBI. Yankees hired Bard as their bench coach for the 2018 season under Aaron Boone. Served as acting manager on September 2, due to Boone serving a one-game suspension and again the following season on July 19. First son, Luke, was drafted by the Dodgers in the 19th round of the 2026 Major League Baseball draft.

WAR

Yrs

G

PA

AB

R

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

SB

BB

SO

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

3.3

10

586

1981

1778

162

452

109

3

39

220

1

175

299

0.254

0.32

0.385

0.705

Charlie Barnabe

Abraham Lincoln HS (Los Angeles, CA)

Date of Birth : June 12, 1900

Birth Place : Russell Gulch

MLB Debut : April 14, 1927

Years Played : 1927 - 1928

Nickname : Frankie

First MLB Win : 4/30/1927 vs St. Louis Browns (White Sox 6, Browns 3)

Spent seventeen active seasons in professional baseball from 1920 to 1938 appearing with twelve teams in six leagues with ten double-digit winning seasons. Was a 22-12 season in 1925 with the Evansville Pocketeers of the Class B Three-I League Concluded his minor league pitching career with a 173-116 record in 324 games. Lone highlight of his time in the major leagues did not come on the mound but at the plate. On May 1, 1928, he became the sixth American League pitcher to hit a pinch-hit home run, joining the likes of Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson. Died on the same day as Elvis Presley.

WAR

Yrs

W

L

ERA

SHO

S

IP

K

-0.97

2

0

7

5.48

0

0

70.2

8

Greg Bird

Grandview (Aurora)

Drafted: 2011 Round 5 (179th) by New York Yankees

Date of Birth : November 9, 1992

Birth Place : Memphis,TN

MLB Debut : August 13, 2015

Years Played : 2015 - 2019

Nickname : Birdman

Positions Played : 3H/D

First MLB Hit : 8/15/2015 off LaTroy Hawkins (Toronto Blue Jays)

First MLB HR : 8/17/2015 off Ervin Santana

Originally from Tennessee. Moved to Colorado at age 10 and was a standout ballplayer at Grandview High School in Aurora. In high school, he was a catcher who caught future MLB pitcher Kevin Gaussman. After his senior year, when he was named Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year, the Yankees drafted him in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. The first baseman appeared in 186 games for New York between 2015 and 2019, totaling 129 hits and 32 homers. Struggles with injuries often kept Bird sidelined, and he was released in 2020. He then signed with a few organizations but never made it past AAA before ending his professional career with stints in Canada, Australia, and Mexico.

WAR

Yrs

G

PA

AB

R

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

SB

BB

SO

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

0.6

4

186

700

611

75

129

32

1

32

98

0

74

189

0.211

0.301

0.424

0.725

Ty Blach

Regis Jesuit (Aurora)

Drafted: 2012 Round 5 (158th) by San Francisco Giants

ACTIVE

Date of Birth : October 20, 1990

Birth Place : Denver

MLB Debut : September 15, 2016

Years Played : 2016 - 2024

Nickname : The Preacher

First MLB Win : 10/1/2016 vs Los Angeles Dodgers (Giants 3, Dodgers 0)

Went to HS at Regis, college at Creighton. In 2nd career start pitched 8 shutout innings to beat Clayton Kershaw. Also got 2 hits against Kershaw in the game. 2016 NLDS was 1-0 w/1.06 ERA. 2018 was Giants opening day starter. His first two hits were both against Clayton Kershaw. Spent first half of 2025 season with Round Rock in Rangers organization until injury landed him on the 60-day IL. Was drafted in the 5th round in 2012 by the Giants.

WAR

Yrs

W

L

ERA

SHO

S

IP

K

0.71

7

23

33

5.42

1

1

520

293

Steve Blateric

Abraham Lincoln (Denver)

Drafted: 1969 Round 3 (62nd) by Detroit Tigers

Date of Birth : March 20, 1944

Birth Place : Denver

MLB Debut : September 17, 1971

Years Played : 1971 - 1975

First MLB Win : 10/1/1971 vs Houston Astros (Reds 2, Astros 1)

Attended Lincoln High School and played college baseball at the University of Denver. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Boston Red Sox in 1966. Made five relief appearances with three teams during the 1970s: two with the 1971 Cincinnati Reds, one with the 1972 New York Yankees and two with the 1975 California Angels. He was later the head coach at Sonoma State University from 1980-1985.

WAR

Yrs

W

L

ERA

SHO

S

IP

K

-0.33

3

0

0

5.73

0

0

11

13

David Bote

Faith Christian Academy (Arvada)

Drafted: 2012 Round 18 (554th) by Chicago Cubs

Date of Birth : April 7, 1993

Birth Place : Longmont

MLB Debut : April 21, 2018

Years Played : 2018 - 2024

Nickname : Bote

Positions Played : 54H/36D719

First MLB Hit : 4/21/2018 off Bryan Shaw (Colorado Rockies)

First MLB HR : 5/09/2018 off Wei-Yin Chen

Attended Erie High School in Erie as a freshman and later transferred to Faith Christian Academy in Arvada. Married to his high school sweetheart, they have three children. A born again Christian, he initially wanted to become a pastor after high school. He grew up a Colorado Rockies fan. In 2017, played for the Tennessee Smokies where he was named a Southern League All-Star. Made his major league debut in his hometown of Denver on April 21, 2018, playing for the Chicago Cubs against the Rockies and collected a double off Tyler Anderson. He had a great game on June 5th, in a 9-8 win over the Colorado Rockies, as he homered and drove in 7 runs. Played every position except C and CF.. Had two walk-off HRs in rookie season.

WAR

Yrs

G

PA

AB

R

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

SB

BB

SO

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

4.39

6

421

1213

1065

136

249

51

5

36

156

11

115

324

0.234

0.318

0.392

0.711

Grant Bowler

Denver South (Denver)

Drafted: 1977 Round 1 (23rd) by St. Louis Cardinals

Date of Birth : October 24, 1907

Birth Place : Denver

MLB Debut : August 21, 1931

Years Played : 1931 - 1932

Nickname : Moose

Nicknamed “Moose” Debuted in 1930 for the Denver Bears going 3-2 in 12 games. Played parts of two seasons with the White Sox 1931 – appeared in 17 games starting 3 and completing one. Attended DePaul University. Buried in Wheat Ridge.

WAR

Yrs

W

L

ERA

SHO

S

IP

K

-0.33

2

0

1

6.91

0

0

41.2

17

NameLnameWARDebutYrGABRH2B3BHRRBISBBBSOBAOBPSLGOPSBirthplaceHigh School
Bert NiehoffNiehoff4.03191358120372104891041912207711312420.240.2880.3270.615LouisvilleLouisville
Bob McNamaraMcNamara0.021939990210030110.2220.30.3330.633DenverCompton, CA
Bobby DalbecDalbec-0.72020338964117214387471439823900.2220.290.4220.713Seatte,WALegend (Parker)
Bubbles AndersonAnderson0.591922125395639915804710510.2510.3510.3290.68Denver
Buddy GrempGremp-0.7819401132911965140331118240.2230.2710.3020.573Denver
Buster AdamsAdams8.8319395762003282532961250249122342810.2660.3460.40.747TrinidadBisbee, AZ
Buzz MurphyMurphy0.96191888284257897137522370.2750.3380.3660.704DenverDenver East (Denver)
Chase HeadleyHeadley26.82007143650886371337272161305969357412980.2630.3420.3990.742FountainFountain-Fort Carson (Fountain)
Chuck CottierCottier-0.319595801584168348631719127281372480.220.2820.3170.599DeltaGrand Junction (Grand Junction)
Cobe JonesJones-0.281928266561751041150.2620.2730.3690.642DenverDenver East (Denver)
Darnell McDonaldMcDonaldx0.922004331764102191425208314681850.250.3140.3970.711Fort CollinsCherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
Daryl RobertsonRobertson-0.51196291902000202100.1050.1820.1050.287Cripple CreekBingham, UT
David BoteBote4.392018421106513624951536156111153240.2340.3180.3920.711LongmontFaith Christian Academy (Arvada)
Don YoungYoung0.119651123073767123729138850.2180.3130.3450.659Houston,TXAurora Central
Donzell McDonaldMcDonald-0.3200115253520011470.20.30.280.58Long Beach,CACherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
Dud LeeLee-3.411920253732801632090601288700.2230.3110.2750.586DenverDenver West (Denver)
Frank MartinMartin-0.4418972066616200102150.2420.2750.2730.548Denver
George MyattMyatt7.04193840713452203814414499721561200.2830.3620.3460.708DenverEl Segundo, CA
Greg BirdBird0.620151866117512932132980741890.2110.3010.4240.725Memphis,TNGrandview (Aurora)
Ike DavisDavisx0.59191916460911014332100651973690.2350.3240.320.644Pueblo
Jack BradleyBradley-0.071916230000000010000DenverDenver West (Denver)
Jack BrennanBrennan0.11884183705871551580481239540.220.2670.2640.53
Jack LindLind-0.111974263755200115140.1350.2380.1890.427DenverMesa, AZ
Jack RadtkeRadtke-0.28193633318300023490.0970.20.0970.297Denver
Jack WinklerWinkler-0.2202514162420001040.250.250.3750.625LittletonChatfield (Littleton)
James MoutonMouton-0.0419947231570223386757181471091743380.2460.3280.3370.665DenverBurbank, CA
Jeff KingKing16.9198912014262600109122218154709754425840.2560.3240.4250.749Marion,INRampart (Colorado Springs)
Jim DeidelDeidel0.051974220000000000000DenverMullen (Denver)
Jimmy WelshWelsh8.15192571526843877781274735288371561440.290.340.4110.751Denver
Joe StrainStrain0.44197916952060130151129928380.250.2920.2880.581DenverGeorge Washington (Denver)
John StearnsStearns19.67197481026813346961521046312913232940.260.3410.3750.717DenverThomas Jefferson (Denver)
Johnny FrederickFrederick16.58192980531024989542003585377232101760.3080.3570.4770.833DenverPortland, OR
Johnny LindellLindell15.14194185427954017621244872404172893660.2730.3440.4290.773GreeleyMonrovia-Arcadia-Duarte HS (Monrovia, CA)
Josh BardBard3.32002586177816245210933922011752990.2540.320.3850.705Ithica, NYCherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
Kevin KouzmanoffKouzmanoff7.62006685252527365014388737161255000.2570.3020.4240.726Newport Beach,CAEvergreen (Evergreen)
Kevin RussoRusso0.1201031495920041390.1840.2450.2240.47West Babylon, NYFairview (Boulder)
Kirk NieuwenhuisNieuwenhuis2.9201241497812821659431117201233660.2210.3110.3840.695Santa Monica,CADenver Christian (Denver)
Larry HarlowHarlow1.34197544810941592714881272261562050.2480.3430.3390.682Colorado SpringsAztec, NM
Lenny MetzMetz-0.551923305861000040550.1720.250.1720.422SuperiorSuperior (Superior)
Logan DriscollDriscoll-0.07202415352600150160.1710.1890.2570.446Colorado Springs Lake Braddock Secondary School (Burke,VA)
Mark CoreyCorey-0.4197959571012201317130.2110.2970.2980.595Tucumcari, NMAurora Central
Mark JohnsonJohnson1.91998332934115204374168381241970.2180.3140.3180.632Wheat RidgeWarner Robins HS (Warner Robins, GA)
Maverick HandleyHandley-0.92025164123000302180.0730.1330.0730.207DenverMullen (Denver)
Mike StenhouseStenhouse-1.4319822074164079150940171660.190.3080.2910.598PuebloCranston High School East (Cvranston, RI)
Nick CapraCapra-0.1198245549910113670.1670.2620.2410.503DenverAbraham Lincoln (Denver)
Roy HartzellHartzell13.48190612904548503114611255123971824553820.2520.3270.3090.635GoldenGolden (Golden)
Sam HaggertyHaggerty-0.4201927059199141265115345601610.2390.3160.3550.672Cleveland,OHMullen (Denver)
Ted StockardStockard-0.591927238942221013030.2470.280.2920.572Pueblo
Tom RunnellsRunnells-0.39198540464820000360.1740.2240.2170.442GreeleyGreeley West
Tommy HeathHeath0.1319351343303676162334065400.230.3570.3180.675AkronVentura, CA
Will BrennanBrennan0.53202226981584218383147919381100.2670.3070.3730.68Colorado SpringsBlue Valley High School (Stilwell, KS)
Andy BurnsBurns-0.1201619174310000330.1760.3640.2350.599Greenville, SCRocky Mountain (Fort Collins)
Billy CookCook0.420248810317223131061390.2140.2210.350.571DeLand, FLLewis-Palmer (Colorado Springs)
Bruce KonopkaKonopka-0.2194245105925410100590.2380.2730.2950.568Hammond, INManual HS (Denver, CO)
Gene KrugKrug0.11981750200000110.40.50.40.9Garden City, KSLamar
Jonah CoxCox0.42026242657111340150.2690.2690.50.769Thornton, COFlatirons Academy (Westminster)
Ken RamosRamos-0.31997141200000102000.13300.133Sidney, NEPueblo East
Sterlin ThompsonThompson-0.3202627697164021005210.2320.3120.3770.688Longmont, CONorth Marion HS (Citra, FL)
NameLNameWARDebuyYrBirthplaceWLERAGSCGSHOSIPBBKHIGH SCHOOL
A.J. SchugelSchugel1.22015Winter Haven,FL623.190001933278Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch)
Andy SiscoSisco0.732005Steamboat Springs395.180001147.293141Eastlake HS (Sammamish, WA)
Barry LerschLersch61969Denver18323.8253916570.1172317Denver East (Denver)
Bill WilkinsonWilkinson1.81985Grey Bull,WY584.1320012113.142103Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
Bob McGrawMcGraw-1.871917La Veta26385471716579.1265164Pueblo Central
Brad LidgeLidge7.92002Sacramento,CA26323.54100225603.1287799Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
Brad MooreMoore0.281988Loveland001.0800008.163Loveland
Brandon BaileyBailey0.132020Westminster002.4500007.134Broomfield (Broomfield)
Brandon McCarthyMcCarthy102005Glendale,CA69754.21979401223.2323908Cheyenne Mountain (Colorado Springs)
Brian FisherFisher0.81985Honolulu,HI36344.39657423640252370Aurora Hinkley (Aurora)
Brian GivensGivens-0.41995Lompoc,CA6105.8623000121.16183Overland (Aurora)
Brian HolmanHolman9.251988Denver37453.71991560676.2254392Aurora Hinkley (Aurora)
Brian LawrenceLawrence8.22001Fort Collins50634.19152730963268597Carthage, TX
Brian MatuszMatusz2.172009Grand Junction27414.9269000528.2204462St. Mary's HS (Phoenix, AZ)
Brock BurkeBurke4.22019Chicago,IL22123.88001269.280255Evergreen (Evergreen)
Bruce EgloffEgloff0.021991Denver004.7600005.248Denver East (Denver)
Bryan KingKing2.282024Littleton642.67000294.121101Ponderosa (Parker)
Chad HutchinsonHutchinson-0.472001Boulder0024.750000462Torrey Pines HS (San Diego, CA)
Charlie BarnabeBarnabe-0.971927Russell Gulch075.48610070.2208Abraham Lincoln HS (Los Angeles, CA)
Chris NarvesonNarveson0.062006Englewood30194.7165000435.1161364T. C. Roberson HS (Asheville, NC).
Codi HeuerHeuer1.32020Missoula,MT1043.67000395.23486Fossil Ridge (Fort Collins)
Cole WinnWinn0.612024Longmont023.360000592149Orange, CA
Cowboy JonesJones1.851898Golden25343.61665230526.1155147Golden (Golden)
Daniel SchlerethSchlereth02009Anchorage,AK564.350001936191Highlands Ranch (Highlands Ranch)
Danny JacksonJackson17.11983San Antonio,TX1121314.01324441512072.28161225Aurora Central
Darrel AkerfeldsAkerfelds-1.41986Denver9105.0813103233.2127129Columbine (Littleton)
Dave LaRocheLaRoche14.381970Colorado Springs65583.5315101261049.1459819West HS (Torrance, CA)
Dave MlickiMlicki6.11992Cleveland,OH66804.721936211232.2472834Cheyenne Mountain (Colorado Springs)
David AardsmaAardsma1.842004Denver16184.2700069337183340Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
David PauleyPauley1.042006Longmont9194.6820000209.268122Longmont
David PetersonPeterson62020Arcadia,CA37314.13117210632.1266622Regis Jesuit (Aurora)
Dennis RasmussenRasmussen11.11983Los Angeles,CA91774.1523521501460.2522835Bear Creek (Lakewood)
Doug BrocailBrocail10.61992Clearfield,PA5248442009880310642Lamar (Lamar)
Ed McCreeryMcCreery-0.151914Florence1011.251000434Filer, ID
Farmer RayRay-0.121910Fort Lyon4103.58161100140.24935
Frank PapishPapish4.951945Pueblo26293.58641839581319255Pueblo Central
Gabe MolinaMolina-0.61999Denver226.580000523328John F Kennedy (Denver)
Gene PackardPackard8.31912Colorado Springs85693.011538615171410.1356488Helena, OK
Grant BowlerBowler-0.331931Denver016.91310041.22717Denver South (Denver)
Griffin JaxJax42021Phoenix,AZ23334.12160015360.2107406Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
J.D. HammerHammer0.342019Fort Collins214.380000392335Fort Collins (Fort Collins)
Jamie McAndrewMcAndrew-0.11995Williamsport,PA345.98800055.23527Ponderosa (Parker)
Jay HowellHowell151980Miami,FL58533.342120155844.2291666Fairview (Boulder)
Jesse CrainCrain11.42004Toronto,ON45303.050004532206440Fairview (Boulder)
Jim RookerRooker19.71968Lakeview,OR1031093.46255661571810.1703976Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
Jimmy SerranoSerrano0.462004Grand Junction124.68500032.21225Grand Junction (Grand Junction)
John BurkeBurkex-0.561996Durango466.75900074.23358Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
John DavisDavis-0.71987Chicago,IL794.921004122.28273Centennial (Pueblo)
John EnnisEnnis-0.652002Montrose007.81200227.21122James Monroe HS (North Hills, CA)
Johnnie SealeSeale-0.411964Edgewater105.5400001368Durango (Durango)
Jordan HollowayHolloway0.232020Arvada233.924000392838Ralston Valley (Arvada)
Junior HerndonHerndon-0.92001Liberal,KS266.33800042.22514Moffat County (Craig)
Kevin GausmanGausman27.942013Centennial1121133.8132242019115351954Grandview (Aurora)
Kyle FreelandFreeland19.112017Denver65904.542310001260.1392944Thomas Jefferson (Denver)
Kyle LeahyLeahy1.422023Boulder543.641002138.143115Erie (Erie)
Lucas GilbreathGilbreath1.032021Westminster524.41100187.25095Legacy (Westminster)
Luke FrenchFrench0.12009Salina,KS9124.99250001555779Heritage (Littleton)
Luke HochevarHochevar3.812007Denver46654.98128523929.1299702Fowler (Fowler)
Marco GonzalesGonzales8.582014Fort Collins66504.16162300926.2249688Rocky Mountain (Fort Collins)
Mark HolzemerHolzemer-2.31993Littleton257.694001100.24764Mullen (Denver)
Mark HuismannHuismann0.81983Lincoln.NE13114.410011296.183219Doherty (Colorado Springs)
Mark KnudsonKnudson2.071985Denver24294.7259620482128195Northglenn (Northglenn)
Mark MelanconMelancon13.322009Wheat Ridge37402.94000262726.2192643Golden (Golden)
Mike MaddenMadden-0.11983Denver12103.9426000194113119Lewis-Palmer (Colorado Springs)
Mike OquistOquist3.171993La Junta25315.4679100555243351La Junta (La Junta)
Mike P ThompsonThompsonx-0.842006Walsh465.2716000107.23740Lamar (Lamar)
Mike TrujilloTrujillo0.451985Denver12125.0222313234.28896Mullen (Denver)
Mike W ThompsonThompson-0.561971Denver1154.8629000164.2128113Ponca City, OK
Mike WegenerWegener-0.691969Denver8204.7342510270152159Englewood (Englewood)
Nate FieldField0.362002Denver455.13000387.24772Heritage (Littleton)
Nick WillhiteWillhite-1.11963Tulsa,OK6124.552931118275118Denver South (Denver)
Pat RiceRice0.31991Rapid City,SD1132000211012Air Academy (Colorado Springs)
Phil MudrockMudrock-0.021963Louisville0090000100Louisville
Pierce JohnsonJohnson3.142017Denver21243.7920016315.2141379Faith Christian Academy (Arvada)
Ralph GlazeGlaze1.151906Denver15212.8934201034085137Boulder
Rich GossageGossage41.641972Colorado Springs1241073.01371603101809.17321502Wasson (Colorado Springs)
Ron HerbelHerbel3.641963Denver42373.827911316894.1285447Brighton (Brighton)
Roy HalladayHalladay65.381998Denver2031053.38390672012749.15922117ArvadaWest
Ryan BurrBurr0.872018Highlands Ranch554.026000109.252116Highlands Ranch (Highlands Ranch)
Sandy VanceVance0.411970Lamar983.83212001414656Pasadena, CA
Scott ElartonElarton2.921998Lamar56615.291704131065.1418698Lamar (Lamar)
Sean ReynoldsReynolds0.282024Lafayette014.031000382246Redondo Union High School (Redondo Beach, CA)
Shawn ChacónChacón6.52001Anchorage,AK45614.991340036922475619Greeley Central
Smoky Joe WoodWood40.71908Kansas City,MO117572.0315812128101434.1421989Ouray (Ouray)
Stan WilliamsWilliams22.21958Enfield,NH109943.482084211421764.17481305Denver East (Denver)
Steve BlatericBlateric-0.331971Denver005.73000011113Abraham Lincoln (Denver)
Steve DunningDunning0.891970Denver23414.5684711613.2323390University HS, San Diego
Steven WilsonWilson1.912022Littleton8123.86100319695195Dakota Ridge (Littleton)
Taylor RogersRogers7.672016Denver31363.3400083541.1165626Chatfield (Littleton)
Tippy MartinezMartinez8.591974La Junta55423.45200115834425632La Junta (La Junta)
Tom HughesHughes11.561906Coal Creek56392.568555917863235476Salida
Travis SchlichtingSchlichting0.312009Denver103.55000025.11516Round Rock HS (Round Rock, TX)
Ty BlachBlach0.712016Denver23335.4270111520159293Regis Jesuit (Aurora)
Tyler RogersRogers9.812019Denver26232.760001942477306Chatfield (Littleton)
Tyler SturdevantSturdevant0.162016Littleton013.93000018.1614Chatfield (Littleton)
Virgil JesterJester0.771952Denver353.848410752725Denver East (Denver)
Walter PenningtonPennington0.212024Broomfield1031000181117Broomfield (Broomfield)
Will OhmanOhman3.22000Frankfurt,Germany12164.280003353159336Ponderosa (Parker)
Andrew MorrisMorrisMonarch (Louisville)
Clint ZavarasZavaras-0.21989Duluth, MN165.1910000523031Mullen (Denver)
Dan OsbornOsborn0.41975Springfield, MO304.50000583738Westminster HS (Westminster, CO)
Don CarlsenCarlsen-0.21948Chicago, IL2467200542123Denver East (Denver)
Jim BrennemanBrenneman-0.21965San Diego, CA00180000232Fruita Monument (Fruita)
Tom McAvoyMcAvoy0.11959Troy, NY00000002.6720Lewis-Palmer (Colorado Springs)
Tyler GreenGreen-11993Springfield, OH18255.1668420384201263Thomas Jefferson (Denver)
CO Players Leaderboard No HS
CO Players Leaderboard
CO LEADERS UPDATED

1

Roy Halladay

Denver

In 2003, won the AL Cy Young Award, going 22-7 (.759), pitching in 36 games and 266 innings with a 3.25 ERA. With Toronto, between 2003 and 2009, finished in the top 5 in Cy Young voting 5 times and was an All-Star 6 times. In 2010, he pitched the 20th perfect game in major league history and pitched a no-hitter in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds and won his 2nd Cy Young award. Career record of 203-105 with and ERA of 3.38 and WAR of 65.4. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019 in his first year of eligibility.

Should Roy Halladay be UpVoted or DownVoted?

2

Rich Gossage

Colorado Springs

First ever CO native to be voted into the Baseball Hall of fame. Led AL in saves 3X. Played 22 seasons between ’72 and ’94. Led AL in saves 3 times. ’81 had ERA of 0.77, finishing 3rd in AL in both CYA and MVP. All star 9X, 8 as a reliever which is 2nd most to Mariano Rivera all-time for reliever. Finished in top 6 in league CYA award voting 5X. Is Yankees career leader with 2.14 ERA. Pitched in 19 post season games with 2.87 ERA and 8 saves. Recorded the final out to clinch a division title, league championship or World Series title seven times during his career. Was 2nd player to record 300 saves.

Should Rich Gossage be UpVoted or DownVoted?

3

Wood

Smoky Joe Wood

HS Ouray

In 1912, he had arguably the greatest season ever by a pitcher when he went 34-5, 1.91 ERA, 258 K’s, and hit .290. Won 16 games in a row that year to tie Walter Johnson’s record at that time.

Should Smoky Joe Wood be UpVoted or DownVoted?

4

Kevin Gausman

Centennial

Finished top 10 in the AL Cy Young Award voting in ’21, ’22, ’23.Eclipsed 200k mark 3 times, leading the league in 2023. 2-time All-Star (2021 & 2023).

Should Kevin Gausman be UpVoted or DownVoted?

5

Johnny Frederick

Denver

In his rookie season of 1929, led the league w/ 52 doubles. This remains the all-time major league rookie record by a wide margin and was Dodgers all-time franchise record until 2023, when it was broken by Freddie Freeman. That season, batted .328 with 206 hits, leading team with 24 HR, 127 runs and OPS of .917. One of four Dodgers players to ever finish a season with that many hits and runs. All time MLB single season leader in 2B, R, BA, OPS for a CO born player; Set a Dodgers rookie record for most leadoff HRs in season, a record that was not matched until 2015 by Joc Pederson; In ’32, hit six pinch-hit home runs, setting a major league record that stood for 68 years (Dave Hansen 2000). Career as a pinch-hitter, 21-70 with 8 HRs and 25 RBI.Had only 176Ks in 3,102 career MLB at-bats. In 2005 he was elected to the PCL Hall of Fame. Was 27 during his rookie season. Career was cut short by a leg injury.

Should Johnny Frederick be UpVoted or DownVoted?

6

Williams

Stan Williams

HS Denver East (Denver)

Carrer 109 wins and 42 saves with a WAR of 22.2. Across three postseasons, he threw 11 innings without giving up a run.

Should Stan Williams be UpVoted or DownVoted?

7

John Stearns

Denver

Career WAR 19.7.Was a 4x All-Star. 2nd overall pick of the 1973 amateur draft. In ’78, hit .264/.364/.413 with 15 HRs, 73 RBI, 5.3 WAR and a career-high 121 OPS+. He stole 25 bases, a modern National League record for catchers (broken two decades later by Jason Kendall).

Should John Stearns be UpVoted or DownVoted?

8

Chase Headley

Fountain

Has the highest career WAR of any offensive player born in CO as well as the most hits, doubles, HRs, RBIs and runs scored. In 2012, he finished the season with a NL-leading 115 RBI, to go along with 31 HRs and 31 doubles. He also had an outstanding season with the leather, winning the NL Gold Glove Award at third base that year and finished 5th in the voting for the 2012 NL MVP award.

Should Chase Headley be UpVoted or DownVoted?

9

Mark Melancon

Wheat Ridge

Pitched in post season 6 years, 20 games, 3.72 ERA, 5 saves. 4 time All-Star. Led the NL in saves in 2015 (51) and 2019 (39) . From 2013-2016 ERA was 1.80 w/290 IP. Won a World Series ring with the 2009 Yankees. Has conducted baseball clinics or served as an MLB ambassador in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, China and Taiwan. At the time of this writing, is the Pitching Development Coordinator at San Diego State University.

Should Mark Melancon be UpVoted or DownVoted?

10

jackson

Danny Jackson

HS Aurora Central

Two time All-Star. Won 23 games with the Reds in 1988.

Should Danny Jackson be UpVoted or DownVoted?

11

Johnny Lindell

Greeley

Career WAR 15.1; A pitcher turned OF turned pitcher for 18 years (1936-1953), In 1944, he hit .300/.351/.500 with 18 homers, 103 RBI, OPS+ 139, 5.4 WAR. Also led League in 3B and TB. His 16 triples in 1944 are the most ever in a single season by a CO born player. He also led the majors in triples in 1943. Played on three pennant winners (NYY) , in 1943, 1947 and 1949.

Should Johnny Lindell be UpVoted or DownVoted?

11

king

Jeff King

Rampart (Colorado Springs)

Ranks first on the CO list with 154 HRs and 709 RBIs. Career OPS of .749

Should Jeff King be UpVoted or DownVoted?

13

howell

Jay Howell

HS Fairview (Boulder)

155 Career Saves over 15 seasons

Should Jay Howell be UpVoted or DownVoted?

14

Tom Hughes

Coal Creek

Braves franchise career leader in WHIP (1.022) and hits allowed per 9 innings (6.77). 1916 went 16-3 to lead NL in win %. 1915 went 16-14, led league in games pitched w/50 and saves w/9. In 1916, pitched no hitter against Pirates, striking out Honus Wagner to end game. In 1910 had another no hitter going into 10th inning of game.

Should Tom Hughes be UpVoted or DownVoted?

15

Roy Hartzell

Golden

Was one of the earliest Colorado-born players to come to the majors. Was among the leaders in walks in 1911-14, and was sixth in the league in RBI in 1911. Held MLB record for 22 years when he drove in 8 runs in a game in 1911, had two doubles in same inning in that game. His 595 ABs led the AL in 1909, and 91 RBI for 1911 were the most by ever by a Yankee at the time. In 1914, was 23rd in AL in MVP voting. Stole 20+ bases 6 times. All time leader in SBs and triples and @nd all time in Runs Scored and doubles amongst CO born players.

Should Roy Hartzell be UpVoted or DownVoted?

16

lidge

Brad Lidge

HS Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)

225 Career Saves. He’s 3rd on the all-time postseason saves list (18) and converted all 7 save opportunities for the 2008 World Champion Phillies.

Should Brad Lidge be UpVoted or DownVoted?

16

Tyler Rogers

Denver

Should Tyler Rogers be UpVoted or DownVoted?

18

Taylor Rogers

Littleton

Career ERA of 3.26 with 83 saves. Had at least 28 saves 3 different years. Went 7-3 in 2017, made a career-high 72 appearances in 2018 and in 2021 was named to the All-Star team

Should Taylor Rogers be UpVoted or DownVoted?

19

Tippy Martinez

La Junta

Pitched in majors 14 seasons – Recorded 115 career saves. Best yr was ’83, went 9-3, 2.35 ERA, 21 saves and named to AL all-star team. Pitched in 8 post season games w/1.74 ERA, including 2 saves in 1983 World Series. 4th on Orioles all-time saves list with 105.

Should Tippy Martinez be UpVoted or DownVoted?

19

Dave LaRoche

Colorado Springs

He pitched for Angels, Twins, Cubs, Indians and Yankees over a 14 year MLB career. Compiled 15.1 WAR and had a 3.53 ERA over more than a 1000 innings in the big leagues. Two time All-Star. In ’78, finished 25th in MVP voting (25 saves, 2.82 ERA).

Should Dave LaRoche be UpVoted or DownVoted?

21

rooker

Jim Rooker

Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)

103 career victories. Winning pitcher in Game 5 of 1979 World Series

Should Jim Rooker be UpVoted or DownVoted?

22

Kyle Freeland

Denver

In 2018, finished the year at 17-7 with a 2.85 ERA, becoming the first Rockies starting pitcher with a sub-3.00 ERA since Ubaldo Jimenez in 2010 finishing 4th in the NL Cy Young Award voting. In 2018 set the single-season Rockies record for home ERA at 2.40 Was the Rockies’ starter in the 2018 Wild Card Game 13-inning win over the Cubs. Pitched in 2 games for the United States team in the 2023 WBC. Has been the Rockies Opening Day starting pitcher five times so far.

Should Kyle Freeland be UpVoted or DownVoted?

23

Buster Adams

Trinidad

Put together his best season with the Cardinals in 1945 and finished 18th in voting for the MVP Award. He finished the season hitting .292 with 20 HRs and 109 RBIs helping the Cardinals to their second-place finish, just three games behind the Cubs. His 101 RBI with the Cardinals was a record for a Cardinals center fielder until 1987 (Willie McGee). In 1946 Recorded a .979 fielding percentage playing at all three outfield positions. 1947 led league CF’s in POs and errors. Finished his twelve-year minor league run in 1951 in the PCL with a career .280 batting average in 5,151 at-bats. He also had 169 home runs and played in 1,503 games.

Should Buster Adams be UpVoted or DownVoted?

25

rasmussen

Dennis Rasmussen

HS Bear Creek (Lakewood)

91 career victories. In1986, went 18-6 with a 3.88 ERA for the Yankees

Should Dennis Rasmussen be UpVoted or DownVoted?

25

kouzmanoff

Kevin Kouzmanoff

HS Evergreen (Evergreen)

The first player in MLB history to hit a grand slam on the first pitch of his first MLB at-bat

Should Kevin Kouzmanoff be UpVoted or DownVoted?

Peak Performance – MLB Players From the Centennial State

ppt cover

 

...
Rated 0 out of 5

College Baseball Fans in Colorado Lack Teams to Cheer For

UNC

The College World Series (CWS) is an exciting event for baseball fans. Every June, eight teams embark to Omaha to determine the NCAA’s Division I…

...
Rated 0 out of 5

The Harlow Moment

Larry Harlow may not have been a star player for the California Angels, but on October 5, 1979, he was responsible for what was arguably…

...
Rated 0 out of 5

For Denver native and broadcaster Justin Adams, preserving Colorado’s Black baseball league legacy is personal

For Denver native and broadcaster Justin Adams, preserving Colorado’s Black baseball league legacy is personal By Christen Aldridge for Denverite Justin Adams often cries about…

...
Rated 0 out of 5