Who is Rockies rookie Trevor Story? Seemingly out of nowhere the sweet-swinging shortstop has come onto the scene socking slams with simple ease. Story may be dominating headlines and Sports Center now, but his past pencils in a plumper picture of what this prospect’s path has proven.
Story, a 2011 first-round pick of the Colorado Rockies, has had a tumultuous path to the present, including; being named the 34th best prospect in baseball, his rough season at High-A which had him forgotten about at age 20, an appearance in the MLB Futures game, being dubbed Troy Tulowitzki’s replacement and lastly this past week’s record-setting seven home runs in six games.
The shortstop advanced through Double-A and Triple-A last year batting .279/.350/.514 with 20 HR, 80 RBI and 22 SB in 130 games. And before his hot start in spring training, many thought he would spend some time to start the year at Triple-A not only for development but because of MLB service time rules. The rookie has not only broken the norm for calling up a prospect on Opening Day, he’s broken records to prove that he belongs.
“It’s obviously good, I could’ve never imagined starting off like that,” Story told BSN Denver about his first week as a big leaguer. “It has been exciting, it’ll be kinda cool to look back on in a little while, maybe after the season, but I’m really just trying to get wins now, I’m not too worried about the personal stuff.”
The now 23-year-old has not been on a club that has ended up more that two games over .500 since 2013 but he’s grown comfortable with his new teammates.
“I think that’s a tribute to the guys we have in here,” Story said on clubhouse chemistry. “A lot of good personalities, guys that are fun to be around, guys that treat you right, it’s people you want to be around.”
“It’s a long season there is gonna be ups and downs,” Story replied when asked if that could help the Rockies win. “I have a lot of confidence in this team and the guys that we have here.”
As much as Story may want to defer the spotlight and just learn how to be a big leaguer the spotlight belongs on him at the moment.
“He’s had a tremendous start,” Carlos Gonzalez said. “Something that has never been done in baseball, it’s pretty impressive being right there and watching every at bat of Story”
The fans’ reaction at Coors Field will tell you everything you need to know, Story’s first week performance that earned him NL Player of The Week has been worth the pice of admission alone. The pressure has certainty gained on the prospect but he continues to earn his praise.
“It’s good to see some success like that,” Story spoke about his first week as a big leaguer. “But I’ve always felt confident that I could play this level. It obviously helps a little bit to see that kind of success.”
Story informed BSN Denver that playing in the big leagues every day is as good as it gets but he looks forward to going to Wrigley Field for the first time as well as Texas because of the proximity to where he grew up. Story’s streak is unlikely to keep but he’s made a name for himself and proved his worth as a big leaguer in a lesser amount of time than it takes most.
