From Expansion Team to the 2007 World Series The Colorado Rockies are one of Major League Baseball’s youngest franchises. The National League awarded Denver an expansion franchise in 1991, and the Rockies played their first game in 1993. Although Colorado has never won a World Series, the franchise has produced some extraordinary players, including Hall of Famers Larry Walker and Todd Helton, National League MVP Larry Walker, Rookie of the Year Jason Jennings, batting champions, Gold Glove winners and one of baseball’s most explosive offenses. The Rockies have also become closely associated with one of baseball’s most unique environments: Coors Field, where Denver’s altitude has dramatically influenced the way baseball is played. The Birth of the Colorado Rockies Denver as one of its two expansion franchises on July 5, 1991. The original ownership group experienced major problems before the Rockies ever played a game. John Antonucci and Michael I. Monus were initially major figures in the ownership effort, but Monus became embroiled in the Phar-Mor accounting scandal. The ownership group was reorganized before the franchise took the field. Jerry McMorris became the principal public face of the organization, and Charlie Monfort and Oren Benton joined the ownership group. The reorganized group completed the acquisition of the franchise by paying the $95 million expansion fee. That group ultimately gave Denver a Major League Baseball team. Colorado Rockies Ownership History Because the Rockies began with a large partnership rather than a single individual owner, their ownership history is somewhat complicated. Original ownership group — 1991-1992 Important figures in the original effort included: John Antonucci, Michael I. Monus, Peter Coors, Linda Alvarado, Other Colorado investors and business interests The original ownership arrangement changed dramatically following the Monus scandal. Jerry McMorris era — 1992-2005 Jerry McMorris became the principal owner and leading executive of the reorganized Rockies ownership group. Charlie Monfort became part of the controlling group in 1992, along with McMorris and Oren Benton. Dick Monfort later joined his brother in the ownership group. McMorris eventually sold his remaining interest to the Monfort brothers. Monfort family — 2005-present In 2005, Dick and Charlie Monfort completed the purchase of McMorris’ remaining interest and became the controlling owners of the Rockies. Dick Monfort eventually became chairman and CEO, while Charlie Monfort remained an owner and general partner. The Rockies’ official front office currently lists: Dick Monfort — Owner, Chairman & CEO Charlie Monfort — Owner/General Partner Walker Monfort — President Penner Sports Group — 2026 Penner Sports Group, representing Denver Broncos owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner, purchased approximately a 40% minority stake in the Rockies. MLB approved the transaction. The Monfort family remains the controlling ownership group, while Penner Sports Group became the largest minority partner. The investment was also used to retire the franchise’s outstanding debt and provide additional capital. As of September 2026, the Rockies therefore remain controlled by the Monfort family, with the Penner group holding a substantial minority interest. The First Rockies Season — 1993 The Rockies played their first regular-season game on April 5, 1993, against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. Colorado lost that game 3-0, with David Nied serving as the first starting pitcher in franchise history. The first home game came April 9, 1993, at Mile High Stadium. The Rockies defeated the Montreal Expos 11-4 in front of a massive crowd. Colorado immediately became one of baseball’s biggest attendance attractions. The inaugural season drew 4,483,350 fans, an MLB attendance record at the time. Rockies Home Ballparks 1. Mile High Stadium — 1993-1994 The Rockies played their first two seasons at Mile High Stadium. The stadium had originally been built primarily for football, but baseball fans quickly made it one of the loudest venues in the National League. During their two seasons there, the Rockies drew more than 7.7 million fans. In 1993 alone, 4,483,350 fans attended Rockies games. The baseball configuration could accommodate enormous crowds, helping establish the Rockies’ reputation as one of baseball’s best-supported expansion teams. The Early Rockies The early Rockies became known as the Blake Street Bombers, a nickname inspired by the team’s powerful lineup and the location of Coors Field. Among the early stars were: Andrés Galarraga, Dante Bichette, Larry Walker, Vinny Castilla, Ellis Burks, Eric Young, Walt Weiss The Rockies became one of the National League’s most entertaining offensive clubs. In 1995, Colorado reached the postseason for the first time. The Rockies won the National League Wild Card and faced the Atlanta Braves in the Division Series. Atlanta defeated Colorado three games to one. Larry Walker Arrives One of the most important moments in Rockies history came when Colorado signed Larry Walker before the 1995 season. Walker had already established himself as an excellent player with the Montreal Expos, but Denver transformed his career into something historic. Walker spent 1995 through 2004 with Colorado. During his Rockies career he hit: .334 258 home runs 848 RBI 1,361 hits 297 doubles 44 triples 126 stolen bases Walker remains the only player in Rockies history to win the National League MVP Award. Larry Walker Wins the 1997 MVP The greatest individual season in early Rockies history came in 1997. Walker hit: .366 — 49 HR — 143 RBI He led the majors in slugging percentage, OPS and total bases and became the first—and still only—Rockies player to win the National League MVP Award. Walker was also a five-tool player, combining power, hitting, speed and outstanding defense. His 1997 season remains one of the greatest seasons in franchise history. Todd Helton Becomes the Face of the Franchise Todd Helton arrived in the late 1990s and eventually became the defining player of the franchise. Colorado selected Helton with the eighth overall pick in the 1995 MLB Draft. He made his Major League debut in 1997. Helton spent his entire 17-year MLB career with the Rockies from 1997 through 2013.… Continue reading Colorado Rockies Complete History
