Prior to the 2019 Colorado Rockies season, it was speculated that one of the reasons the club could fail would be due to the loss of a few essential members of their clubhouse.
On paper, they had made wise on-field baseball decisions to finally part ways with veteran outfielder Carlos González and Gerardo Parra, opening up more opportunities for young and deserving players.
Adam Ottavino and DJ LeMahieu packed their bags for the bright lights of New York City. In the process, the departure of these players meant the organization had lost an important part of their identity.
Now, during a time in which the so-called chemistry is more vital than ever before, the Rockies’ superstars – a serious bunch of hard-nosed competitors – are speaking up.
That’s not to say that Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, and Charlie Blackmon don’t have fun. They produce their fair share both on and off the field. Each would also tell you themselves, though, that they are not, by nature, what you would call “rah rah” guys. The personalities of CarGo and Parra – not to mention Ian Desmond – helped to balance that out by lightening things up when guys were gripping to tight.
This can be absolutely critical to the success of a team during a typical marathon season of 162 games where relaxing can be as important as being aggressive.
In a 60-game season, maybe not so much.
Where one could argue that their intensity and harsh self-criticism during elongated losing streaks and personal slumps last season was detrimental to their success, one can also see the potential to use that same burden to their advantage in the unique situation of 2020.
This can play out on the field in a myriad of ways, especially if they can take advantage of the easier part of the schedule early and get off to a hot start. This can mean the ability for naturally aggressive players to go all out in every game with less concern about pacing themselves for fear of a crash later on (i.e. the proverbial June swoon).
The most important way this attitude may manifest is in the seriousness with which the Rockies have responded to the global pandemic of COVID-19.
In speaking with Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post, shortstop (and now leader) Trevor Story said that he believes the teams that can stay the healthiest during the next few months will be at a great advantage.
At first, a cynical interpretation of his words might lead one to recoil at the idea of viewing this horrible virus through the lens of a competitive game where grown men hit a ball with a stick. But when you dive deeper, you see a group of people who have always prided themselves on taking care of their health and modeling perfect examples for their community and country.
In effect, the Colorado Rockies have turned their competitive nature into a way to constantly challenge themselves to follow the health and safety guidelines that will get us through this nightmare.
“The players have been incredibly passionate about that,” said manager Bud Black of the commitment his team has made to following the rules. “It’s been a main theme. There’s something to that, for sure. And we’re going to stay diligent on that.”
Multiple players have been proudly sharing pictures of themselves wearing masks and joining press conferences in an empty room with one on despite the fact they speak to media exclusively through video calls.
“I’ve been testing out different masks I can wear under my helmet,” says catcher Tony Wolters. “I’m going to do my personal best to not get the virus.”
They understand that this is tricky business and are not about to blame anyone who does tragically fall ill, but the Rockies won’t be caught slippin’ on this and end up like Rudy Gobert or Franmil Reyes, athletes who have infamously laughed off the virus. There’s no way to 100 percent protect yourself in these times yet, but it won’t come to the Colorado club out of sheer negligence.
For the club a mile above sea level, following guidelines implemented to make us all safe is not considered as some kind of drag on morale or submission to fear or refusal to live life to its fullest. Instead, like with just about everything else, they’ve turned it into a competition to see who can do and give the most.
Baseball is a game where sacrifice is so common and the players come to view it as a badge of honor. You move the runner over, you get him in. You don’t get much glory but you help the team.
Knowing there is a high chance you will fail, you fight for every inch so that maybe the next person in the order can play the hero.
The greater good.
This relatively selfless mentality extends to the precautions the Rockies are taking – and that we should all be taking – for our friends, our teammates and our communities.
That’s the type of win we can all celebrate.
