Top 10 iconic Arenado moments

Who doesn’t love a Top 10 list? Well, we do! So welcome to Top 10 Tuesday, where every week we will dive into a different Rockies-related topic. These lists will not be scientific. They are 100-percent opinion (a “Mountain Viewpoint” so to speak) and — more importantly — they are 100-percent debatable. We encourage the banter in the comments (keep it respectful), and feel free to offer up some future topic ideas!

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The wound is still fresh, but it’s not too early to celebrate the career that brought so many of us joy. Regardless of how the rest of his years pan out, Nolan Arenado will go down as one of the greatest Rockies players of all time — and he had so many magical (and some that were, well, entertaining) moments along the way. So let’s take a look at his most iconic moments in a Rockies uniform.

No. 10: Last game as a Rockie (Sept. 19, 2020)

Admittedly not iconic. And not memorable for anything other than the finality it represents. None of us knew this would be the last game Nolan Arenado would play wearing a Rockies a uniform. Unpoetically, yet somewhat fitting, he struck out in his final at-bat in a loss to the Dodgers.

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

No. 9: Chews out teammates in dugout (June 4, 2016)

It was clear from early in his career that Arenado would not tolerate losing. Following a home run by Matt Kemp, Arenado took his frustrations out on his teammates in the dugout. He admitted after the game that he should have saved that outburst for the clubhouse, but nobody doubted his passion from this point forward.

No. 8: Wild Card win over Cubs (October 2, 2018)

Believe it or not, happier times really weren’t that long ago. Remember when Arenado and Javier Baez hugged in between second and third in this marathon Wild Card Game? And then Arenado jumped in celebration in middle of the diamond with Ryan McMahon following the win? Good times.

No. 7: Sliding left field catch (August 1, 2020)

He ran 111 feet to make a sliding, over-the-back catch. It somehow looks more incredible with every re-watch.

No. 6: First All-Star Game start (July 11, 2017)

Perhaps a little later than it should have been, Arenado earned his first All-Star start in 2017 — and he repaid the nod with a 2-for-2 effort at the plate.

No. 5: Charges mound against Padres (April 11, 2018)

It’s not the most glamorous moment in Arenado’s time here — but, once again, it certainly showcased his passion. He was thrown out of the game for charging Luis Perdomo after the San Diego hurler threw behind him. Arenado then dodged a flying glove and threw a punch Perdomo’s way, which landed him a suspension — but something tells me Arenado still doesn’t have any regrets for this moment.

No. 4: Debut with Rockies (April 28, 2013)

Arenado didn’t do much to impress in his Major League debut (0-for-3 with a walk), but it didn’t take long for him to make an impact in the big leagues. In game No. 2, he went 3-for-6 with his first career home run.

Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

No. 3: Tarp catch (April 14, 2014)

For a career full of highlight-worthy defensive plays, this one stands out. Arenado spent his entire career sacrificing his body for a win — and this play embodies that passion.

No. 2: Contract extension (February 26, 2019)

“This is certainly a happy day,” Rockies General Manager Jeff Bridich said to open the news conference, which included tears from his newly extended All-Star third baseman — and it was a happy day, indeed... moving on now.

No. 1: Walk-off homer for cycle (June 18, 2017)

The passion, the blood, the sheer theater of the moment — the walk-off home run for the cycle will go down as one of the best moments in Rockies history. There’s not a better image than this to remember Arenado’s Colorado tenure.

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What did I miss? Where did I get it wrong? Sound off in the comments!