The Year 2022 was a return to normalcy around the world following the pandemic shutdowns that wrought havoc on anything outside the comforts of our home. Fans were finally allowed back into ballparks at full capacity.
In Denver, that meant over 2.5 million tickets sold at Coors Field to see the 68-94 Colorado Rockies. That was good for 10th-best in overall attendance and ninth-best for average date (32,468).
Did the new Nike City Connect uniforms, unveiled on June 4 and worn on every Sunday home game have anything to do with it? Certainly not, but one could speculate on how much of a spectacle those green pants truly were to see in person.
There was that 16-11 start through May 7, powered by C.J. Cron’s National League-leading nine home runs. That gave some credence to the lofty investments made in the roster by the front office. From that point on however, Colorado closed out their season at 52-83 (.385), a mark tied for the second-worst in franchise history.
Throughout it all, Colorado was still able to provide some necessary distractions from one of the more lackluster campaigns in their 30 seasons of existence.
Lockout Times
On The Corner: Baseball fans grow restless as full season looks doubtful
Rockies’ team representative Scott Oberg in unique situation for supporting union during the lockout
Spring Training Notebook: Shortened buildup to Opening Day poses some issues
Feb 23, 2022; Jupiter, FL, USA; Major League Baseball Players Association chief negotiator Bruce Meyer talks to reporters about contract negotiations at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida on February 23, 2022. Mandatory Credit: Greg Lovett-USA TODAY NETWORK
Remember the lockout? No? Good. It’s probably for the best that we can’t recall the chill of a winter that brought with it 99 days of bargaining strife between owners and players. The negotiations, delayed start to the season, plus a shortened Spring Training brought with it some challenges before we finally heard “Play Ball” on Opening Day 2022.
Foundation Building
What are the Colorado Rockies getting in Kris Bryant? Four intangibles of the $182 million man
Kyle Freeland’s five-year, $64.5 million extension fortifies rotation in the foreseeable future
The Rockies spent a lot of money between the final out of 2021 and the start of the 2022 slate of games. Half was spent on bringing in a new superstar third baseman – who would play left field – while the other half went to keeping their homegrown talent for several more seasons.
On Field Successes
Grichuk grab still the buzz in the Rockies’ clubhouse; “Greatest play I’ve ever seen”
Cron reflects on All-Star Game selection; Hilliard makes return to Rockies
Vintage Coors Field chaos makes for wildest win of 2022
Apr 12, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Randal Grichuk (15) celebrates with Colorado Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) after making a catch during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
When you play 162 games, a lot can happen. Assuming you watch every inning of your favorite team’s games, that’s about 50,000 pitches thrown. Even if you can’t remember every detail, there are highlights, memorable performances and notable performers.
Player Perspectives
Chad Kuhl reunites with friend and former batterymate on neutral turf
Banter From The Bench: Germán Márquez doubles confidence with second bobblehead
Banter From The Bench: Carlos Estévez goes Super Saiyan on opposing hitters
At any point in a given season, players can open up about what’s on their mind or in their heart. The Banter From The Bench series does well to encapsulate a point in a time for a given player. There are other moments when the connections between those in opposing clubhouses can race to the forefront of the mind or the bottom of the heart.
The Season
How will history and fans remember the 2022 Colorado Rockies?
GM Bill Schmidt discusses 2022 season and what’s to come in 2023
Totaling 68 wins, the overall result was not what primary owner Dick Monfort, general manager Bill Schmidt and manager Bud Black had expected. The trio would love to put it behind them, but some reflection is undoubtedly needed.
Nike City Connect
Rockies set to unveil Nike City Connect uniforms, Coloradans share their enthusiasm
Four key features on the Colorado Rockies’ new Nike City Connect uniform
Jun 4, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers (7) stands in the dugout before a game against the Atlanta Braves wearing the new ÒCity ConnectÓ jersey at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports
Even before the newest Rockies uniforms were released, the campaign got off to a poor start with news that the beloved black vests were being retired to make way for the license plate inspired threads. Once images finally appeared and merchandise dropped into stores, Colorado’s green design was deemed one of the best in City Connect collection.
Front Office Fanfare
Helton returns to the Colorado Rockies as a Special Assistant to the GM
Rockies part ways with new head of analytics department, Scott Van Lenten
Additions and subtractions don’t just take place on the roster. Bill Schmidt’s interim tag was removed in October 2021 and he quickly got to work on building a front office that aimed to bring the club back to prominence. Some of those hirings have worked out great, while others have not.
The Offseason
Non-tender deadline day bolsters strength of Rockies’ bullpen; Hampson enters free agency
What to expect from the Rockies this offseason: wants, needs and inevitabilities
Postmortem: Evaluating the four best outcomes at the Winter Meetings for the Colorado Rockies
Now would be a curious time to get into following the Colorado Rockies. If that’s your bag, these article would be a great way to start your fandom in what should be another year of transition for the Denver Nine.
