In what was otherwise a horrible day for the Colorado Rockies organization due to the untimely passing of team president and former CSU standout Keli McGregor at 48 years old, the emotionally charged big league club managed to get a win in Washington behind an eight run third inning, which included three RBIs from Jorge De La Rosa. Troy Tulowitzki also managed his first home run of the year.
All across Major League Baseball last night a moment of silence was observed in McGregor's memory. Players past and present were shocked by his passing. Beginning today, the Rockies will wear patches in his honor on their uniforms. Current and former Rockies players remembered and mourned McGregor yesterday, as did the CSU community to which he was so connected.
While I didn't personally know the man, everyone I know that did spoke incredibly highly of the man's spirit and character. The news was shocking and saddened me, as I'm sure it was for many of you.
Troy Renck writes that McGregor's death leaves a huge void in the Rockies, and Tracy Ringolsby writes that McGregor's impact on the organization went way past baseball. Hal Bodley writes that the Rockies will play for McGregor.
His impact will continue to be felt for years as the Rockies move into their new Spring Training home in Scottsdale next year, a joint facility that he and Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall worked tirelessly to make possible.
Ultimately, McGregor's baseball legacy is the way that the Rockies were run under his stewardship--valuing compassion, integrity, and doing things the right way--calmly sticking to the long-term strategy that has the Rockies in such a good position for the near future. We'll sure miss you Keli.