DNVR Exclusive: Second-generation player recognizes and revels in Rockies' legend

Only two numbers hang on the second deck in right-center at Coors Field. 

There are also the initials KSM. A building across the street also honors the long-time Team President of the Colorado Rockies, Keli Scott McGregor. 

The numbers are 42 and 17. Visit any big league ballpark around the country and you’ll see the same 42 – albeit in a different font and color – for the great Jackie Robinson, Hall of Fame player and Civil Rights activist. 

It’s the No.17 that intrigues many fans as they enter through Gate D at the corner of 20th and Blake Street. Walking toward home plate and seeing the expanse of the green outfield, the eyes eventually settle upon that circular white placard.

They know Jackie. And they know KSM must have been a special person for the organization to be honored in such a way. But which player wore 17?

Rookie third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes of the Pittsburgh Pirates is well aware of Todd Helton.

Not yet enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, the five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award recipient has most of the hitting records in franchise history thanks to his 17 seasons in purple. 

But to many outside of the Rocky Mountain region, his name often falls short in the conversation of greatest in his era. His appreciation nationally is similar to teammate Larry Walker, who finally received the recognition on his 10th and final ballot, securing the minimum 75% of votes from members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Hayes knows his history and it’s easy to see why: he’s a second generation player in the same vein as superstars Vlad Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. and Cody Bellinger.

Born in the same year that Helton would make his MLB debut, Ke’Bryan is the son of fellow third baseman and original Rockie Charlie Hayes, who led the National League in doubles during that inaugural season back when the club called Mile High Stadium it’s home for 81 contests in 1993.

“I don’t remember. I wasn’t born yet. I think 1993,” Ke’Bryan said of his father’s time in Denver before quipping, “I was even thought of yet.”

After getting called up to the majors on September 1 last year, the younger Hayes had a bonanza over his next 95 plate appearances, batting .376 and homering once every 17 at bats. So impressive was his month in the majors that he finished 6th in NL Rookie of the Year Award voting. Since he didn’t expend his rookie eligibility, he could become the first player to receive votes for the award in consecutive seasons.

On Monday ahead of a three-game set, Hayes was one of the first Pirates to step out from the dugout at Coors Field and absorb the majestic cathedral before him as Pittsburgh traveled to LoDo for the first time since 2019.

“It’s a really nice park. I can’t wait to play a series here,” he said. 

Aiding in his review were cool game-time temperatures and partially cloudy skies. “We just came from St. Louis and it was like 90, but felt like 100,” Hayes shared. “This is beautiful, really.”

Before stepping into the batting cage for the first time at 2001 Blake St, the right-handed hitting Hayes set his eyes toward the right side of the stadium on the towering Party Deck. 

“I was asking one of our coaches if he had ever seen anyone in a game hit the third deck. He said, ‘No.’ I was like, ‘Maybe Todd Helton.’

The last time the Toddfather was an All-Star, Hayes was 7-years-old. The last time an MVP vote was cast for Helton, Hayes had yet to turn 13. Though his father and Helton never crossed paths on the same Rockies’ roster, he’s well aware of No. 17.

The future of the game appears to be in good hands with youngsters like Hayes who know the rich history of the game they love to play.